Illustrious Alumni Awards
Representing one of the highest honors for our alumni, this prestigious award celebrates distinguished alumni who have reached extraordinary heights, shaping a brighter future as they strengthen Triton pride around the world.
Recognizing extraordinary alumni
Join us in fall 2026 in San Diego and spring 2027 in New York and Los Angeles as we honor the newest recipients of the Illustrious Alumni Award — an inspiring group of extraordinary visionaries whose significant achievements reflect the pride and excellence of the Triton community. Join us in honoring their accomplishments as we share in the enduring curiosity and discovery that define UC San Diego.
Gather with fellow graduates and friends for an unforgettable evening of celebration. Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails will be served. Business attire is suggested.
Celebrate in San Diego
Thursday, Nov. 5 at Joan and Irwin Jacobs Celebration Hall
Meet the honorees
- Marc Brutten ’79
- Social Sciences | Muir College
- Founder and Chair, Westcore Properties
- Patricia Brutten ’83
- Social Sciences | Warren College
- Co-owner, Lucky Jack Farms
- Debby Goosenberg Buchholz ’84
- Social Sciences | Muir College
- Managing Director, La Jolla Playhouse
- Marina L. Marrelli ’82
- Arts and Humanities | Muir College
- Partner, Co-Founder and CEO, GlobeFlex Capital LP
- David N. Price, MIA ’17
- International Affairs | School of Global Policy and Strategy
- CEO, PriceSmart
Celebrate in New York
Thursday, April 29, 2027 | Venue coming soon
Registration coming soon!
Meet the honorees
- Danny Burstein, MFA ’90
- Theatre | Arts and Humanities
- Tony Award-winning Actor
- Abbie C. Celniker ’80
- Biological Sciences | Marshall College
- Partner, Third Rock Ventures
- Steven E. Fineman ’85
- Arts and Humanities | Muir College
- Managing Partner, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein
- Geoffrey von Maltzahn, MS ’05
- Bioengineering | Jacobs School of Engineering
- Co-Founder and CEO, Lila Sciences; General Partner, Flagship Pioneering
Celebrate in Los Angeles
Thursday, May 13, 2027 at The Ebell of Los Angeles
Registration coming soon!
Meet the honorees
- Sev Ohanian ’08
- Arts and Humanities | Sixth College
- Film Producer and Screenwriter; Co-Founder, Proximity Media
- James J. Ong, MD ’89
- School of Medicine
- Founder, Heart Rhythm Specialists of Southern California
- Linda S. Tseng-Ong ’87
- Jacobs School of Engineering | Warren College
- Pediatric Neurologist
- Frederick J. Ramsdell ’83
- Biological Sciences | Marshall College
- Co-Founder and Scientific Advisor, Sonoma Biotherapeutics
- Jana Winograde ’86
- Social Sciences | Warren College
- Co-Founder and CEO, aTwist
Celebrating a legacy of excellence
For generations, Illustrious Alumni Award recipients have made extraordinary contributions to their fields, communities and the world, inspiring pride across the Triton community. Explore our past honorees and discover the remarkable alumni whose achievements have helped shape the UC San Diego legacy.
We hope that you will join us in upholding and promoting our Principles of Community in all UC San Diego events and keeping our community free from any and all forms of discrimination and harassment.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. If you need further assistance, please contact us at alumni@ucsd.edu 48 hours prior to the date of the event.