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2019 Alumni Award Honorees

Embracing curiosity and disrupting the status quo is the Triton way. UC San Diego alumni carry an agility and open-minded spirit that sets them apart, as they make a difference at home, in their communities and around the globe.

OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS

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Taner Halicioglu headshot

Investor, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

Taner Halıcıoğlu ’96

Transforming how we teach and apply the field of data science

Facebook pioneer, local start-up hero and visionary thinker for tomorrow. His lasting legacy: the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute, defining the future of data science and educating the next generation of leaders.

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HONORARY ALUMNA

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Networker, Philanthropist, Leader

Carol Littlejohn Chang, Honorary Alumna

Reinventing community involvement through leadership and influence

Chair of the UC San Diego Foundation. Taking on big jobs to raise big funds for San Diego nonprofits. A woman who means business and meaningfully impacts people and the world around her.

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INTERNATIONAL

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Committed, Strategic, Caring

Bryn A. Sakagawa, MPIA '98

Impacting the health of populations around the world

Health Office Director at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Philippines, Pacific and Mongolia Mission. Improving the well-being and maximizing the impact of people in need through collaborative partnerships, policy change, advocacy, and innovative, evidence-based solutions.

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CHANGEMAKERS

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Compassionate, Resilient, Conscientious

Ronda S. Henry-Tillman, MD '92, FACS

Leading the way for new approaches to health and healing

Surgical breast oncologist and professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Henry-Tillman is a recognized leader in cancer diagnosis and treatment, focused on understanding and improving cancer disparities in underserved populations.

Passionate, Inclusive, Inventive

True Xiong '05

Inspiring and supporting the future of Science, Technology, Engineering and System architect for Sony PlayStation.

Bringing diverse and inspiring perspectives to STEM students, Xiong’s expertise, success, advocacy and volunteerism inspire future generations to change the world.

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EMERGING LEADERS

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Inspirational, Brilliant, Achiever

Emily K. Foecke Munden, MIA '16

Influencing global health security and humanitarian access worldwide

Associate Fellow at Center for Strategic and International Studies, Global Health Policy Center. An expert at the cutting edge of global health and international development initiatives, Foecke Munden leads the next generation of humanitarians.

Driven, Innovative, Gamechanger

Suman Kanuganti, MBA '14

Harnessing the power of technology to provide access and improve lives

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Aira Tech Corp. A technologist and innovator passionate about enhancing efficiency, Kanuganti’s company Aira is leveling the playing field for people who are blind or have low vision by empowering them to fully engage, explore, and experience the visual world.

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Start a Nomination

We’re seeking nominations for the True Triton Awards, recognizing exceptional volunteers, and the UC San Diego Alumni Awards, showcasing four different categories of impact. This is your opportunity to recognize exceptional alumni who have made a significant difference.

Nominate Today

Alumni Award trophies lined up on stage

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