2013 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
Kurt Campbell, Muir '80
Kurt Campbell, Muir '80, Special Project Major
Kurt Campbell, former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs at the U.S. Department of State, was the primary architect of the Obama administration’s diplomatic initiative known as “the pivot” or “rebalancing” that has restored U.S. leadership in the Asia-Pacific region. His strategic vision has guided President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton in their diplomatic efforts and frequent travels to the region. He has received Department of Defense medals for Distinguished Public Service and Outstanding Public Service.
DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP
Leo Spiegel, Revelle ’83
Leo Spiegel, Revelle ’83, Management Science
Leo Spiegel is a managing partner at Mission Ventures, a Southern California venture capital firm that invests in early stage IT companies. Spiegel was the co-founder, EVP and CTO of LANSystems, a network utilities software developer and international systems integration firm, which was sold to Intel Corporation and RR. Donnelley & Sons Company. He currently serves on Rady School of Management’s Dean’s Advisory Council, is a trustee of the UC San Diego Foundation and chairman of its Development Committee and serves as a board member of UC San Diego’s Entrepreneur Challenge.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
James Rohr, M.S. '80, Ph.D. ’85
James Rohr, M.S. '80, Ph.D. ’85, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Jim Rohr is a research scientist at SPAWAR Systems Center, and a lecturer at UC San Diego. For the past 10 years, Jim has been deeply committed to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, demonstrating remarkable initiative, leadership and dedication in implementing K-12 outreach programs with UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering. In 2008, he worked with Jacobs in launching the Enspire Program, Jacobs largest outreach program, focused on introducing and inspiring middle school students to the field of engineering.
EMERGING LEADER
Kelly Kovacic
Kelly Kovacic
Kelly Kovacic, a former teacher at the Preuss School UCSD, was the 2009-2010 California Teacher of the Year, and was one of four finalists of the National Teacher of the Year. She has been recognized as an outstanding charter school teacher and was one of two teachers appointed by the California State Board of Education to the Advisory Commission on Charter Schools, an advisory board to the State Board of Education. She is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Education Leadership Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
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.