Founders Day

Founders Day: 2009 Honorees

The following people will be honored at the 2009 Founders Day dinner:

Foundation Medal

Recognizes individuals of exceptionally distinguished achievement whose work and contribution to society illustrate the ideals and vision of UC Santa Cruz.

An Academy Award winner for lifetime achievement in computer graphics for the motion picture industry, Ed Catmull will be honored for his groundbreaking work as co-founder of Pixar and president of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios.

Fiat Lux Award

Presented by the UC Santa Cruz Foundation to alumni and friends who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, dedication, and service in support of the University's programs and goals.

Former newspaper publishers and longtime community and campus philanthropists Patricia (Porter '88) and Rowland Rebele will be honored for their extraordinary support of the arts and education, and their vital role as advocates for the homeless.

Alumni Achievement Award

Presented by the UCSC Alumni Association to alumni who have rendered outstanding service to the campus, or who, through their achievement, have brought distinction to the University.

One of the world's experts on African-American Vernacular English, Stanford linguistics professor John R. Rickford (Stevenson ’71) will be honored for his work studying language spoken by poor and marginalized communities and the application of that research to solve educational problems.

Faculty Research Lecturer

The foremost academic research honor bestowed by the Santa Cruz Division of the Academic Senate is awarded annually to a faculty member who has a distinguished record in research.

Author of the new book Morals and Markets, UCSC Professor of Economics Dan Friedman will be honored for his cutting-edge research in the field, including work in experimental economics and evolutionary game theory.