Former students in Classics at UCD are invited to submit news and notes for this new feature of our web site. Contact Professor Emily Albu if you would like to include your news and share your ideas of how the study of the ancient world has enriched your life--literally or figuratively!

Daniel Ulrich, 2005

I am now looking at my red covered copy of Wheelock on my bookshelf which inspired and guided so many hours of translational bliss! Combining the Classics major with my Biological Sciences studies was certainly one of the best decisions I made as an undergrad.

Upon graduation from UCD in 1994, I taught for two years in rural North Carolina and the LA County Juvenile Court system through the Teach for America program. I then entered medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. Penn had an outstanding archeology and antiquities collection and I was able to visit Greece for the first time while on my way to Nairobi, Kenya for a summer research project. After graduation from Penn in 2000, I entered a combined residency in Pediatrics/Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Hawaii. I firmly believe that my Classics studies influenced my residency choice as psychiatry in particular weaves the art and science of medicine in exploring countless social and philosophical dilemmas. Along the way I married and now have two son's aged 2 and 4 years who are a true blessing. I completed my residency training in June, 2005; I'm now a faculty member in the University of Hawaii Department of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Clinical Director of the Central Oahu Family Guidance Center. I've never really been far removed from academics since my days at UCD and I'm once again polishing off many of my study and work skills honed in the Classics major as I pursue a Master's degree in Clinical Research. I'd be happy to discuss career options in medicine or the sciences with any current or future students in the Classics major. I can be reached at dulrich@hawaii.edu.

Cedar Vaughn, 2001

I'm more than half way through law school (at Tulane University in New Orleans), and can't believe how fast it's going. Everything is fascinating and I can't quite decide what type of law I want to practice - so I'm taking classes in all different types & participating in various organizations. I'm the co-director for the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund and conference chair for the joint Domestic Violence/Animal Abuse conference we are hosting in March. I'm pursuing the environmental law certificate & am the newsletter chair for the environmental law society. I'm on the International and Comparative Law Journal as well. I tried to find a way to create a joint degree program that would allow me to get a Master's in Classics at the same time as finishing my JD, but unfortunately the time commitments of the two were too heavy. So instead I found a law professor with an interest in Classics and I am helping him with research he is doing. I'm having a wonderful time being a student. I'm not quite as sure about actually practicing, but I think that will be good too.

Jason Brooks, 2000

After graduating from UCD in 2000, I began graduate school at Penn State in Comparative Literature. I am currently focusing on Greek, Russian, and Roman literatures, and I will be pursuing a doctoral minor in Film. I have been a TA for the Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies program here at Penn State, leading sections in both the Classical Myth course and the Greek Civilization class. This summer I will be a "graduate lecturer" for a web-based version of the same Classical Myth class I TA'd in the fall. With me to Pennsylvania came my fiancee; we are getting married in May, 2002. It's a long way off, but it is complicated to plan a California wedding from Central Pennsylvania. We recently got a cat whom we named Alias. He's awesome. I will do my best to keep the UCD Classics department updated!

Chris Eckerman, 2000

(Chris writes from UCLA where he is a graduate student in Classics, working toward the Ph.D.) At the moment I am knee-deep in translating the Choephori. I am taking a classical Greek survey course this quarter (intense, usually about a play or so a week to translate), a history course on Athenian law, and a course on the history of the Latin language, and as though Latin linguistics isn't tough enough on its own, our textbook is in German! Nota Bene: Notwithstanding all this, he adds, " I highly recommend the major to everyone!"

Julie Hines, 1999

I have been accepted to Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management. The school was established in 1946 and has a definite international and entreprenuerial slant--both of which I am looking forward to very much. I will be pursuing a MIM degree--Masters of International Management and my regional focus will be Latin America. My admissions officer was very impressed with my undergraduate work in Classics! I know that I will be served well at Thunderbird. I feel confident that they will provide me with a strong foundation for business. Plus, I'll master a modern language (or two) while there. I know that if I were following my heart (exclusively)...I would be studying Classics. If any student ever asks you "Why Classics?" tell them for me that it enriches one's life in ways unimaginable and prepares one for handling whatever academic and professional (and even personal) challenges lie ahead.

Matt Malone, 1998

I am about to enter my third year at the University of Southern California Law School. I have spent the past year in various positions with the California Attorney General's Office. Most recently, I was a graduate student assistant in the Litigation Support Section, handling the technical support for complex litigation cases. For the summer, I am working as a law clerk in the Attorney General's Public Rights Summer Honors Program, splitting time between the Lands, Natural Resources, and Environment Sections.

George I. Paganelis, 1998

Although officially a history major at UCD, I felt just as much a part of the classics department from all the Latin and Greek classes I took. My years at Davis remain special to me, in large part due to the enjoyment I derived from the study of classical antiquity. Following UCD, I attended the University of Colorado at Boulder for my master's degree in classics. From Colorado I went to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received my master's degree in library and information science.Unfortunately, my golden opportunity in academic librarianship was nearly two years in coming following graduation, as the job market fell sharply in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. But then fate, timing, and circumstance all converged and I landed my dream job as the inaugural Curator of the Tsakopoulos Hellenic Collection at California State University, Sacramento, which I recently began on Sept. 2, 2003. Comprising the holdings of the former Speros Basil Vryonis Center for the Study of Hellenism, the Tsakopoulos Hellenic Collection consists of nearly 70,000 volumes, including reference and media materials, approximately 1,500 rare titles and 120 linear feet of archival materials. With its focus on the Hellenic world the Collection includes early through contemporary materials in religion, philosophy, the arts, literature, history, political science, and international relations relating to Greece, Turkey, the Balkans, and the Middle East. I can say unequivocally that my background in classics was instrumental in helping me land this job. paganelis@csus.edu

Anushree Shirali, 1997

I am approaching the end of my second year in medical school. I liked this year much better than the last- we learned pathology and spent time in the hospital which seem much more relevant to our future as physicians than last year's basic science classes. Next year I will be doing clinical rotations. I live in Westchester county, north of NYC, and I will remain here for half of next year and spend the other half in Manhattan. I am very excited about moving into the city and most of all, of being with patients on a regular basis. I am still thinking of a future in pediatrics but internal medicine is also very appealing so now I am contemplating a combined medicine-pediatrics residency. Other than that, I am trying to build some moments of leisure into my schedule. I have taken up running (which has me quite sore at the moment) and hope to make it a regular habit. NYC is a mecca for cultural activities which I probably have not taken as much advantage of as I should. Nonetheless, I have managed to see my first live opera at the Metropolitan (The Marriage of Figaro). I have truly appreciated my minor in Latin since my graduation. It gave me such a broader world view. My study of Latin taught me not only the language but gave me a glimpse into the history, culture, religion, and life of a fascinating society. I went to Rome in 1998 and as I walked around the Coliseum or visited the Roman catacombs, I could picture the Latin II textbook with its descriptions of ancient Rome! I have not been able to continue my study of Latin- I had hoped to do self-study translations from Classics texts- but maybe that will be a reality someday.

Lee Bradley, 1996

After graduation I treated myself to two weeks in Athens - a fabulous trip! I loved the city, the people, the day trips! It felt very special to walk in the steps of the Panathenaic Procession, which I presented for Dr. Roller's Ancient Sanctuaries class. I also have a picture of my foot on the Sacred Way at Delphi. I think my favorite though was the Lion Gate. My hotel was $14 a night and I could see the Acropolis out the bathroom window. Who could beat that? Last year I spent a week in Rome - not nearly long enough. I was continually drawn to Piazza Navona. My favorite ruins were the Baths of Caracalla. Truly awe-inspiring! As predicted by Dr. Roller and Dr. Traill I had a more difficult time getting into grad school than I had imagined. Last year, however, I finally found a job I love - IV Technician at the local hospital (I was born there!). I mix them, not insert them. I am now applying to the Radiology School sponsored by the hospital. While Classics did not help my career, I would never regret my studies. I enjoyed myself thoroughly.

Susan Corbin, 1995

After graduating from the UC Davis Classical Civilization program in June of 1995, I moved to Sacramento where I was hired as the Creative Services Assistant at KTXL FOX40. For anyone outside the TV industry-- in television, the Creative Services Department is responsible for the way a TV station looks on the air and on the Internet. All graphics, music, video, colors and voice talent, all video editing of local commercials, promotional spots and public service announcements, and production of all giveaways that have the station logo on them are handled or produced in this department. I had worked in Sacramento for a little over four years when I was recruited by Pegasus Communications to be the Creative Services Director at WDSI FOX61 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I have a staff of four people (plus a part-time announcer) and I am the youngest department manager in the Pegasus Communications broadcast division! I am enjoying my new hometown, spending lots of time hiking and exploring Chattanooga and the surrounding mountains and towns. And, believe it or not, I do use my degree in my career. Classics is perfect for teaching attention to detail and problem solving skills, both of which are a definite asset in management! Plus, it's fun to "wow" people with my knowledge of ancient languages.

Zachary Baldwin, 1993

My name is Zach Baldwin and I (along with my good friend Dan Ulrich, MD, currently with wife and child in Hawaii) graduated from the Classics Department in 1993. After UC Davis, I spent 3 years skiing and dealing blackjack for a living in Lake Tahoe before finally coming to my senses and attending medical school at the University of Chicago. Having finished medical school in 1999, I undertook surgical residency at UCSF prior to returning to Chicago earlier this year. I now conduct research in viral therapy for treatment of cardiovascular disease. I consider my Classics major among my proudest accomplishments. If there are any pre-med undergraduates with questions regarding applying to medical school as a classics major, I'd be happy to discuss the advantages with them.

Elida Zelaya, 1993

After I graduated in 1993, I took the GRE's that next fall and applied to graduate school in marine/classical archaeology. To pass the time until I found out if I was admitted, I started to volunteer in museums, the Phoebe A. Hearst in Berkeley, the Roscicrucian in San Jose. I got into grad school but decided to continue a path working in museums. I worked for the next five to six years as an educator in museums in the Bay Area, Tahoe, and Oregon, although 2 solid years were in San Diego at the Museum of Man. I left that job when I was accepted to John F. Kennedy University for a master's in Museum Studies in Public Programming. I finished the Master's program and now work for a for-profit, international museum consulting firm, LORD Cultural Resources. I use my classics training every day -- even if it's not about art or history, I use the "study" skills and approaches!

Michelle Discher, 1993

Last year I was an intern in both the Latin and English departments at Menlo School in Atherton. I taught freshman English and Latin 3. I began this year teaching sophomore English, which I enjoyed immensely, and I recently agreed to return to Menlo next year as half-time sophomore English teacher and the school's Multicultural Director. I'll be attending Stanford this summer to begin earning units towards a Master of Arts, English Literature, but I have not abandoned my dream of earning a Ph.D. in Classics or Medieval History.

Jennifer (Lickiss) Tan, 1991

I am currently an elementary school Assistant Principal in Murrieta, CA. I will be Principal of the same school starting in July. I am married to Rick Tan (Bio. Sci. '91) and have two children: 2-year old daughter and 4-year old son. I am working on my Ed.D. through The Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara. I live in beautiful French Valley, CA. I can be reached at: jtan@murrieta.k12.ca.us or thetanfamily@msn.com.

Jon Witucki, 1989

I have just completed my third year teaching Latin at Jesuit High School in Carmichael, thus ending my probationary period ( I was observed 12 times in the classroom during this time!). I teach one Latin class at each level. Still looking for a decent textbook; currently using Ecce Romani. I teach AP Vergil to seniors. I am taking my first trip to Rome this summer to study the AP syllabus and additional readings from the Aeneid, Eclogues, and Georgics. This two-week graduate course includes several day trips to view monuments inside of and outside of the city, many of which are mentioned in Vergil's writings. I have purchased a digital camera, and I plan to create a set of slides for my senior class.

Doug Engfer, 1980

After graduating from UCD in 1980 (B.A. degrees in US History and Latin), I took a 1-year "vacation" from academic work that has turned into a 21-year hiatus (and counting!). Since 1980 I've been working in the technology industry. First, as a software developer at Control Data Corporation and GRiD Systems (laptop computing pioneers--built the first laptop computer), later as Founder and President of The Windward Group (www.wwg.com). Windward is a software-development services company that helps technology-based clients develop their products. In 1998 I sold Windward and launched my current company, invivodata (www.invivodata.com). invivodata is revolutionizing the drug-development process by providing the first system that collects valid and reliable self-report data from the patients in clinical trials. On the personal front, my wife, Robin, and I have made our home in Santa Cruz. We have two sons, both of whom are in high school right now. I also serve on the board of directors of Shakespeare Santa Cruz (www.shakespearesantacruz.org), a leading arts group here in the Santa Cruz area. I am of the strong belief that my work in the Classics at Davis provided a significant part of the foundation for my career to-date. Beyond the typical "I've learned how to learn" rationale for a liberal education, there is tangible value to the specific course work I pursued. In fact, Control Data Corporation hired me as a software developer largely because of my language background! doug@engfer.org

Bob Holman, 1978

News flash from "The study of Classics gives one a background for life." department! I graduated in 1978 and came to Georgetown to study medicine where I remain now in the clinical facult, heading up the third and fourth year medical students' hospital "rotations" in Internal Medicine at Georgetown University's oldest community hospital academic affiliate in Arlington, Virginia. In fact, voting en bloc, the classes of 2002 and 2003 selected me to receive the "New Jersey Healthcare Foundation Award for Humanism in Medicine" this year. Lest one of you think this a distinction for quoting Virgil or Horace more frequently than another faculty member might Shakespeare or Proust, let me assure you it is not. Although I was talking at the award banquet and did not hear the details I think it was given to recognize the demonstration of compassion, empathy, etc. I have also been fortunate to have been selected by the Class of 2002 as one of the "hooders" for tomorrow's graduation. So please, please remind your undergraduates that the study of Classics prepares them for life in many ways. It not only helps them memorize large numbers of Latinate terms but also expands the imagination and give them wonderful texts to consider during more routine exercises. robtpholman@aol.com