UCLA Student Affairs

Career Center

The Career Center recently welcomed Rosa Choi. Rosa works as an Administrative Assistant in the Internship and Study Abroad Office, at the UCLA Career Center. Rosa graduated from UCLA in June, 2007 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science.

Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars

From top: Qahira, Sherri, Nino

The Dashew Center has welcomed a number of new staff members since our last “New Arrivals” edition. Three new arrivals serve as Employment Visa Specialists. Sherri Pattakaniat arrived in April 2007. Sherri earned a Bachelor of Law degree and a Master of Law degree at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. Before joining the Dashew Center, she served as a paralegal at an immigration law firm in Pasadena, and she has also worked at the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles. Nino Abueg joined the team in October 2007. He obtained a B.A. degree in journalism from Cal State Los Angeles in 2005, and he worked in the International Programs and Services office there while he was a student. Nino also had experience as an immigration paralegal before joining UCLA. Qahira El’Amin joined the Dashew Center two weeks after Nino. She received a B.A. in history from UC Berkeley, and an M.A. in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of International Studies. Qahira’s background includes an education abroad program in Brazil as an undergraduate, as well as a stint as a research and development intern for CAMPO in Rio de Janeiro.

Jackie Goodman has joined the Dashew Center as an intern, while she is pursuing an M.Ed. in Student Affairs in UCLA’s Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. She is working with our program unit.

Warren, Rose, Janet

Warren Fahmy joined the Dashew Center as Receptionist in July 2007. Warren is a recent UCLA graduate, with a B.A. in Middle Eastern and North African Studies. In October 2007, the Dashew Center also welcomed a new International Student Counselor, Janet Meadows earned an M.S. degree in counseling at Cal State Northridge, specializing in college counseling and student services. She worked in CSUN’s office for students with disabilities. Janet also worked as a social worker before studying college counseling. We are also pleased to welcome Roseanne Gutierrez as Program Coordinator/Supervisor as of December 1. Rose is a Bruin alumna who earned both a B.A. in Asian American Studies and History and an M.Ed. in Counseling in Student Affairs. She knows the Dashew Center well, as she worked here as an International Student Counselor for a year before taking on her new responsibilities. Rose has also worked in the UCLA Community Programs Office and the Student Retention Center, and in a number of other UCLA settings.

Dean of Students Office

The Dean of Students Office welcomed Harrison Levy to the team in in November 2007. Originally from Los Angeles, Harrison is a recent UC Santa Cruz graduate (BA in Environmental Studies, June 2007). During his time as a student, his love for travel developed as he backpacked Europe, the Middle East, and spent five months traveling and studying in Japan. Working for two years at the UCSC Environmental Studies Undergraduate Advising Office, he discovered an interest for a career in Student Affairs and is pursuing this interest today at UCLA.

Office of the AVC, Student & Campus Life

Michelle Maye joined the Office of the AVC as an Administrative Specialist in October, 2007. Michelle is a semi-recent UCLA graduate (BA in Sociology, June 2004). While she was a student, she worked for the Office of Resident Life, as a Student Leader, Program Assistant and Resident Assistant. After leaving UCLA, she went on to receive her MS in Communication from Pepperdine University. Prior to joining Student & Campus Life, Michelle worked for a small PR firm, The Davidson Corporation. It wasn’t long before she realized that student affairs was where her heart was and she made a sound decision to come back home.

Office of Residential Life

The Office of Residential Life welcomed 5 new professional staff members to the organization this past summer. In their own words, they describe what they do and a little about themselves.

Matthew Geddert, Web Programmer - As a Systems Analyst I help to make ORL's public and internal information accessible and easy to use. I have worked in the Information Technology field since 1998 and studied International Relations at UC Berkeley.

Gloria Ko, Assistant Resident Director - It’s safe to say that I love being a Bruin. I received both my Bachelors in Communications Studies and Masters in Education at UCLA. I currently serve as the Assistant Resident Director of Hedrick Summit and love working with my team of 26 amazing student staff and volunteers. I also currently serve on the NASPA Asian Pacific Islander Knowledge Community Executive Board as Grad Student and New Professionals Chair.

Elissa Lappenga, Assistant Resident Director - I primarily work with Residence Advisors and Student Leaders to create a strong, meaningful programming plan for the community, as well as adjudicating conduct cases and helping supervise the office staff. Prior to coming to UCLA, I worked for two years in residential life at smaller, private schools. I also worked for about 3 years directing a health education program in Michigan.

Daisy Oliver, Assistant Resident Director - I recently graduated from UCLA with a major in psychology and a minor in Education...Go BRUINS!! I make sure my staff has the support they need to give residents safe, inclusive, and memorable experiences in the residence halls. I feel like it is my responsibility to invest in the lives of students because someone chose to invest in me. I am passionate about my family, Education, and religious philosophies. I love going to the beach, movies, playing my guitar, and enjoying life with the people I love.

Zan Tansey, Resident Director - I am new this year at UCLA, coming from NYU where I was working for Residential Education while completing my master’s degree in higher education administration. I am thrilled to be here having grown up in Los Angeles as a lifelong Bruin. Outside of work I love food and music. I played violin and viola for 14 years.