LV Life

ULV habit to employ many alumni

Andrew Woolsey, assistant director of the admissions office, graduated from the University of La Verne in the year 2000. He started to work for La Verne in August of 2000. Woolsey recruits students from both Orange County and San Diego County. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz
Andrew Woolsey, assistant director of the admissions office, graduated from the University of La Verne in the year 2000. He started to work for La Verne in August of 2000. Woolsey recruits students from both Orange County and San Diego County. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz

by Beatriz Mendoza
Staff Writer

After years of hard work, sleepless nights, cramming for midterms and finals, many students head out of college without looking back. But several at the University of La Verne return as faculty or staff.

For one reason or another, ULV alumni find their way back in droves after graduation or years later.

Business administration graduate Noemi Ortega, who works at University Relations as development assistant and graduated last spring, said she did not plan on staying at University Relations.

“It just happened,” said Ortega. “I was a work study student and had the opportunity to apply for this job.”

There are several reasons why ULV alumni decide to become a part of faculty and staff Ortega said. She stayed because she enjoys working with the people at University Relations and to gain experience.

Free tuition for employees and their families is another draw.

Charles Bentley, who graduated in 1981, returned as the public relations director in June 2003.

“I didn’t think I would work here, but the opportunity came up,” said Bentley who did work study in the same department as an undergraduate. Bentley worked at Cal Poly Pomona for about four years as senior communications coordinator. He also worked for 16 years as a sports writer at the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.

“There is something about the university. It grows on you and it’s a great place,” Bentley said. “It’s amazing that there are still people here who were here when I was here.”

Strength and conditioning coach Matt Durant graduated with a bachelor of arts in 1999, but came back to the University to coach football.

He received a phone call from for an opportunity to coach football at ULV.

“I never thought I would be back,” Durant said. “When I left I was glad to go.”

Durant said he was eager to leave when he graduated, but there was something about ULV that made him want to come back.

“I’m kind of a sentimentalist,” Durant said. “I love La Verne, and some of my closest friends are here.”

Likewise, Andrew Woolsey, admission representative for ULV, graduate in 2000 with a bachelors degree in history and political science. He now works in admissions.

As a student, Woolsey helped admissions by housing students and giving tours.

When position opened his senior year, he applied and was offered the job..

“I had a great undergraduate experience while giving back,” said Woolsey, who has been back with the University for four years.

Beatriz Mendoza
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Reina Santa Cruz
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