Graduates make Aggie connections around the globe

Kate Ryge graduated from UC Davis in 2006 and two years later moved some 6,000 miles west and 15 hours forward on the clock to Shanghai, China. But the Lafayette, Calif., native reached back to her alma mater to find other alums living near her new home.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Eddy Lee and his sister, Elizabeth (Lee) Mok, studied food science as international students at UC Davis. Now they help lead their family’s Lee Kum Kee Company in Hong Kong, one of the foremost producers and marketers of more than 200 sauces and condiments.

Ryge, Lee and Mok are among thousands of UC Davis alumni who participate in 30 international alumni networks on six continents. Together, they enjoy professional networks and social activities, host visiting campus delegations and connect with prospective students.

“It’s a mix of people,” says Jen Wade, development analyst for University Outreach and International Programs. “Some are alumni who were born in another country and are back home," she said. "Some are people moving to a new country for the very first time and are looking for a network there.”

In the Vision of Excellence statement for the university, Chancellor P.B. Katehi aims to make UC Davis the university of choice for international students, scholars, governmental exchange programs and research enterprises. In support of that goal, the university is strengthening and expanding the international alumni network.

Ryge, who earned her undergraduate degree in English, moved to Shanghai to join her boyfriend and get some work experience. She said she didn’t have any experience in China and “knew not a single word in Mandarin.” She was hired by the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai to build content for websites and now works with foreign companies that are chamber members.

With UC Davis’ help, Ryge connected with other alumni. Just this spring, she helped host a brunch with three visiting campus officials including Ralph Hexter, provost and executive vice chancellor. Among those attending were alumni, a current student and new students starting at UC Davis in the fall. Ryge said she loved making contact with UC Davis alumni living in the Shanghai area and hopes to do more networking at other alumni events.

Lee, who is director of Lee Kum Kee Company, and Mok, technical services director for the company, earlier this month hosted a gathering of university alumni and friends for a visit by Katehi and other campus representatives.

"I had a lot of memorable times and unforgettable moments in the old days," Lee said. "Leveraging the alumni and friends network across the continents, I hope that UC Davis will further strengthen its presence as one of the leading universities in the world."

Closer to home, programs of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association provide personal and professional networking opportunities for former students and parents, allow alumni to share their college experiences with incoming students, and organize community service activities.

In the United States, alumni are represented in all 50 states, with more than 147,000 in California alone.

Membership

UC Davis alumni do not have to formally join the Cal Aggie Alumni Association to attend a meeting or event, although membership offers special career connections, travel opportunities through Aggie Adventures, affinity programs and discounts on popular products and services.

Cal Aggie Alumni Association membership is $50 annually, and a life membership is $700, with a discounted price of $400 for alums within one year of their graduation.

Current students who are members of the Student Alumni Association — which provides career networking, community service, social activities and discounts — can opt for a voluntary fee pledge so their dues for a life membership are fully paid upon graduation.