Involvement with UCLA normally ends with graduation, but for
young, enigmatic and upbeat personality Todd Sargent, his
graduation in 1996 only marked the beginning of his active role in
UCLA in a different way.
Sargent is the newly appointed UCLA Alumni Association
representative to the Undergraduate Students Association Council
and is a part of the Alumni Association’s greater plan to
reach out and increase its visibility.
His two-year term began with the induction of the new USAC
council three weeks ago, and he has since attended every
meeting.
Sargent has participated in discussions by offering his
perspective as an alumnus, a former USAC financial supports
commissioner and a working adult in the “world outside of
UCLA.”
During Tuesday’s USAC meeting, the Alumni Association made
a presentation to draw attention to its three-year plan to develop
partnerships with UCLA organizations, promote greater alumni
involvement, expand philanthropy and service to UCLA, and foster
current students’ involvement with the association ““
what Sargent’s main role on USAC serves to satisfy.
Sargent expressed eagerness in his new appointment and said he
sees the initiatives to set a new direction for the Alumni
Association as very exciting.
Keith Brant, executive director of the Alumni Association, said
that reaching out to the students will not be limited to
undergraduates, and they look forward to working with the Graduate
Division, the Graduate Students Association and the Graduate
Student Resource Center to develop opportunities for graduate
students.
Equally, USAC councilmembers have embraced the resources they
can utilize in working with the Alumni Association, according to
USAC President Jenny Wood.
“I’m excited to see (Sargent), who is so
enthusiastic and experienced, attend (the USAC meetings),”
Wood said.
Sargent is a management consultant with a worldwide management
company Accenture, which is established in 110 countries and holds
84 of the 100 Fortune Global companies as clients.
Though Sargent’s job is time-intensive and demanding, he
insists that he doesn’t mind the long Tuesday night USAC
meetings.
“The thing about volunteering is that if you’re
passionate about it, you don’t mind it. This is exciting for
me and I’m passionate about it. If I can help with anything,
I’m more than willing to do it,” Sargent said.
He said he sees USAC as one of his clients that he plans to
advise and help.
Also present at Tuesday’s meeting was Yolanda Nunn, the
vice president of the Alumni Association.
Nunn said the organization’s goals are expected to be
implemented over the next three years, and emphasized the
willingness of the association to create dialogue and work with
students in addition to Sargent’s role as liaison.
Communication is one of Sargent’s main goals. He has
joined thefacebook.com, a virtual community that allows students
and alumni to network and meet new people.
He has also made efforts to host a barbecue to get to know USAC
members more personally.
“I can speak from history and say that I think the more
you get to know people on a personal level, the easier it is for
them to collaborate,” Sargent said.
2004-2005 USAC Internal Vice President Darren Chan said he
wished he had the opportunity to collaborate with Sargent during
his term.
“To have a representative is something very important
because there are many students on campus who are engaged in
activities that the Alumni Association put on,” Chan
said.
“Todd is going to be a huge asset to this year’s
council because of that,” he added.