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September 2025

Happy September, Triton Staff!

I hope you are feeling energized as we gear up for the start of the academic year, welcome back to campus!

A big thank-you to everyone who joined us for our first Triton Virtual Connect this week and for being part of this new initiative. If you missed it, you can find the recording on our website. We also appreciate everyone who stopped by our recent Triton Treats, your feedback has been valuable, and we’re excited to host the next one in October!

The Staff Association Executive Board is currently looking to fill two positions: Secretary and Inclusion Chair. If you are interested, or know someone who would be a great fit, please email us at staffassociation@ucsd.edu and we’ll be in touch to schedule a meeting.

Last week, Kelvin and I attended the Council of University of California Staff Assemblies (CUCSA) quarterly meeting in Salinas, California. We had the opportunity to visit the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) campus, which is an essential part of the UC system and has an incredible impact not only across California, but nationwide and globally. With over 70 locations across the state, their work truly deserves a special thank-you!

As always, we’re here for you. I look forward to seeing you at our next event!

With appreciation,

Maddie

Chair, UC San Diego Staff Association

The Exemplary Staff Employee of the Year Award Program recognizes professional and support staff career employees who make exceptional contributions to the UC San Diego and San Diego communities in support of the vision to be a "student-centered, research-focused, service-oriented public university." 

Their dedication, leadership, and service to the university embody the Triton spirit. Please join us in congratulating them and recognizing the meaningful impact they continue to make at UC San Diego.

Soo Hom stands under umbrellas on his patio to keep the air cool and keep his energy bill down at his University City home. K.C. Alfred / U-T

UC San Diego’s own Soo Hom shows how small, creative changes can make a big impact on sustainability. Recently featured in The San Diego Union-Tribune, Soo shared how he transformed his home into an energy-efficient space through practical and innovative upgrades. His story is a reminder of how Tritons are leading by example, both on and off campus. 

Soo has been part of the UC San Diego community for over 27 years, serving as a Systems Administrator in Information Technology Services (ITS). Outside of work, Soo and his wife Maggie share their adventures and projects on their blog, Hungry Ones, which highlights food, travel, and everyday life in San Diego.

Join the UC San Diego community in remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001. This year’s campus remembrance of the lives lost on 9/11 will occur at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, at the memorial tree on Warren Mall at the foot of the Snake Path.

You are invited to join members of the Veterans Staff Association, the UC San Diego Police Department, and other first responders for the ceremony. Members of the campus community are encouraged to pay their respects throughout the day. More details on the ceremony and program can be found in this campus notice. 

Framework, the newest studio apartment community in Downtown San Diego, is now offering immediate move-ins with exclusive benefits for UC San Diego employees:

Located just two blocks from the Park & Market station on the UC San Diego Blue Line,  it is a convenient commute to both the La Jolla campus and the Hillcrest Medical Center.

The People Leader Network hosts quarterly interactive online sessions designed to equip People Leaders with tools to help their teams thrive. 

Join them for the second webinar in the series “Change, Community, and Agency”, focused on career growth, upskilling, and reclaiming agency amid workplace change.

The summit will feature campus updates, a Q&A with CHRO Terri S. Winbush, and moderated discussion groups.

Tuesday, October 21 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our latest Triton Virtual Connect! This session focused on supporting staff mental health and wellness. Attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from experts, ask questions, and take away practical tools to support both their personal and professional well-being.

The next Triton Virtual Connect will take place in November. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Triton Treats! We are excited to share that your feedback is helping us improve and shape future Triton Treats experiences.

Tijuana River’s Toxic Water Pollutes the Air

Newly published research reveals that the polluted Tijuana River releases large quantities of the toxic gas hydrogen sulfide — commonly known as “sewer gas.” Read More»

Hundreds of Mountain Yellow-legged Frogs Leap Back Into the Wild

Birch Aquarium, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and other partners join forces to help save this endangered amphibian. Read More»

New GEPA Dean Has Deep UC San Diego Roots

UC San Diego Today sat down with Judy Kim to learn more about her vision for GEPA, her goals for the program and where you’ll find her hanging around campus. Read More»

If you have content you'd like to share with the campus community, we’d love to hear from you! 

Monthly Submission Deadline: The deadline to submit content for each month is the 3rd. Each newsletter goes out around the 10th of each month. 

Please note: Submitting a request does not guarantee placement. We review all submissions and select a limited number of features each month that align with the Staff Association’s mission and goals.