Alumni Spotlight Introducing...
Maria Protti
B.A. Sociology ’79
M.L.I.S. Library and Information Studies ’81
C.L.S. Information Management (Law) ’88
Pronouns She/Hers
I am a Cal alumna with work and family commitments, who gladly carves out time for University matters. I am also an attorney and a researcher who is grateful to the people of California for creating a world-class University that provided me with a sound education.
What was your undergraduate life like at Cal? I remember countless wine and cheese parties, great bands, fun dances, and three-day weekend car trip adventures. But I took my studies seriously. I joined Phi Beta Kappa and wrote a senior thesis on the trauma that elderly patients experience when a nursing home closes. Beyond study, Cal provided me with lots of opportunities for growth. Serving as President and House Manager of my living group gave me organizational skills. Participation in Cal-in-the-Capitol led to an internship with the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Aging. And being a finalist for Student Regent enabled me to visit UC campuses in Southern California. I was a member of the campus Admissions Committee that was responsible for developing policy and deciding on admission appeals. From that vantage point, I interacted with the faculty in non-teaching roles.
What advice would you give your undergraduate self? Get some sound sleep. Don’t “pull all-nighters.”
Maria Protti ’79, ’81 M.L.I.S., ’88 C.L.S and fellow Honor Society Officers
in the 1978 - 1979 Blue and Gold Yearbook.
What life lessons did you learn at Cal that still impact your daily life? If you find yourself in a long line of people, maybe you should get out of line.
What are some current projects you are working on? To celebrate the 150th anniversary of women matriculating at UC, I was asked to put some profiles together of Cal women connected to my Chapter group, the Prytanean Honor Society Alumnae, “Prytanean Century Remarkable Women.” Most of the women profiled are lesser-known women of remarkable achievement. Many of them were non-academics who made their mark in disciplines and positions untethered to the University that nurtured them. The women who led the 150th anniversary celebration did a stellar job.
How do you tap into your Cal Alumni network? I joined CAA a few weeks after I first graduated and I am so glad I did. Over the years, I’ve attended Homecoming Weekends and many CAA Leadership Conferences. And I’m a Co-class Secretary reporting to California Magazine. There are always continuous, enticing events on campus for alumni. Just today, I signed-up for a talk by one of my former professors, Harry Edwards, Sports Sociologist, to be held at Alumni House. Additionally, I am very involved in Prytanean Alumnae Inc. – a group of women who have pledged dedication and service to the University of California at Berkeley. I have made sincere friendships with Prytaneans who are strong, energetic, and sharp minded, salt-of-the-earth people. The Prytanean Society began in 1900 on the Cal campus and has been active ever since. We give grants for student events, scholarships, a faculty enrichment award, and sponsor a faculty lecture.
Maria Protti ’79, ’81 M.L.I.S., ’88 C.L.S and fellow Prytanean Alumnae
