The University of California, Riverside Alumni Awards of Distinction honor Highlanders whose achievements reflect excellence, community impact, and leadership in their fields. These awards celebrate alumni whose personal and professional accomplishments have brought distinction to UCR and contributed meaningfully to society.

2026 Honorees:

Distinguished Alumni Award — Susan DeWitt ’83
The Honorable Susan Jeanne DeWitt serves on the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Criminal Division, at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Appointed in 2018, Judge DeWitt brings more than three decades of distinguished legal service spanning federal prosecution, national security, civil rights, and judicial leadership.

Alumni Service Award — Angel Rodriguez ’08, M.Ed. ’21
Angel Rodriguez understands how life-changing financial aid can be. While studying at the University of California, Riverside, his family, who immigrated from Mexico City, battled foreclosure and lost their small business during the Great Recession. Cal Grants, a part-time job, and his family’s sacrifices helped him become the first in his family to graduate. That experience continues to guide his work to expand educational access across California. 

Outstanding Young Alumni Award — Dr. Gerald Daniels ’08, M.A. ’10, Ph.D. ’13
Gerald E. Daniels Jr., Ph.D., is a proud three-time UCR alumnus with degrees in Business Economics and Economics. He is an Associate Professor of Economics at Howard University whose research and service advance economic opportunity through scholarship, mentorship, and community engagement. Gerald credits his UCR experience with inspiring his lifelong commitment to addressing economic inequality and expanding opportunity for underrepresented communities.