70s

Mark Katz ’76, has retired after 35 years as a professor of government and politics at George Mason University in Northern Virginia. He joined the Schar School of Policy and Government in 1988 and was honored by the university with a lifetime achievement award in May.

80s

Raffi Najarian ’87, a professor of dental technologies and deputy commander of the 146th Medical Group of the California Air National Guard, was awarded academic tenure with the Ventura County Community College District, where he teaches both preclinical and clinical skills to dental assisting and dental hygiene students. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, Lieutenant Colonel Najarian has been a member of the California Air National Guard for 30 years, during which time he has been recognized as Medical Officer of the Year and Field Grade Officer of the Year.

Thomas Durbin ’88, M.S. ’89, Ph.D. ’94, has been elected as a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers, a designation awarded to professionals in the automotive, commercial vehicle, and aerospace industries who have made a significant impact on mobility through leadership, research, publishing, innovation, and volunteering. Durbin is a research engineer at UCR’s Center for Environmental Research and Technology, conducting research on vehicle emissions with an emphasis on particulate emissions.

00s

Lupita Espino ’08, an AP Spanish teacher, is marking 10 years with Calexico Unified School District. She is also celebrating 18 years of marriage with her college sweetheart, Orlando Espino ’06.

10s

Ashley Suplee ’11, has opened Raincross Optometry in Riverside. She graduated from Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry in 2015, setting a 10-year goal to open her own practice. Suplee’s office opened in May.

Kris Nicholls, Ph.D. ’12, a bilingual program coordinator in the Teacher Education Program at UCR, has published a book titled “Building Upon Students’ Linguistic Assets Toward Biliteracy.” The book offers a guide to planning and executing an elementary dual language immersion program for both native English speakers and students who are learning English as a second language.

Richard Zapp ’14, supervisor of the Marine Corps JROTC Raiders Unit at Vista del Lago High School in Moreno Valley, led his unit to its best season to date. The team earned multiple top three overall placements from six regional JROTC Raiders competitions, led by their first-ever female Raiders unit. Designed to test the strength, teamwork, and physical and mental endurance of cadets, these athletic competitions are held within Junior ROTC programs around the U.S.