Getting to Know You

 By Cari DuBois-Wright

I’d like to introduce myself as the new Associate Director of Development for Parent Giving at UC Davis. Since joining the Annual Giving team, I have had the opportunity to get to know many dedicated parents—and I look forward to connecting and building relationships with many more of you. It’s my pleasure and privilege to build upon the solid foundation of my predecessor, Eric Gifford. Working together, I believe we can achieve great things for our amazing, hardworking students.

With the impacts of COVID-19 unfolding daily, this has been a challenging time to start—but it’s been a revealing time as well. I have been so impressed with the caring spirit and generosity of UC Davis families as we all come together to help students. Your gifts have helped with everything from meeting students’ basic needs—food, emergency housing, financial assistance—to ensuring that all students had needed technology to transition to online classes. I’ve been able to help some of you with your questions and concerns, and I have been touched by your appreciation.

And I’m happy to provide positive updates on students’ progress when I can. For example, one professor shared that some students—those who are perhaps too timid to speak up in class—are flourishing in an online environment, asking more questions through the chat function than they would have in person. I’d love to hear about your students’ experiences.

As for my own background, I am no stranger to the UC System—or to working with dedicated, enthusiastic UC families. Most recently I worked in development at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Foundation in Oakland, where I helped raise funds for Children’s Health.

And prior to working in development, I coached NCAA Division 1 collegiate gymnastics at UC Berkeley and West Virginia University for a total of 19 years. As an Assistant and Head Coach, I’ve worked with students and parents throughout numerous life-changing experiences. Before students arrived on campus, I’ve helped them and their parents in the college selection process and supported them through the transition from leaving home. I’ve helped students maneuver the UC system as well as grow in positive directions during their college years. I am ecstatic to be back on campus working with parents and students once again.

My hope is to meet with as many families as possible, hear your stories—and help make an impact for your own student as well as other students across campus. There are so many wonderful programs and services out there to support. I hope to have the opportunity to meet you, hear your story and partner with YOU. Together we can work to enhance the student experience and prepare every student for success once they graduate by uniting through philanthropy.

I am excited to be part of the Aggie Family! Go Ags!

For more information about how parent giving makes a difference in students’ lives, contact Cari DuBois-Wright, Associate Director of Development in Parent Giving, at caduboiswright@ucdavis.edu, (530) 754-0768. You can also visit our Parents Fund website here.