Albert Aubin, Ed.D. ’71

For nearly half of UCLA’s existence, Albert Aubin has been a service provider and influential member of the campus community. He began working for UCLA in 1967, while working on his doctorate in education, and later joined what is now the Career Center in 1981. He quickly became a creative force in the Center’s programming, developing innovative career counseling approaches for students and serving as a mentor and creative muse for younger professionals.

Aubin was deeply involved in the campus and system-wide community for much of his career. He became extremely active in the campus Staff Assembly relatively early in his career, and he soon moved up to the system-wide level, serving in the council for several terms. He was a key participant in the development of the UC-wide policy that defined the status of domestic partners and led to the decision to extend a wide range of benefits previously limited to married couples. In addition, he played a key role over the years in the Professional Awards Task Force, the Dependent Care Task Force, the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Disabilities, the LGBT Campus Resource Center, the University Credit Union, and the Black Staff and Faculty Association.

Aubin has been recognized with numerous service awards over the years, including the Chancellor’s Excellence in Service Award in 2004, and most recently by the Bruin Caucus as their Advocate of the Year. His long history of contributions in a variety of settings has earned him special recognition via an official proclamation from the City of Los Angeles presented by Mayor Gil Garcetti and Councilmembers Paul Koretz and Tom Labonge and a similar award presented by Mayor John D’Amico and the City of West Hollywood. One of his most recent undertakings involves service as a member of the board of directors of East West Players, the oldest Asian-American theatre group in the country.

After officially retiring on Dec. 31, 2014, Al Aubin reflected back on his 40-year career at UCLA and shared some of his insights:

What were your student days at UCLA like?
Aubin: It was really an exciting time. It was the late 1960s so there were lots of protests and demonstrations going on. In fact, my classes were often held outdoors, because many of the faculty refused to teach inside buildings as a form or protest. But it was also great because there was a real sense of community on campus. Many of the students, faculty and staff were unified in their purpose. It was during that time when my advocacy for ethnic studies programs began as well as issues affecting underrepresented students, which brought about the Academic Advancement Program (AAP). I was also a big advocate for students with disabilities. Our goal was to build a sense of community for all students. We laid the groundwork for many of the programs that exist today.

There was a period in the late 70s where you left UCLA for a few years but then returned in 1981 for good. What brought you back?
Aubin: I missed student contact. I enjoyed their energy and then seeing them grow up and do good things. I’m passionate about building that sense of community especially among underrepresented students. I also had an appreciation for UCLA and its impact. How many universities can claim what UCLA has done in less than 100 years? Our impact on the world is extraordinary. I’m also enthralled by the campus. I still get an adrenaline rush when I see Royce Hall lit up at night. But I also appreciate the changes I’ve seen over the years. I love seeing UCLA evolve, because I know I was a proponent for some of those changes.

What are your favorite things to do on campus?
Aubin: I love the performing arts, whether it’s watching a play at the James Bridges Theater or a concert in Royce Hall. I also enjoy strolling through the sculpture gardens and going to “The Hill” (residence halls) for lunch. UCLA is its own city and I love living in it. In fact, my favorite thing to do is give tours on campus. They’re not official campus tours, but I know enough about it to impress any visitor with its beauty and wonder. My absolute favorite place to go is at the very top of Janss Steps where the view is amazing no matter where you look.

Have you gotten involved with any alumni groups or programs?
Aubin: Yes, I volunteered to help select alumni scholarships for incoming students. I worked with SAA and was a mentor to several of them. I was also a team captain at UCLA Volunteer Day. One of the more meaningful volunteer work I’ve done was coordinating an intergenerational Dinner for 12 Strangers between UCLA students and the 80-95 year-old retirees in Belmont Village. Both groups had a wonderful time learning from each other. I’m also a member of Lambda Alumni Network and the UCLA Black Alumni Association.

Really? Why are you a member of the Black Alumni Association?
Aubin: Why not? I’ve always been a proponent of inclusion and this is my way of supporting them. I get their communications and from time to time, I’ll come to an event.

What advice do you have for alumni looking to get involved with UCLA?
Aubin: Get involved. Stay engaged. Alumni Affairs has evolved. No matter how you identify, there’s a group and activity for you. Whether it’s enjoying an athletic event, or mentoring a student or networking with other Bruins, there’s something for everyone. Plus, technology helps bring people together no matter where you live.