Celebrating 50 years
2024 marks the 50th Anniversary of UCSB Conference & Hospitality Services.
For five decades, we have had the privilege of welcoming a variety of guests and programs on our vibrant campus. Together, along with our HDAE partners, we have helped student leadership, outreach, faith-based, professional, athletic, environmental, and academic groups achieve their goals at UCSB every summer.
Before the first Conference Director, Miki Swick, came on board, summer conferences were managed by Residential Operations. The Western Association of College & University Business Officers (WACUBO) and Orange County Leadership were two of the very first conferences to stay at UCSB. Orange County Leadership remains our largest program to date with over 1,800 participants.
Pam Hemann, former WACUBO-BMI Organizer, states, “The strength of this long-running Institute has been the partnership of the UCSB Conference & Hospitality Services team. Together, the BMI and UCSB teams have worked collaboratively to face changing times, meet attendee expectations, and make the program successful for all involved.”
Ron Inman, the Orange County Leadership Director for 23 years, noted, “I can say that our relationship with UCSB has been nothing but outstanding. The cooperation and direction I always received were not only helpful but also allowed our student leaders to enjoy an inspirational learning environment. It is a relationship that has grown and continues to grow over the years and we wouldn’t consider moving our camp to any other facility in the state.”
These conferences can have a profound impact on the attendees, and students who participate in our youth programs are often future Gauchos. Both Julie Miller, a Conference Manager, and Simon Herrera, The Club & Guest House General Manager, attended student leadership camps at UCSB in high school, and they both went on to graduate from UCSB and work for Conference & Hospitality Services. Simon said that when he attended the CADA Summer Leadership Camp, his conversations with the student staff working at the Anacapa front desk solidified his choice to attend UCSB.
This golden anniversary is not solely a testament to our longevity, but a heartfelt tribute to the enduring partnerships we have forged with our clients and colleagues. The loyalty and support HDAE has shown us throughout the years is the cornerstone of our success. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have shared in so many moments of meaningful connection.
On Thursday, February 22 staff from across HDAE joined us for our 50th-anniversary Open House, which took place in the Conference & Hospitality Services’ office in Santa Rosa Residence Hall. Guests enjoyed beautifully crafted desserts, and a refreshing mocktail toast, and had a chance to win prizes.
As we embark on the next chapter with fresh ideas and renewed commitment, we remain dedicated to exceeding expectations. We envision a future where UCSB Conference & Hospitality Services continues to be a trusted partner, shaping not just conferences and events, but experiences that resonate long after the closing session.
From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank HDAE for being a part of our 50-year journey. We look forward to welcoming our guests back, again and again, to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Back row (left to right): Alaza Flores, Brian Shively, Phoebe Frish-Gebhart, David Sanders
Front row (left to right): Christine Alnakoud, Lauren Weiner, Whitney Morris, Julie Miller
