We Are GGU: The Alumni Oral History Project

Read a selection of stories from The Alumni Oral History Project participants about their experiences at Golden Gate University.

I chose GGU because I had colleagues that were going there, and I had an associate degree in criminology from City College of San Francisco and wanted to finish my bachelor’s. GGU also had a federal grant program for law enforcement officers called LEAP, so I took advantage of it. I got my bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice. What made my time at GGU so memorable were the night programs, the constitutional law course I took with a great professor, and the fact that I had people that I still keep in touch with, like Bill Kidd, who graduated from GGU’s master’s program.

My experience at GGU helped me grow as a person and understand the world around me. It also helped me transition from law enforcement to the corporate world in the 1980s. I took a management course at GGU that really helped me understand the profession and management. I’m most grateful for the experience at GGU because it opened my eyes and broadened my view of things. It made me a better person.

My time at GGU was an incredible experience. I was a first-generation college graduate and a refugee, so it was a very holistic experience for me and my family. On my first day, I remember there was an earthquake and I felt like the universe was telling me something. Every day, I would get off the bus and dance my way to campus, feeling so grateful and excited to be there. I had never been exposed to the law before, so I was learning all these new things and never made to feel like I should already know them. Walking on campus for the first time was a spring in my step.

I had always wanted to be a lawyer and use my voice to advocate for those who don’t have one. I learned more about my voice and my strengths while at GGU, and I was exposed to so much innovation and information that I was able to use to become an advocate for reproductive justice rights. I am most grateful for the sense of community and the ability to access professors, and for my family being there for my graduation ceremony. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget.

I remember the moment I chose Golden Gate University above the other options. What was it about GGU that made me want to go there? It was the specialization of my field, the graduate program in human resources management, and the ease of access of being both virtual and in person learning. I wasn’t a first generation college graduate, but I had heard many alumni say they had a professor or advisor that their class was really informative and they just seemed to love that one the most. I didn’t have one that stood out, but I think they were all great.

What made my time at GGU memorable was the broader student and collegiate atmosphere. The best part was all the classmates I had and the friendships I made. Everyone was super supportive and engaged in helping each other succeed. Looking back at my time at GGU, I can see how it helped my life significantly. Before GGU, my undergraduate degree was in economics, and GGU provided me with the strong foundational knowledge to excel in my career as an HR executive. When I think about my time at GGU, what makes me smile is graduation. I started a very long journey, working and going to school part-time. To go through the process and complete it was one of the biggest accomplishments I had in my career.

When I was 8 years old, I decided I wanted to become a lawyer. I was determined to reach my goal and worked hard to finish high school at 16 and my bachelor’s degree at 19. I chose to attend GGU because I felt it was an inclusive environment and being the youngest law student wouldn’t be held against me. My time at GGU was incredibly valuable. During orientation, the dean told us GGU was well known for its litigation. I was part of the First Step program and the mock trial team, which taught me a lot of skills that many attorneys don’t have. We practiced with real judges and attorneys and were graded and judged.

My time at GGU allowed me to grow as a person, learning how to create a diverse environment and be respectful to others. GGU taught me a lot about inclusion and diversity and how being part of a diverse community is a privilege. The litigation skills I gained have given me a lot of valuable skills that I can use as an attorney.

I was working at Oakland Army Base when I was sent to Golden Gate University to earn a certificate in transportation. I earned my certificate in December 1996; while attending GGU I asked what it would take for me to get a degree in Transportation, and as a retired veteran Air Force, they allowed me to apply. I ended up with my Bachelor of Science in Logistics Operational Management in June 2000. When Oakland Army Base closed down, I was transferred to Fort Eustis Army Base in Newport News VA and spent two years there before relocating back to California in 2000. I returned home to CA in enough time to graduate.

I was fortunate to get my degree in the field I was working in, which has helped me in my career. I would highly recommend the program to someone else who is trying to do the same thing. It made sense for me to achieve my degree in the field I was working in. In the field of Logistics, you can do many things, and that has helped me throughout my career.

When I found out about GGU downtown, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. I was even lucky enough to work right above the school, so it was very convenient for me to take my midterms during lunch and other breaks. I was able to take a lot of finance classes and classes in business administration with a concentration in human resources. This propelled me in my background in human resources, which eventually led to me creating a whole new department at my job at the time and starting multiple businesses. I would recommend GGU to any student today because of its convenience, affordability, and structured classes. It really prepared me for entrepreneurship and going after what I want.

Golden Gate College was the only school that accepted Buzz Wilms after he had flunked out of two other colleges and a stint in the Army. He was admitted on a trial basis and was shocked to receive five As in his first semester. He was then awarded an A. P. Giannini scholarship and went on to get his MBA at Golden Gate and PhD at the University of California, Berkeley. He credits his success to the teachers he had at Golden Gate, as well as the support of the school’s president, Russell Sharpe. He also remembers the day after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Sharpe had everyone in the school hold hands and sing ‘We Shall Overcome.’ Golden Gate College was a pivotal experience in Buzz Wilms’ life.

I was living in San Francisco and working at the Golden Gate YMCA. It was a great opportunity to work and attend school at the same time. I was able to meet the other students there, as part of the building was dedicated to the school. It was funny to have schooling at the YMCA, where people went swimming and playing basketball. I was also active on campus, joining the student union and participating in activities after school. I even won the first table tennis ping pong tournament at Golden Gate College! The professors were great, as they were part-time teaching and had full-time jobs. After graduating, I went back to Seattle and worked for the Boeing company as a purchasing agent. I was able to get a high-up job because of my college degree. I worked there for 30 years.

My time at Golden Gate was an incredible experience. I was able to interact with teachers and students, and have fun. Most of my friends have passed away now, but I am grateful for the memories. I am honored to be able to share my experience with Golden Gate and be part of their legacy.

I was always a hard worker, but I had never been in an academic setting before. I had an AA degree from City College and had just made Sergeant in the police department in 1972. A fellow officer told me about Golden Gate University and its federally-funded Criminal Justice Program. I set up an appointment and was told I was eligible for the GI Bill too. I was in an academic mode and was excited to start my journey at GGU. Everyone was helpful and the teachers were good. I had some classes I had trouble with, but the faculty was willing to help. Harry Knight worked with me one-on-one on my writing skills, and a professor gave me her home phone number so I could call her with any problems. I had a family to support, but my funding ran out when I completed my master’s program. Then, I ran into Rodney at the police academy. He told me about a scholarship from the Officers for Justice, which I wasn’t a part of, but he said they wanted to see me get my PhD. I was so grateful for the opportunity, and the rest is history.

I graduated on the stage for my mother, who was ecstatic. I was the first in my family to earn a PhD, but education runs in the family. My three kids are all successful in their own right. My oldest is a successful attorney, my second is a PhD and administrator in a middle school program, and my third is a PhD and administrator at Marion University. GGU was a great experience for me. I was so thankful for the faculty and staff who supported me and the scholarship that allowed me to pursue my dreams. Education is something I will always value, and I’m proud to have been part of the GGU family.

I chose to pursue my master’s in taxation at Golden Gate University because it was a satellite office close to my work. At the time, it was one of the top tax graduate programs and I needed the advanced credentials to become a CPA. My job was willing to pay for the degree as long as I maintained a B average. I thought it was a great opportunity and I was excited to start.

The best part of my time at Golden Gate was being surrounded by people who had years of experience in corporate taxation. We could share our experiences and learn from each other. It was also convenient because it was a satellite office in Irvine, California and was held at a local high school. I made lifelong friends during my time at Golden Gate and I am grateful for the opportunity to have gained the knowledge and experience I did.

I was in the Air Force and retired in 1976. After that, I was encouraged to pursue a master’s degree and I’m glad I did. I ended up living in the East Bay and taking the tram to the campus. I had to do a lot of foundation work and ended up with 18 hours of that. I graduated in 1981 and it was a great accomplishment for me, as a high school dropout, to get my master’s degree. On graduation day, I remember getting my Captain gown and attending the services. My time at GU was memorable because it was in front of me. I was proud of my accomplishment and it gave me more confidence. After graduation, I had a successful career and was a manager of 15 years. My greatest takeaway from GU was the broadening of my knowledge. I worked hard to get my bachelor’s, associate, and master’s degrees and I’m proud of that.

I’ve always been inspired by movies to become a lawyer, but I never thought I’d end up at Golden Gate University. I was working in the Philippines and my employer was kind enough to give me a study leave. I inquired about different universities in the US and ultimately decided on GGU. I was welcomed and made to feel like part of a family. I got to meet people from different countries and learn about their cultures and legal systems. After graduating, I was able to use my degree to get better jobs and gain more confidence. It opened up my horizons and gave me the opportunity to pursue my dreams. I’m still in touch with my classmates and I’m proud of the achievements I made at GGU. It’s had a huge impact on my life and career.