Alumni & Giving

John J. Davids (JD ‘65) found community and opportunity through Golden Gate’s evening law program. His $100,000 bequest will strengthen the scholarship that bears his name.

Barry Daniels (BA ‘64) and his wife Joanne share two Golden Gate stories. Joanne’s scholarship as a reentry student inspired their commitment to give back. His $500,000 bequest will help future students.

A GGU MBA alumna and Chair of the GGU Board of Trustees, Melinda Dunn spent more than two decades as Global CFO and Chief Compliance Officer at Sequoia Capital, overseeing financial and regulatory operations across one of the world's most influential venture capital firms.

Dr. Lauren Speeth — author, filmmaker, and co-founder of the Elfenworks Foundation — has built a career at the intersection of education, philanthropy, and social justice, including a $500,000 grant that established GGU's Elfenworks Center for Employment Justice.

A GGU-trained attorney and former Director of the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility, Karen Lee Hawkins devoted her career to ethics in tax administration, championing pro bono representation for vulnerable taxpayers and earning the ABA Section of Taxation's highest honor.

As EVP and CFO of Varian Medical Systems, Elisha Finney helped guide financial strategy behind technologies used in cancer treatment worldwide — then carried that expertise forward as a board director for more than a dozen public companies across healthcare and technology.

After 25 years as a corporate counsel, Juliette Hirt traded contracts for connection—earning her MA in Counseling Psychology from GGU and launching a private therapy practice for lawyers. Her journey proves it’s never too late to reinvent yourself—and that some careers will always need the human touch.

Alan Ma, JD ’84, revisits his GGU Law School roots and shares his reflections.

GGU alum Nada Perrone takes the helm at Genesys Works Bay Area, expanding opportunities for underserved students. Discover how our 5-year partnership is shaping futures!

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor some of the fearless Golden Gate University alumnae and leaders who continue to inspire future generations.

GGU is excited to announce California State Treasurer and GGU alumna Fiona Ma, CPA, as the 2025 Commencement Speaker. Read about her remarkable journey from GGU to state leader and Treasurer.

The Braden Scholars Program stands as a testament to how transformative support can shape not just individuals, but entire communities.