The new executive director of the UC Irvine Alumni Association talks music, memories from his college days and the journey that brought him back to campus
Derek Sabori recently stepped into a new role as executive director of the UC Irvine Alumni Association. No stranger to the UCIAA, he was happy to complete the Inside ZOT! questionnaire for us:
Honestly, my new job. I’m loving this career pivot. It’s been fascinating meeting new colleagues, learning the lay of the land, getting to know my team and attending university advancement and alumni engagement conferences. It’s a challenging new opportunity and role for me, but, honestly, it’s been more fun than I imagined.
I have always loved music, and what I’m listening to depends on what I’m doing. If I’m doing deep work, then I listen to lo-fi, ambient beats or jazz (think Tosca and K&D).
I have an eclectic vinyl collection and am not afraid to mix things up. Outside of classics like David Bowie, U2, English Beat and the likes, some bands on my radar lately include Hermanos Gutiérrez, Helado Negro, Moby’s new album, Tash Sultana, Future Islands, Little Dragon and almost anyone who pops up on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts.
I also love the mix that comes from the DJs on my local public radio station, KCRW (Anne Litt and Chris Douridas).
I love walking up the stairs near the admissions office off Pereira Drive. It brings back memories of my first week on campus and makes me proud to look back on my time as a student.
During my last two years, I transferred from my engineering program to the Claire Trevor School of the Arts. Those years were so great – I felt like I had found my people and my educational calling. Seven years later, I finished my FEMBA (Fully Employed MBA) program at the Paul Merage School of Business. That was an exhausting time of life, but the feeling of accomplishment and pride was unforgettable.
It means everything. I owe so much to my Anteater journey. A UC Irvine college friend helped me get my first professional job with Volcom – a Costa Mesa-based skate, swim and snowboarding clothing company – where I built a 23-year career.
I met my wife in Costa Mesa, and we’ve been married almost 27 years. Through our kids’ school, we met Assistant Vice Chancellor Edgar Dormitorio, who invited me to my first Lauds & Laurels event. Later, I also met former UCIAA Board President Jennifer Friend who encouraged me to consider joining the alumni board.
Being a board member led to being a mace marshal, board president, regents presenter and even a commencement speaker. Ultimately, it led to this role as UCIAA executive director. It’s been a wild ride, and my life is better because of it.
My “around town” is in Costa Mesa/Newport Beach, so I love riding my bike down to the beach for a surf, a sunset or a happy hour with my wife.
I try to be the hero of my own journey.
I love living where we live, and I love the feeling of coming home to the house I share with my wife. I love it even more when both my young-adult kids are home together, which doesn’t happen very often these days.
Create connections wherever you go. Connecting with people is one of the joys of life on its own – but you also never know where those connections might lead.
