I would like to nominate Garo Bournoutian for an Outstanding Graduate Student award. For the last eight years, Garo has been integrally involved with campus leadership and has tirelessly strived to improve campus life at UCSD. While an undergraduate student at UCSD, he chaired the University Centers Expansion Task Force, which coordinated the survey and referendum process for the Price Center and Student Center Expansion Referendum. Furthermore, after successfully running the referendum, he became a member of the Building Advisory Committee (BAC) to ensure the plans and designs continue to mirror what students would want. He has been involved in this process starting in 2002, with the formation of the Task Force, and maintained involvement until the project’s completion this year. Furthermore, when the Expansion Referendum fee was incorrectly charged in Winter 2008, he looked out for students and requested a refund of the overcharge from the administration for all student. 

Another significant contribution he provided was as President of COAST (Chancellor’s Organization of Allied Students) in 2004-05. At that point in time, the organization was a part of Special Events and Protocols under External Relations, and they no longer wanted to support the program. He worked with the Vice Chancellor of External Relations to find a new home for COAST in the Alumni Association. With this move, COAST has flourished and its membership and campus and community impact has grown significantly. 

Additionally, Garo has been a member of the Registration Fee Advisory Committee since 2002-03, and is currently serving his third year as Chair of the Committee. Under his leadership, this board (which deals with the bulk of non-academic funds for student services) has been able to grapple with large issues and tight budgets. During his years on Reg Fee, he has worked hard to ensure student fees are used in the most efficient and beneficial manner.

He has been a Teaching Assistant for Compilers (CSE 131) for the last 6 quarters it has been taught, and received a TA Excellence Award from the Center for Teaching Development (CTD) for the 2006-07 year. He is active in his academic department (CSE), as the student representative to the faculty graduate committee. He is a member of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honors society, and served as an officer (secretary and treasurer) for 2 years.

He has also been a member of numerous other committees to enhance student life. He was the President of the Graduate Student Association in 2006-07, and a member for multiple years on the Academic Senate Graduate Council, Planning & Budget Committee, and Distinguished Teaching Committee. He has also served on a number of search committees, including those for the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Life, Revelle Provost, and the Career Services Director.

Currently, he is an active member of the Alumni Association, and is actively involved with both the Graduate Student Association and Associated Student Council. He will no doubt continue to be involved and strive to improve UCSD campus life as best as he can.