Rocket Fuel

alumni awards: Alumni Awards


Each fall, the Alumni Association of Golden Gate University honors graduates of the university and other members of the GGU community who have achieved excellence in their chosen field or have made a difference in the community in which they live.

2012 AWARDS


Alumnus/Alumna of the Year

Given to alumni whose professional accomplishments and contributions to the community are worthy of recognition.

Matthew Gillam (MBA 97)

Matthew Gillam is the founder and co-owner of Enterprise Events Group, Inc, (EEG) a Marin-based global event management company that designs and executes global corporate meetings and events for a wide range of Fortune 500 clients. He wrote the EEG business plan for in his MBA course at GGU. Gillam and his company are active in the community, donating time, money and services.


Amicus Award

Given to those whose efforts have resulted in significant contributions to the university's resources and, thereby, to its educational capabilities and services.

Bruce Braden (MBA 73)

CEO of Braden Exploration LLC in Texas, Braden is a major philanthropist to education, the arts, and medicine and has been a majority owner in several energy companies. His transformative gifts to Golden Gate University in support of the School of Taxation fund a number of initiatives including merit scholarships for students and academic and faculty support. The Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation has been named in his honor.


Community Service Award

Given in recognition of outstanding leadership and service contributions to the community.

Ingrid Turner (MBA 89)

Ingrid Turner serves on the Prince George’s County Council in Maryland. Turner graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served 20 years on active duty, retiring as a Commander in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. She is the first African American female to serve as President of the Maryland Association of Counties. She has won numerous leadership and service awards as well as the Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal.


Distinguished GGU Service Award

Given to a GGU faculty or staff member in recognition of exemplary leadership and service.

Susan Rutberg (JD 75)

Susan Rutberg has been a member of the full-time faculty at the School of Law since 1991. From 2002 to 2006 Professor Rutberg directed the Innocence Project at GGU Law, through which she and her students won the exoneration of a wrongly convicted man who had been imprisoned for nearly ten years. She has been a Fulbright scholar, an exceptional mentor, and a professional devoted to promoting the public good by enhancing clinical legal education through scholarship and teaching. She is the Director of the law school’s externship program.


Rising Star Award

Given to a recent graduate (10 or fewer years) who exhibits extraordinary professional achievements and contributions to the community.

Glen Schofield (MBA 02)

Glen Schofield is co-founder and CEO of Sledgehammer Games. Schofield has been a Vice President at Electronic Arts as well as Activision Blizzard. He has been creating video games for over 20 years, including co-directing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, the latest installment of the successful video game franchise which won the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences "Best Action Game" award for 2011.


Volunteer of the Year

Given to a person who demonstrates exceptional service to the university through volunteer activities.

John Williamson (MS 90)

John Williamson is the partner-in-charge of EisnerAmper LLP’s San Francisco office and a member of the Financial Services Group. Under his leadership, his firm has prepared and conducted essential workshops for GGU students on a pro-bono basis, teaching them how to use compliance software so that they are job-ready for their busy season spring internships.

Nominations for Awards

A committee of the Alumni Association board of directors approves nominations in May. Winners of these awards are recognized at the Alumni Awards Luncheon held annually on the third Wednesday in October. Awardees must be present to accept their awards. We invite you to nominate GGU alumni you believe to be deserving of the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year, Distinguished GGU Service or Community Service awards. Nominations must be submitted no later than May 15 of the award year.