By Adeney Zo
UCLA Luskin student writer 

Marisa Lemorande (BA ‘01), new director of alumni relations for the Luskin School of Public Affairs, is a week into the job and is already eager to connect and build relationships. In her role, Lemorande will be reaching out to Luskin alumni and designing programs that meet the needs and wants of the dynamic groups of individuals that make up our global Luskin alumni network.

“I’m excited to learn the stories, accomplishments, and changes our alumni are making in their communities and equally excited to keep them updated and involved with the current activities here at Luskin,” she says.

Although she is a new addition to Luskin, Lemorande is no stranger to the UCLA campus. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in women’s studies, is a former staff member at the Center for Culture & Health as well as the Hammer Museum, and is a long-time member of the Bruin Masters Swim Team.

“As an alum, I am very excited to be reconnecting and diving back into this vibrant community,” says Lemorande.

Outside of UCLA, Lemorande has combined her passion for program development and engagement with her work at Center for the Arts Eagle Rock and the Napa Valley Grapegrowers Farmworker Foundation.

“I have worked a great deal in program development and community engagement, by either developing programs from the ground up or infusing existing programs with a new energy and strategic vision,” says Lemorande. “Getting people excited about and involved with new programs is something I love to do.”

Lemorande brings a similar optimism and enthusiasm to her work at Luskin. “We have an outstanding group of alumni from every corner of the world who are still actively involved [with Luskin],” she says. “I am excited to reach out and expand our network even further.”

Lemorande’s office is located on the third floor of the Public Affairs Building in the Dean’s Suite. Her contact information can be found here.