Celebrating FOA's 2023 Retirees
We thank FOA retirees for their legacies of public service, dedication and hard work
This year we had a chance to celebrate FOA employees who retired with over 875 years of public service to UC Davis! Wow, thank you and congratulations on a well deserved break!
The legacies they left behind are impressive, with positive impacts on students, patients, fellow employees and this place we all love.
I’m proud that FOA has a culture of celebrating our retiring colleagues, whether they work on the frontlines or behind the scenes. Sharing gratitude with a retiring coworker is also a chance to reflect on our own careers — on lessons we’ve learned from mentors and friends, and on the legacies we hope to leave behind from our own contributions to our teams.
Thank you all. And Go Ags!
Clare Shinnerl
Vice Chancellor
Finance, Operations and Administration
Bob Segar | Campus Planner, 34 years
Bob's legacy at UC Davis started when he became its first full-time campus planner in 1988. Highlights of his accomplishments include his leadership in reinventing the campus "front door" in the Gateway District (starting with the Buehler Alumni Center); connecting organizational dots between environmental sustainability and campus planning units; and ultimately leading Aggie Square planning in Sacramento.
One of his favorite moments from his career was when his teenage daughter surprised him as the first solo performer on stage at the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts — a sign of gratitude arranged by then‑Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef for his work developing the center.
Here's Chancellor Gary S. May on Bob's career:
You know, the word 'transformational' is overused. But I really think you’ve left a transformational legacy on this campus – and I thank you for that. We all do. We wish you the best in this next phase of your life."
Read and watch more about Bob's career
Andrea Villanueva | Human Resources, 38 years
Andrea Villanueva made significant contributions across UC Davis' bookstores and accounts payable departments. Starting in 1984 as a clerk in the Trade Book department, she later ran the UC Davis School of Law bookstore in King Hall and became a key textbook buyer for the main campus bookstore.
In 2007, Andrea joined the bookstore's Accounting Department, focusing on accounts payable and other accounting functions, which lead her to final role when she joined the Shared Service Organization's Accounts Payable Department in December 2011.
In retirement, Andrea's priorities include spending quality time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She looks forward to the freedom of running whenever she pleases and starting to sew and craft again.
Andrea's favorite change at UC Davis was the addition of the Mondavi Center. She has enjoyed attending memorable music shows there, with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and Los Lobos among her favorites.
Eileen Beltran | AdminIT, 33 years
Eileen Beltran has been a valued member of UC Davis for 33 years, working across multiple departments at UC Davis Health and the Davis campus. In her role as a PC support technician in AdminIT, she excelled at procuring software and licenses for various FOA departments and providing direct support to colleagues throughout FOA.
Known for her exceptional event organizing skills and love of food, Eileen delighted her co-workers with Instapot and Air Fryer Potluck days, treating them to her favorite dishes. She also had a knack for collecting "swag" from conferences and TGFS days, adding a touch of fun to her desk decorations.
The best years were the last several years when we felt like a cohesive team. I have enjoyed working with everyone. Even through the pandemic, we all successfully provided technical support when people doubted we could do so remotely." –Eileen Beltran
Diane Davies-Conley | Finance and Business, 28 years
Diane Davies-Conley joined the university in 1994 as a payroll tax accountant after earning her CPA in public accounting. Her career at UC Davis has been characterized by diverse roles supporting UC Davis' administration, operations and budget.
Since 2016, Diane has served as director of Tax, Compliance, and Controls, with responsibilities across the Davis campus and UC Davis Health.
Diane also took on several important special assignments at UC Davis, including serving as interim director for the Shared Services Organization in 2014, during its critical start-up phase. More recently, Diane played a pivotal role as the administrative and budget lead for Healthy Davis Together, which made possible all the testing programs, resources and outreach that helped protect the Davis community from COVID-19.
- Can you share one of your most memorable projects during your time here?
- It's difficult to choose a single favorite project, but one position that holds a special place in my heart is my role as associate director for campus budget operations. It allowed me to have a direct impact on campus policy and direction. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed spearheading the consolidation of the Office of Administration and Office of Resource Management and Planning into the single administrative organization of Administrative Resource Management (ARM), which served as the precursor to FOA.
- What has been one of the most notable changes you've witnessed on campus since you started?
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I am deeply impressed by and appreciative of the remarkable growth of our UC Davis Health facilities and services. The advancements and expansion in healthcare resources have had a significant positive impact on our campus community.
- As you embark on retirement, what are your plans?
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I have no dramatic retirement plans. My focus will be on enjoying quality time with friends and family, and simply enjoying days without the demands of work.
Pete Lentino | Facilities Management, 27 years
Pete Lentino has dedicated an impressive 27 years to Facilities Management, progressing through various roles during his tenure. Starting as a carpenter, Pete advanced to become an inspector, planner, estimator (IPE); then structural superintendent; and ultimately became director of asset management.
Throughout his journey, Pete played a crucial role in developing and implementing innovative programs such as the Integrated Capital Asset Management Program (ICAMP), Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA) and the Tririga system. These initiatives have greatly enhanced building tracking and development. Guided by his favorite quote, "It's better to be great at one or two things than mediocre at 20," Pete's expertise contributes to the department's success.
Though he's closing his chapter at UC Davis, Pete's career is still in full swing as he prepares to work in the same field following retirement. He will miss his coworkers, the sense of belonging to an excellent organization and the opportunity to contribute to large-scale initiatives.
Roxanne Loe | Arboretum and Public Garden, 24 years
and
Mary Gibson | Arboretum and Public Garden, 23 years
Mary Gibson (left), a dedicated groundskeeper at the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, has played a crucial role in the care and maintenance of the east end of the Arboretum from the railroad tracks to Mrak Hall Drive, on both sides of the waterway. Additionally, she has been instrumental in leading twice-weekly volunteer gardening groups in the Australian section and Mary Wattis Brown Garden.
Mary's favorite spot on the UC Davis campus is the T. Elliott Weier Redwood Grove in the Arboretum. She enjoys its coolness, proximity to the water, the beautiful plantings, the smell of the trees and foliage. It's quiet and peaceful.
In retirement, Mary and her husband are working on home renovations. Their future plans include traveling together and welcoming new furry companions — a dog and a cat — into their home. Alongside these adventures, Mary is enjoying time with her dad.
Roxanne Loe (right) joined UC Davis in 1998, starting in Campus Recreation. After seven years, she transitioned to the Office of Administration before finding her home at the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, where she has dedicated over 13 years of service. Roxanne's favorite spot on campus is the Arboretum Environmental GATEway loop, where she loves the combination of tile work amongst the plants and trees.
Roxanne's immediate retirement plan is to get a puppy! Beyond that, she embraces the open-ended possibilities that lie ahead, ready to explore new chapters and see where life takes her.
Teri Sugai | Human Resources, 24 years
Teri Sugai concludes her remarkable 24-year career at UC Davis, which started in 1999 in Central Payroll. Teri moved to Facilities Management in 2003, where she gained valuable exposure to human resources and the experience of working in a department served by a central office.
In 2009, Teri contributed to the design and implementation of a small shared services center for FOA and IET, then helped design and implement the current Shared Services Organization when she joined the SSO as payroll manager in 2011.
In 2017, Teri assumed the role of people services manager, overseeing a multifunctional, 33-person team of payroll and human resources professionals. She was invaluable helping to navigate the SSO through major changes, including the rollout of UCPath. Teri's expertise in HR and payroll policies, operations, client services and her no-nonsense leadership style will be missed.
In retirement, Teri looks forward to spending family time with her 13 grandchildren and pursuing her passions for genealogy, reading and continuous learning. She plans to make a difference in her community by volunteering with the SPCA and supporting literacy and ESL learning on a local level.
Marlene Slichter | Custodial Services, 22 years
Marlene's journey at Facilities Management's Custodial Services began in 2001 and has been marked by impressive growth. From starting as a custodian, Marlene progressed to senior and lead custodian positions, all while appreciating the support of her colleagues and the positive work environment.
Marlene is also deeply appreciative of the students, who she views as making the world a better place and the entire reason we're working at UC Davis. One of Marlene's proudest accomplishments included securing a grant through UC Davis Staff Assembly to specialize in carpet care.
Marlene eagerly anticipates spending her retirement wintering in the Caribbean and enjoying the warmer months in Branson, Missouri, where she plans to spend her time gardening, biking and fishing.
- Read more about Marlene in employee profiles from 2021 on the Facilities website and from 2016 on the FOA website.
Dale Huey | Fleet Services, 5 years
Dale Huey has been a friendly face at Facilities Management's Fleet Services since 2018, serving as parts supervisor. Dale enjoyed witnessing the evolution of electric vehicles as UC Davis strives for net-zero carbon emissions.
Beyond the work itself, Dale will miss his colleagues, as he recognizes that people and personalities extend beyond mere business cards.
As Dale embarks on the next chapter, he eagerly anticipates traveling alongside his wife, who retired on the same day. Their plans include visiting their children scattered across the West Coast. Dale is also expanding his artistry and taking his studio to a more professional level. He encourages his coworkers to seize the perks and educational opportunities offered by UC Davis and to plan for retirement early, ensuring a fulfilling future.
- Stay updated on Dale's creative endeavors at www.dalehuey.com.
All 40 FOA Retirees from FY 2022-23
Employee Name | Years of Services | FOA Department |
---|---|---|
Andrea Villanueva | 38 | Human Resources |
Tracey Brooks | 35 | Finance and Business |
Kirk Schaake | 35 | Utilities |
Bob Segar | 35 | Campus Planning and Environmental Stewardship |
Sylvia Montgomery | 34 | Finance and Business |
Eileen Beltran | 33 | AdminIT |
Guadalupe Chavez Gonzalez | 29 | Facilities Management |
Diane Davies-Conley | 28 | Finance and Business |
Pete Lentino | 27 | Facilities Management |
Thomas Ferguson | 27 | Safety Services |
William Scarbrough | 26 | Fleet Services |
Brian Flemmer | 25 | Facilities Management |
Roxanne Loe | 24 | Arboretum and Public Garden |
Elma Olguin | 24 | FOA Business Partners |
Teresa Sugai | 24 | Human Resources |
Mary Gibson | 23 | Arboretum and Public Garden |
Linda Berg | 22 | Supply Chain Management |
Paula Shimada | 22 | Human Resources |
Marlene Slichter | 22 | Custodial Services |
Cherie Hood | 22 | Finance and Business |
Vivian Dapanas | 21 | Custodial Services |
Linda McCallister | 21 | Supply Chain Management |
Antonio Castaneda | 21 | Custodial Services |
Sangaram Singh | 21 | Custodial Services |
Brenda Means | 21 | Human Resources |
Melody Benson | 20 | Finance and Business |
Leticia Grigsby | 20 | Grounds and Landscape Services |
Cesar Zendejas | 19 | Grounds and Landscape Services |
Joe Smith Jr. | 18 | Grounds and Landscape Services |
Jean Zhang | 17 | AdminIT |
Janet Berger | 16 | Finance and Business |
Ravi Chandra | 16 | Custodial Services |
Saul Guerrero | 15 | Custodial Services |
Gregorio Fantillo | 15 | Custodial Services |
Diane Jellison | 14 | FOA Business Partners |
Lise Heberer | 12 | Finance and Business |
Donald Tjia | 11 | Custodial Services |
Kimberley Turman | 11 | Design and Construction Management |
Michael Lindquist | 8 | Utilities |
Dale Huey | 5 | Fleet Services |