| Levar Askew |
Troy Brinza I was raised in Terre Haute, IN, however, my parents were both from the Greater Detroit area. That served as my introduction to Michigan Football and all things Maize and Blue. My student experience at UM was memorable based on the relationships formed during my undergraduate years. I’ve remained in touch with many of my brothers from Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and we still laugh as our stories about each other are told and retold, embellished further with each passing year. Fast forward a few years, and I’m thrilled to earn a new title as “Michigan Parent”. To watch my kids attend and graduate from UM has been an incredible source of pride. It was fun to watch them go through the various stages of their college years and hang out at many of the same places I had many years before. I have been a board member of the Michigan Alumni Club of San Diego since 2015. During that time, I’ve been involved with our local Speaker Series, our Go Blue! Night for local HS students, and our annual Family Picnic and Freshmen Send-Off. I never grow tired of the “Go Blue!” shout-outs when walking around SD or anywhere else in the world. |
 Dennie Brogdon I’m originally from Detroit, Michigan, where everyone was either Team U of M or Michigan State. For me, it was always U of M without a doubt. I graduated in 2007 with a degree in Sociology. I moved to San Diego in 2012 chasing sunshine, the ocean, and adventures. One of the first places I went to find “My People” was the local UM Alumni group and the football watch parties. I ended up finding a great group of friends and a community that made San Diego feel like home. These days, I run a Virtual Tech Support company and an International Staffing agency, which basically means I spend my time helping people and businesses get connected with the right support. In 2024, I joined the UM Alumni Club of San Diego board. I help out with Communications, plus the Athletic, Career Development, and Watch Party Committees. I joined because I love bringing people together, and I want others to find their own community here in San Diego, just like I did. GO BLUE!!!! |
 Gary Brucker As a Southern California native, the decision to leave San Diego for Ann Arbor was a difficult one to make. Fortunately, it turned out to be the right decision and one of the best that I have ever made. The breadth of knowledge that I gained and connections that I made while attending U-M Law School are unparalleled. After obtaining a J.D. in 2005, I returned to San Diego to practice law as a civil and criminal defense attorney. I am now a partner at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP. I joined the U-M Club of San Diego in order to stay connected with the University and give back for future generations. Go Blue! |
Kerry Cassetta Originally from Centennial, CO, I graduated from U of M in 1997, where I was active with Pi Beta Phi, the Michigan Student Assembly, and the Mentor program, and worked in the Athletic Department. I began my career in Washington, DC at AEI before transitioning into healthcare IT. I am a VP at CGI working for CalHHS. I appreciate our community of Wolverines in Paradise here in San Diego and look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon! |
 Eric Chang Having been raised in the Bay Area all my life, I knew little about the University of Michigan until it was time for college applications. However, my mother was a massive advocate for the maize and blue as she had gotten her MBA there. She was especially proud when I received my acceptance letter and so for me, making the decision to spend four years in a brand new state with zero connections was an easy one. My undergrad years were gone in a blur and I loved every moment of it. I decided to take another leap of faith shortly after graduation and take a job in San Diego. Since moving here in 2022, I’ve made many new friends and picked up several hobbies, such as pickleball, beach volleyball, line dancing, and playing music. Oh, and the burritos here are otherworldly. I’m very grateful to have joined the Michigan Alumni Club of SD, where I can connect with fellow Wolverines and build a community in my new home! Go Blue! |
Steve Efroymson I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, received a B.S. majoring in accounting from Indiana University, and graduated from the UM School of Law with a J.D in 1970. After leaving Ann Arbor, I moved to California where I have been practicing law since 1971 in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and for most of the last 40 years in San Diego, including serving as General Counsel of a public company. I am currently working as a sole practitioner in La Jolla. I have been on the Board of Governors of the San Diego Alumni since 2000 and previously served as its President. In my leisure time, I like to travel, play golf, hike, go to the gym, and attend movies, plays and concerts. |
 Drew Imhof Born and raised in San Diego, but I have Michigan in my blood. As a 3rd generation Wolverine, I was wearing Michigan gear before I could walk. I graduated in 2016 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I then lived and worked in Boston for several years before moving to Colorado to get a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from CU Boulder. Upon graduation, a new job brought me back home to San Diego. I spend my free time enjoying the outdoors, traveling, cooking and rooting on the Wolverines. |
Jon Gold I grew up cheering for UM in Troy, Michigan, attending football games with my mother. At the University of Michigan, I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. After graduating in 2013, I moved to Solana Beach to work at a startup developing novel medical devices. From Saturdays at the Big House to studying abroad in Shanghai to volunteering in STEM outreach, I loved every second of my time in Ann Arbor. I joined the UM Alumni Club of San Diego board to help grow this a-maize-ing community of alumni and support current and future Wolverines. |
 Penina Goodman Thrilled to have graduated from a Wolverine to a Wolverine in Paradise. Honored to be on the UM Alumni board in San Diego. I’m enjoying helping to lead the mentor/mentee, Hike+Hops and Books + Beer programs. I grew up in Franklin, Michigan and was raised in a Go Blue household. I graduated Michigan with a psychology degree and went on to earn a masters in graphic design at an art school in Atlanta. I am a creative director and marketing strategist and currently help my clients elevate their brand and communications. My favorite place in SD is Torrey Pines. I enjoy hiking, reading, art, and traveling. I’m crazy about my rescue dog who represents with his maize and blue collar and leash. |
 Jimmy Grimes I grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana, and earned my B.A. from Indiana University in 2006. After a year in Chicago, I served four years as a US Army Engineer officer. I then headed to Ann Arbor for my MBA at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, graduating in 2013. Since then, I’ve worked as an engineering program manager in semiconductor equipment and defense and in a brand new career now teaching engineering at Del Norte High School. At home, I’m all about family – my wife, Allie, our kids Henry and Cate, and our dog, Gracie. We live in Carmel Valley, and when I’m not teaching, I love working out, traveling, and firing up the grill. |
Andrew Hathaway I grew up in Farmington Hills, MI and graduated from the Ross School of Business at U-M with a BBA in finance in 2005. Shortly after graduation, I moved to San Diego and started my career as a personal financial planner with Ameriprise Financial Services. I’m currently living in Oceanside with my wife Laura, daughter Aubrey, and son Jordan. In my spare time, I enjoy playing soccer, running, watching movies and sports, and enjoying the outdoors.
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 John Hayase I earned an MBA from the Michigan Business School (UMBS, back then) in 1998 and have spent most of my time since then living in California and working in the technology sector. Prior to Michigan, I spent seven years at Boeing applying my aerospace engineering degree from the University of Colorado to the development of life support system hardware for NASA’s International Space Station program. Since leaving Ann Arbor, I’ve spent most of my time working in video games and digital media, with positions at Electronic Arts, Atari, and DreamWorks, among others. I joined the San Diego Board in 2019 after getting involved with the Alumni Mentor Program and am continually impressed by the community of Wolverines in Paradise that support one another in so many ways. Go Blue! |
| Tony O’Neill |
Dillon Patel I grew up in North County SD and graduated from UM in 2018 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, I moved back to paradise and currently work for HP as a R&D Engineer in 3D printing and 3D scanning. In my free time, I can usually be found at the beach surfing, playing beach volleyball, or planning my next trip back to AA. |
 Joy Sidhwa After immigrating from Thailand and growing up in a small town in Montana, I headed to Ann Arbor to chase big dreams and build a strong network. I earned dual degrees in English Literature and Biological Psychology. It is also where I met my wonderful husband—another proud Wolverine! I practice antitrust law, advising businesses, law firms, and trade organizations on how to protect a fair market and challenge entities engaging in anticompetitive practices. When I’m not working, I spend my free time traveling, hunting down the best restaurants, experimenting with recipes at home, and asking my dogs why they’re so cute. University of Michigan truly sparked a lifetime of camaraderie and Maize and Blue pride. That is why I love giving back to the alumni community and supporting new Wolverines. Go Blue! |
| Scott Silk |
 Allisha Smith I HAIL from the west side of Michigan, where my love for all things MAIZE and BLUE began early. Inspired by my sister Joy (also on the board), I followed in her footsteps to become a proud WOLVERINE, graduating from LS&A in 2010 with a BA in Political Science. After law school at the University of San Diego, I built my career in legal compliance, focusing on data privacy and AI. For more than a decade, San Diego has been home, where I enjoy life with my partner, our daughter, and our dog, Gibson. Being a Michigan alumna means sharing an instant bond—whether exchanging a “Go Blue” with a stranger or belting out “The Victors” after a touchdown. Michigan shaped my life with lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and an extraordinary network. As part of the San Diego club, I’m committed to strengthening connections between local alumni and our alma mater. Go Blue! |
 Kari (Karl) Szakal I grew up in Michigan and graduated from U of M in 2010 with degrees in Anthropology, English, and Women’s Studies. I moved to sunny San Diego in 2011 to pursue my Master’s Degree in Women’s Studies at San Diego State University and decided to stay, as many do! I was heavily involved in the U of M San Diego Alumni Club from 2013 until 2018, when my active-duty spouse received orders to Washington, D.C. After a few more military moves, we are back in San Diego. Most recently, I was the Director of Strategic Planning and Enterprise Risk Management for the Department of Veterans Affairs. I enjoy hiking, brunching, reading, and looking for shark teeth and fossils with my husband, Chris (ask me about my collection from our Florida-based tour!). |
Joe Wieciek I was raised in central New Jersey and graduated from U-M with a degree in Computer Engineering in 2011. I spent my four college years in the Men’s Glee Club and served as the Alumni Relations Manager of the group during it’s 150th Anniversary celebration in 2010. I currently lead technical operations for Outrider, a robotics startup in the Denver area. When I’m not working, I like to travel, spend time outdoors, and appreciate San Diego’s craft beer scene. |
Christine Wu I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. I attended UM from 2004-2007 where I was a member of Alpha Chi Omega fraternity and received a B.A. in Political Science. I moved to San Diego in 2008 and received my JD from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2011. I started my own law practice, The Wu Firm, in 2014 where I specialize in providing business and global migration solutions for companies, entrepreneurs, and investors around the world. I love spending time with my family, friends, and dogchild Luna (who is the cutest), traveling around the world, trying new things often, being active in the community, and giving back to others in any way I can. I am a proud Wolverine. GO BLUE! |
 Caroline Xu I grew up in Rochester Hills, MI, and graduated from the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering in 2024 with a BSE in Computer Engineering. Shortly after graduating, I moved to San Diego in early 2025 for my job at Apple, where I quickly found fellow Wolverines and joined the board. Outside of work, I have more side quests than I can count, but a few favorites are crocheting, climbing, and birding! |
