Ginny Hargrave has worked for the UC system for the past 14 years, the last few of which she spent at the University of California, Santa Cruz. The senior director of development for the Arts Division has made a career out of outreach and connecting with donors to support good causes.
Before becoming a member of the Santa Cruz community and joining the University system, Hargrave worked in nonprofits for decades at organizations including the Boys and Girls Club. UC Santa Cruz is the fourth and final university in Hargrave’s career, given her forthcoming retirement in June. She’s built strong connections, whether it be with alumni, donors, or her fellow staff members. She’ll leave behind a legacy based on hard work, community building, and personal connections.
“Ginny has been a true inspiration to me. The way she navigates the work environment and develops relationships has been a guiding light throughout my first year at UC Santa Cruz,” says Laura Nova, a development assistant for the Arts Division. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have had her as a mentor. You never forget the people who help you reach the next chapter in life, and Ginny’s support will always hold a special place in my journey.”
Growing up, Hargrave was one of five children and had 33 first cousins. Now, three children and 10 grandchildren later, she is carrying on the tradition of building a large family. She is still close to her siblings, although they are scattered across the country. Her 88-year-old mother lives nearby, and Hargrave’s retirement will allow her to help care for her.
Through hard work and discipline, Hargrave also became the first member of her family to earn a college degree, and one of her brothers followed suit shortly after. She attended college as a single mother raising her kids for seven years before enrolling. With her B.A. in business management, she went on to build a long and successful career.
Even though she’s retiring from UC Santa Cruz, Hargrave already has a part-time consulting gig starting later this year, and she and her husband are avid world travelers and will be spending time pursuing their passion. They hope to embark on a three-month jaunt around the world and find an apartment in Europe that they can call home base while visiting countries including Spain, Portugal, and Italy, Hargrave’s favorite places to travel. She also hopes to visit China, Japan, and wherever else she can, but still looks forward to slowing down, spending time with her grandchildren, and gardening.