Triple Bruin Engineer Dedicates Life’s Work to Advancing UCLA Samueli Community
If you ever run into William Goodin M.S. ’71, Ph.D. ’75, MEng ’82 at a UCLA event, there’s a good chance he’s wearing one of his prized neckties embroidered with a UCLA logo and featured electrical, chemical, mechanical, civil or bioengineering themes.
Each necktie, much like the ties Goodin has made with students and alumni over the past three decades, tells a story of his connection, mentorship and unwavering dedication to the UCLA engineering community. Recently recognized by the oldest engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi as one of its 2024 Distinguished Alumni, Goodin has been a long-standing cornerstone of the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering.
His journey to becoming one of UCLA Samueli’s most connected alumni relations figures wasn’t the career path he initially envisioned. Goodin first came to UCLA as a computer science graduate student, but his interests soon shifted toward environmental engineering. That passion led to his doctoral research in computer simulation modeling the atmospheric transport of pollutants in the Los Angeles Basin, and later, to a postdoctoral fellowship at the California Institute of Technology, where he continued his work in air pollution studies.
Though he began his career in research, Goodin eventually found his true calling in engineering education and alumni relations. After his postdoctoral work, he joined UCLA Extension as director of engineering short course and technical management programs.
But it was Goodin’s extensive volunteer work that would define his legacy at UCLA. More than 30 years ago, Goodin started his outreach efforts connecting students with alumni. His passion for fostering these relationships eventually led him to leave UCLA Extension and join UCLA Samueli as the associate director of alumni relations.
“One of my guiding principles in my volunteer work is to ensure that students graduate from UCLA feeling positive about their experiences,” he said. “The more positive a graduate feels about their time at UCLA, the more likely they are to stay connected and many are eager to come back and help those who are following in their footsteps.”
“During an engineering career that may span 40 years, plans change and one may be required to change direction more than once,” Bill Goodin said. “Studying engineering provides a logical thought process that can be useful in many fields.”
Goodin has been instrumental in building the bridge between UCLA students and alumni, creating opportunities for networking, mentorship and professional development. His role has encompassed everything from organizing career fairs to advising student groups such as the chapters of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Tau Beta Pi, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers on leadership transitions and officer elections. Goodin has also attended national and regional conferences and competitions to cheer on students over the years. In 2023, he was elected a SWE Fellow in honor of his support for women in engineering for more than 25 years. He was also recognized with UCLA Samueli’s Engineering Alumni Association Service Award in 2004.
Now serving as an alumni advisor to UCLA Samueli’s many engineering student groups, Goodin said that his work helps him connect students with alumni and industry partners — from career fairs to on-campus recruitment events. His work on alumni advisory boards has also helped address key issues within the UCLA engineering community, including industry trends, career opportunities and curriculum updates, ensuring that students are well prepared for their professional careers.
“I also keep up with many alumni on LinkedIn and Facebook,” he said. “It’s great to see how their careers are progressing and to witness the success they’ve built after UCLA. Many of them now have families, and it’s rewarding to see how far they’ve come.”
Looking to the future, Goodin said he believes that mentorship will continue to play a vital role in engineering education and career development. He encourages graduates to seek out mentors as they start their careers, noting that these relationships are essential for success in an ever-evolving industry.
For students just beginning their engineering studies at UCLA, Goodin’s advice is clear: be prepared for change. His own career, which took him from research to education and alumni relations, is a testament to this adaptability. With degrees in mathematics, computer science and environmental engineering, his broad academic background has shaped the way he views engineering challenges and opportunities.
“During an engineering career that may span 40 years, plans change and one may be required to change direction more than once,” Goodin said. “I discovered that my basic knowledge can be beneficial in ways I didn’t expect. Studying engineering provides a logical thought process that can be useful in many fields.”
Throughout his career, Goodin’s dedication to mentorship, education, and community has had a lasting impact on the UCLA engineering community. His work has helped numerous students and alumni build connections, advance their careers and stay engaged with the university. As he continues to serve as a mentor and advisor, Goodin’s legacy of support and guidance will undoubtedly influence the next generation of UCLA engineers — each one, perhaps, with a story to share about one of Goodin’s many neckties.