A Good Sport: LAVC Alum Credits Educational Foundation for Success
Ron Yukelson
“I have nothing but the fondest of memories of Los Angeles Valley College. It was the academic foundation to the catalyst of what’s turned out to be a pretty darn good career,” says Ron Yukelson, who graduated from Valley College with an AA in journalism (1974-76).
He was the sports information director for the athletic department during that time, a title he later went on to hold during his five years at California State University, Northridge’s athletic department. It was only natural that Yukelson’s career started with a stint as a sportswriter.
Yukelson’s background in sports paved the way to a 36-year career in health care, seeing him eventually move to San Luis Obispo on California’s Central Coast, where he lives with his wife, Paula Sigman, and now works in business development for a law firm.
After LAVC, Yukelson earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in journalism from San Diego State University and a Master of Business Administration at the University of La Verne but says some of those close friendships from the two years at LAVC were never replicated.
Yukelson cheers on current LAVC students and encourages them to aim for a wholesome educational experience, just as he experienced on campus. “Enjoy your time in college, have a well-rounded enriching experience that doesn’t just include academics because you’re never going to get those college years back,” he says, “Enjoy every aspect of the school, including the social aspect of it.”