September 29, 2006

La Sierra University has named Kimberly Sogioka as the new alumni director in August 2006.

A 2003 La Sierra University music graduate, Sogioka went on to earn her master’s in music, voice, from the Manhattan School of Music in 2005 and returned to La Sierra as an administrative assistant for the Office of Advancement.

“I am excited about the possibilities,” says Sogioka. She says her top three goals for the coming year include reaching out to a wider generation of alumni, a new online community that provides alumni more access and information, and just learning the position and giving it a “fresh perspective.”

A Mezzo Soprano, Sogioka has performed world wide including roles as Orfeo in scenes from Orfeo ed Euridice, Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus, and Dorabella in Cosi fan tutte. She also currently serves as the director of music for the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Riverside and was the Resident Artist for The National Choral Council in New York. She also developed a choral program for P.S. 70 public school in Queens, New York.

“Music helps me give back to the community,” says Sogioka. “It is also a good first introduction. When I perform and people see that I am from La Sierra University it is an easy way to meet people.”

“Her work in Advancement this past year has given her a good understanding of the important work we all do for La Sierra University and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity,” says Jeff Kaatz, DMA, vice president for advancement and university relations.

Sogioka succeeds Candace Jorgensen who left to pursue a master’s degree.