A newsletter for alumni, students, parents and friends.

Co-op Welcomes New Executive Director

Martin Reed joined USCA staff as our new Executive Director this past February. Martin brings with him over ten years of student housing experience from the University of California, Irvine. He began his career in student affairs as a Residential Life Coordinator where he developed student leadership programs that empowered students to develop their communication abilities, conflict resolution skills, and knowledge of issues related to diversity. Throughout his career, Martin has been known for developing effective teams, serving as a strong student advocate, and as a capable leader during a period of extreme growth and change at UCI. He successfully worked with University faculty, staff and students to create unique academic theme and Greek communities that foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and responsibility within the community.

On May 5, 2007, over 50 alumni, staff and students welcomed Martin at the co-ops’ Cinco de Mayo scholarship fundraiser. Guests had the opportunity to meet with the newest addition to the Co-op family while they learned to salsa dance by dance instructor, Charlene Van Ness, and then put their new moves to test with music by local band Carne Cruda.

Martin has jumped right into life at the USCA. He’s been working in the construction zone that has been Central Office and Casa Zimbabwe during this retrofit, participating in marathon budget board meetings, and all the while getting a crash course in cooperative living. Martin says of his introduction to the co-ops, “It has been a learning experience, and I’m still learning. What an amazing opportunity I’ve been given to work with the long-term staff and our devoted and talented student body.”

Patrick Ford, Lothlorien resident and USCA Board of Directors President for 2007-08, sat Martin down and asked him a few questions.

Patrick: What was your first impression of the co-ops and Berkeley?

Martin: Well I’ve always loved Berkeley the city. The first time I saw the co-ops, I was getting a tour of CZ last December. I was a little intimidated by some of the things spray painted on various walls. But I’ve been in student housing for so long that I don’t judge a book by its cover… I want to understand everything about it. I figured out each house was going to be unique and special.

P: Recycling: good conservation strategy or superficial band-aid?

MR: It’s a good first step... the world won’t change overnight. We have to radically change our lives now. In the Philippines, on my mom’s island, nothing goes to waste. I was about to throw away a gift bag and they said, “No, don’t throw it away!” They use everything over and over again. It’s something of a necessity in terms of survival.

P: Here’s a multiple choice question: What is absolutely necessary to run a co-op? a) workshift hours b) earth-balance (vegan butter) c) squalor d) fear e) earth-balance AND squalor

MR: Workshift hours.

P: Good answer. This particular
question is an analogy like on the SATs. Snoopy is to Casa Zimbabwe as Pig-Pen is to… ?

MR: I guess I’ll say… this question isn’t fair. I’m gonna go the safe route and say CO.

P: I hope CO is happy with that answer. Ping or Pong?

MR: Ping.

P: Purse or fanny pack?

MR: Well, fanny pack—yeah.

P: Which is better: the main super Mario Brothers theme song or underground Super Mario brothers theme song?

MR: I’ve never played Super Mario Bros.

P: Okay I’ll hum them for you. Ba ba ba ba ba bah bum! Da duh duh da da-dada… and then the other one is. Dadaduhduh… Dadaduhduh … dad duhduh duhdum.

MR: Yeah the second one.

P: That’s correct.