Born into an Aggie family, Darlene “Dar” Hunter started attending athletics events as a child, joined her parents in volunteer activities (service that she continues today) and followed her parents into UC Davis employment.
She would stay 49 years, retiring last month as senior director of Undergraduate Admissions. She spent her entire career in the same unit, having a role in reviewing more than 1.8 million applications and enrolling some 270,000 students.
Her father, Milt Silva, had a long career as a research associate in plant pathology, while her mother, Edie, worked for three chancellors. Hunter graduated from Davis High School and California State University, Sacramento, and joined UC Davis in 1972.
For those who know her, Hunter is the personification of “We bleed Blue and Gold.” UC Davis students have always been part of her heart and her family.
Her reward: Successful Aggies
Her fervor was clear as she focused on her target: opening the doors to higher education. “Helping people is so rewarding, and seeing students succeed as Aggies is inspiring,” she said.
Since her earliest days as an admissions evaluator, Hunter saw the campus grow from about 11,000 undergraduates in 1972 to nearly 31,000 today.
She rose through the ranks with a style of gentle guidance and heartfelt consideration. She worked closely with many others to help shape admission and review policies, played a critical role in diversity initiatives and brought to fruition key projects like the Banner student information system and campus Welcome Center. And she became a highly respected collaborator across the UC system.
Michele Butler-Robinson, retired associate director for Undergraduate Admissions at UC Berkeley, said: “Her devotion to students aspiring to reach their life goals at UC Davis is only one example (albeit a huge one!) of the immense kindness and care she has for others.
“The institutional knowledge Dar possesses will be missed and the systemwide conversation is losing an important voice. Dar has served the citizens of California with dignity and honor.”
Forward-thinking attitude
Colleagues at the campus level and within the Office of the President commented on the breadth of Hunter’s impact and depth of her personal commitment.
“I have greatly benefited from Dar’s many years of experience and wisdom as we collaboratively interpreted, designed and implemented new admissions policies and strategies,” said Ralph Aldredge, associate dean of undergraduate studies in the College of Engineering. “Her positive and forward-thinking attitude has had a comforting and inspiring influence as a mentor and role model.”
Han Mi Yoon-Wu, UCOP executive director for undergraduate admissions, mirrored the sentiment: “Since I joined the OP team in 2000, I have relied on Dar for her expert knowledge and history on all things UC admissions.”
Special recognition from ICA
Having been an Aggie fan since childhood, there was no question after Hunter came to work here that she would look for ways to assist Intercollegiate Athletics, or ICA — and so she did, starting with the Cal Aggie Boosters in 1972. Her involvement continues to this day.
She has been a pivotal force, leading the charge in fundraising, committees and projects such as the Marya Welch Initiative, which is focused on the development of women’s sports.
Hunter, who served as chair of the Cal Aggie Athletics Hall of Fame Committee for more than three decades, received ICA’s Special Recognition Award last year, presented during the annual hall of fame induction ceremony. Her father received the same award in 1995.
In retirement, Hunter looks forward to spending more time with her daughters in Phoenix and San Luis Obispo once coronavirus is under control. But ever the devoted Aggie, she said, “I will definitely increase my volunteerism, especially with Intercollegiate Athletics and any student-related activities.”
Opportunities for all
Asked some years ago about her life as an Aggie, Hunter said, “I think about everything I’ve achieved and want to pass those opportunities on. I’m just one small piece of a larger whole.”
Sam Blanco III, another dyed-in-the-wool Aggie, is enjoying his opportunity as the director of Pre-College TRIO Programs and paying tribute to Hunter on a Kudoboard:
“I still remember you when I was a freshman in 1987 and the care you had for students, which continued throughout these years,” he wrote. “You have taught me how to treat students and other staff members with dignity and care. ... UC Davis has been very fortunate to have a great individual who has dedicated their whole life to student access and equity.”
A piece of our heart
“Serving others is the greatest reward and one of the most fulfilling experiences for me,” Hunter said. “I was enormously enriched by working alongside so many staff and faculty who dedicated their lives to ensure that our campus provided the most supportive positive experiences for our students.
“I wish that these passions and energies keep afire and that the right actions will be taken for the right reasons. Even in the challenging times, keeping focused and engaged is easy when you love what you do — what an amazing incredible journey.”
As she graduates to new opportunities, Hunter takes with her a piece of our heart but retains her role as Aggie matriarch. Long may she reign!
More from Kudoboard
“Your legacy and leadership speaks for itself. ... UC Davis and the UC system are better because of your passion, talent and commitment. There are alumni across the state, nation and globe who will never know the ways that you’ve positively impacted their educational journey.” — Ebony Lewis, executive director, Undergraduate Admissions
“There are few people on this campus that I know, for a fact, will always help me find an answer, deal with an issue with speed and grace, simply be there. You have been one of the few. So grateful to have worked with you!” — Randall Larson-Maynard, curriculum coordinator, Office of the University Registrar
“Dar was a true mentor. She tried to pull me up. She was always looking out for me and everyone else in the department. Her heart was 100 per cent in.” — Brenda Fudge Jensen, Undergraduate Admissions
“I am so happy for you and would like to say how thankful I am for your years of service to UC Davis. Most importantly, for your leadership and support for the holistic review process. You are a true champion of educational student access and equity.” — Mayra Llamas, executive director, Community Resource and Retention Centers
“Thank you for your many years of service to the UC Davis community, both through your work on campus and in your support of UC Davis Athletics! I still remember meeting you as an incoming freshman in 1998 through cross country and Aggie Pack, and I love that we were able to continue working together and crossing paths in both a professional and volunteer capacity over the years. I look forward to seeing you at an Aggie event soon!” — Jennifer Wade, communications and development manager, Global Affairs
“On behalf of Intercollegiate Athletics, the coaches, staff and most importantly the student-athletes, thank you. You have left a legacy not only in Undergraduate Admissions, but your tremendous support volunteering for ICA was recently celebrated at the Athletics Hall of Fame. We know this is not goodbye, but instead we will see you in the stands cheering on the Aggies!” — Katherine Zedonis, associate athletics director, compliance and ICA services
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Regina Patton