Golden State Today

Sue Ebeler, a professor of viticulture and enology at UC Davis, has been honored with the 2024 Women & Philanthropy Impact Award. This accolade was presented during the Wisdom of Women symposium at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts on March 9.

Ebeler, who also serves as associate dean of Undergraduate Academic Programs in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, expressed her gratitude upon receiving the award. “I’m incredibly honored to receive this award, but more than anything, I’m grateful for the opportunity to support and uplift our students and staff,” she said. She emphasized that creating supportive environments has been one of her career's most rewarding aspects.

The Women & Philanthropy Impact Award recognizes UC Davis faculty or staff members for their contributions toward advancing women’s causes within university communities. The award includes a $25,000 prize funded by donors to be directed towards a UC Davis fund chosen by the recipient.

The symposium featured speeches from notable figures such as Soledad O’Brien, Anna Maria Chavez, and Amishi Jha. It celebrated leadership and philanthropy within various sectors.

Ebeler's influence extends beyond awards; she has significantly impacted many students' lives throughout her three-decade tenure at UC Davis. Heesun Kim ’24 remarked on Ebeler’s mentorship: “Sue helped me become a woman with self-empowerment and self-confidence.”

Helene Dillard, dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, praised Ebeler’s ability to relate to students and help them achieve their goals. Since becoming associate dean in 2014, Ebeler has launched initiatives like Aggie Jumpstart and expanded programs such as Career Discovery Groups.

“I’m an educator at heart,” said Ebeler about her role in supporting both students and staff in their development journeys.

Ebeler chose to allocate her $25,000 prize between two programs she is passionate about: Aggie Jumpstart and Aggie Ambassadors. “One of the greatest things about this award is that I’m able to give the prize money back to two communities...that I’m really passionate about,” she noted.

Globally recognized for her research in viticulture and enology, Ebeler has published extensively on topics related to wine chemistry. Her work has earned international accolades including recognition from organizations such as the American Society for Enology and Viticulture.

Anne Han from USC highlighted Ebeler's influence on aspiring leaders: “Under Sue’s leadership...I have watched woman after woman pursue higher education...myself included.”