Gil Jordan, M.A. '70

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Gil Jordan, M.A. '70, says that his UCLA degree in theater arts has been opening doors for him for 50 years.

"No question in my mind that at virtually every turning point in the past half century, my UCLA degree tipped the scales that allowed me to take advantage of opportunities that came my way. Simply being listed on my résumé meant potential employers gave the rest of my qualifications and cover letters of interest more focused attention, gained me interviews, and helped me land jobs.

"My M.A. in theater arts helped me become a stage manager for three years at Rio Hondo College in Whittier (where the TD that hired me was also a UCLA masters grad), then technical director for seven years at La Mirada Civic Theatre. But just as important, when I moved to Northwest Montana in 1985 (where paid theater work was essentially non-existent), my UCLA degree helped secure jobs as a social worker for 13 years with the Western Montana Mental Health Center, high school debate coach for seven years and concurrently substitute teacher for five years, and - saving the best for last - Executive Director of the Northwest Montana Historical Society and History Museum for 12 years.

"In every case my theater training and experience proved not only relevant, but pivotal, in my ability to do a wide variety of jobs. Now in retirement, I've come full circle, serving on the board of directors of our very successful Whitefish Theatre Company, where I'm scheduled to direct (for the first time in 44 years) a production in May.

"I am grateful for my UCLA experience."

In addition to his UCLA degree, Jordan holds a bachelor of science in language arts (English, theater, speech and journalism) from California State Polytechnic University.