Building bridges: The lifelong influence of Rochester’s people and the joy of connecting with new generations

Meet Los Angeles Alumni Network Leadership Council member and Meliora Collective Mentor Tim Marler ’91

Share a bit about yourself! What are you up to now?

My wife and I live in Los Angeles, and I work at RAND Corporation, an international think tank, where I study emerging technologies like machine learning, virtual reality, and biotechnology. I am also a professor at the Pardee RAND graduate program in public policy. During my downtime, I enjoy sailing, pickleball, jazz, and fly fishing.

What are your most cherished memories from your time at the University of Rochester?

Just walking into the Eastman School of Music never gets old. Not only the appearance but the culture and inescapable tone were at once soothing and exciting. On the other end of the spectrum, the collective efforts to solve engineering problems were extremely rewarding. And, in between, long hours playing pool in the student union provided yet another form of education.

How did campus life and any co-curricular involvement (clubs, organizations, teams, etc.) impact your personal and professional growth?

I met some of my best, life-long friends at Rochester. The holistic campus life facilitated this, and it is often under-valued as part of the college experience. Working as a pool room attendant and then a manager at the student union, and volunteering on the Rochester radio station jazz show fueled interests that remain today.

What University resources or initiatives were most impactful to your next steps after graduating?

The accessibility to undergraduate research gave me the opportunity to participate actively in graduate-level research studies. This interest in advanced education and research has continued throughout my career.

How did your experience at the University of Rochester influence your life?

It was not clear until later in life, but Rochester provided a freedom to explore beyond a singular focus. For me, this manifested as a minor in music and a certificate in finance and accounting. The culture that encouraged multi-disciplinary studies taught me to approach problems from different perspectives and spurred a theme that has continued professionally. Furthermore, what defines any organization or experience is often the people. Some of the people I met at Rochester continue to influence my life in immeasurable ways.

What sparked your initial interest in volunteering with the University? What role(s) have you held?

I love to learn, and I love to teach (or at least try to). Mentorship satisfies both of these interests concurrently. I continue to volunteer at Rochester via the Meliora Collective Mentorship Program, the Alumni Network Leadership Council, the Real Reader Program, and interviewing undergraduate applicants. Speaking with students is even more rewarding than expected and is often inspiring.

What advice do you have for fellow alumni and friends who may be interested in taking a more active role in our alumni and friends’ community?

When time allows, giving back in some capacity is always rewarding and fun. The University of Rochester is supportive and well-organized in facilitating ways you can give back to the community. The UR outreach efforts over the last decades have been impressive, and they have often helped my wife and me discover new corners of Los Angeles.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

The students! Whether I am talking to a current student, who is exploring next steps, or a high school student, who is applying to the University, their interests, efforts, and accomplishments are humbling.