As part of an ongoing strategy to build a healthy, inclusive, and supportive environment, International Affairs has launched a series of new recognition efforts to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding work our staff undertake each day.

For Fall 2020, Wei “David” Dai was nominated and selected by peers for his dedication and flexibility during an extraordinarily difficult recruitment cycle.

David Dai serves as a Regional International Recruitment Admissions Specialist. He works to promote UCR to prospective students, their families, and high school counselors around the world. He usually specializes in recruiting students from China, but this year he significantly expanded his outreach efforts to a number of new regions. 

International student recruitment in 2020 was unlike any year in recruitment history, due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Many of our normal practices had to change or shift in response to health and safety concerns. As a colleague noted on the nomination form: "Recruitment of international students has been particularly difficult this application period due to global travel restrictions, virtual platform disparities, and political pressures. David has persisted in his recruitment goals by routinely working during off-standard work hours to accommodate audiences in different time zones in an effort to inform prospective students of UCR's advantages and value. David is committed to expanding UCR's global reach and making it an option for international students who wish to pursue a post-secondary education in the U.S.”

For David, his connection to UCR is personal. “I was a UCR student back in 2009. During my time here, UCR had taken care of me in every way possible. I was given many opportunities and the support from the university that allowed me to enrich my college experience and grow as a person. After I graduated from college, I wanted to pass on my experience to other students who are looking to study overseas.”

One aspect of his job that he enjoys is meeting prospective students from around the world and helping them achieve their dreams. “It is always interesting to hear the student's story and their ambition for their future,” said Dai. “It is also highly rewarding knowing that I am able to provide them guidance and assistance during their college selection process.”

Congratulations David! And thank you for all that you do to support International Affairs at UCR.