Volume 29 · Number 2 · Winter 2012
Alumni Profiles
Julia Fikse '93
Web extra: Young alums
in the work world
How are recent graduates faring in this job market? Read about the journeys of five young alums launching their careers:
Occupation: Founder and CEO of Save the Ta-tas, clothing designer
The best medicine: Breast cancer can be difficult to talk about, especially when the disease strikes you or a loved one. Julia Fikse is trying to make the conversation easier with some T-shirts and accessories with slogans like "Save the ta-tas," "I love my ta-tas" and "Laughter heals." Fiske said. "I've always believed in the old adage, 'A joyful heart is good medicine.' I don't think people need to laugh about breast cancer. . . . Instead, I believe people need to laugh in the face of breast cancer."
Julia Fikse
Tittering for a cure: Fikse came up with the idea for the Ta-Tas line after her husband's aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. While talking about the disease one day, she said, the family found comic relief — "We started to laugh about boobs. And I thought, maybe other people could use a laugh when dealing with such a dark issue." She launched the Ta-tas brand in 2004 and founded the nonprofit Save the Ta-tas Foundation in 2008. Proceeds from clothing and accessory sales go toward fighting breast cancer, with more than $700,000 donated so far. In November, Fikse announced her new Laughter Heals gift line.
Inspired by survivors: After earning her degree in design, Fikse designed clothing for Jessica McClintock, Adidas, Levi Straus and Jimmy Burry. "I love the process of creating an idea and finding something that is really fun and that people love and wear and enjoy," she said. After 10 years, she wanted to create her own line — one that would give back to society. As head of Ta-tas, Fikse said she finds inspiration in the stories she hears every day from breast cancer survivors. "Being able to know these amazing souls fighting in the face of death is the most rewarding part of my job."
She lives in Los Angeles with her husband of 12 years, Craig. As a token to UC Davis, Fikse is offering 15 percent off Aggie orders at savethetatas.com. The code is AGGIES.
Vintage Aggies: Jeff Meier, director of winemaking, J. Lohr Vineyards
Jeff Meier
Jeff Meier '83 came to UC Davis because of its reputation for veterinary medicine. But his preveterinary classes quickly made it clear that he lacked the stomach for blood. Luckily for wine enthusiasts, he discovered he had a knack for wine grapes instead.
After exploring other majors from landscape architecture to botany, Meier earned a bachelor's degree in plant sciences with an emphasis on viticulture. It was a perfect fit, he said. "I had always desired a career that allowed me to get outside, had a lack of routine, and was a marriage of art and science."
After a brief stint in wine sales for a distributor in the Sacramento region, Meier went to work for J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines in San José, working his way quickly from harvest and bottling to winemaking. Now, after 28 years of dedicated work, he holds the titles of director of winemaking and executive vice president/chief operating officer.
Meier credits Barry Gnekow, winemaker at J. Lohr during 1986–96, and David Mezynski, production manager, for fostering his growth and knowledge. But his alma mater got him started, he said. "UC Davis provided me with a solid foundation of education that has opened doors in my career."
For this reason, he maintains a connection through the Cal Aggie Alumni Association. "UC Davis will always have a special place in my heart," he said.
Meier lives in Pleasanton with his wife, Kathryn (Hinrichs) '84, and two daughters. He frequently makes the 80-mile trip to UC Davis for viticulture and enology seminars, meetings and other events to stay on top of the latest research.
J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines, and founder Jerry Lohr, have also supported UC Davis wine research and facilities. "I am particularly proud that we were very involved in the new teaching and research winery development," Meier said. "We were honored that the new fermentation room was named the J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Fermentation Room."
To learn about other alumni winemakers and the Vintage Aggies Wine Program, visit the Cal Aggie Alumni Association website.
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