Two years ago, Ed Abeyta witnessed a horrific car crash as he was driving on State Route 52. He stopped his car, rushed to the fiery scene, cut the driver from his seatbelt and pulled him to safety. His heroism earned him the Spirit of Courage Award from the San Diego Fire Department. His colleagues say his actions that night manifested the underlying strengths he demonstrates in his daily life: a selfless dedication to doing the right thing.

Abeyta, 37, is registrar and director of student services at UCSD Extension, where he oversees support services. He has been praised for finding new ways for students to pursue continuing education. He pioneered the first alternative loan program for adult continuing education students, and under his leadership, all of UCSD Extension’s 100 certificate programs were approved for GI Bill financial assistance.

Besides his achievements on campus and as an advocate for UCSD in the statewide UC system, Abeyta volunteers in the community. A civil rights advocate, he is a member of the San Diego Citizens Review Board on Police Practices.

At the University of New Mexico, where he earned a bachelor’s in communications, Abeyta showed his playful side. He was the university mascot, Louie Lobo. After moving to San Diego, he earned a master’s in education from USD and settled down with his wife, Candi. He started at UCSD as an academic outreach counselor before moving eventually to UCSD Extension. Now, as he works on a doctoral degree, Abeyta continues to inspire others to pursue their educational dreams. In his office is posted his mantra: “Your success starts here.”