Each year, the UC San Diego Foundation honors individuals who exemplify outstanding donor stewardship and relationship building. Among the three recipients of the 2025 Excellence in Stewardship Awards is a longtime campus employee and proud alum whose work is as musical as it is meaningful: Scott Paulson ‘84, Exhibits and Events Coordinator at UC San Diego Library. 2025 also marks Scott’s 31st anniversary as the university carillonneur. His dedication to sustaining and evolving the rooftop carillon tradition has made him a standout steward of campus culture, history and philanthropy.
“I am exceptionally proud of all Excellence in Stewardship Awards nominees and awardees for their commitment to fostering relationships,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla in a Campus Notice on June 9, 2025. “Their dedication to building strong relationships with our supporters has enabled UC San Diego to better serve our campus community, drive discovery and innovation, and make a positive impact on the world.”
Scott’s connection to the carillon — the Maas-Rowe instrument perched atop Geisel Library — began in the late 1980s, when donor Joe Rubinger sought to bring a musical identity to campus. Joe believed, “You can’t have school spirit without a carillon.” With the support of then-development officer Emily Raskin and then-Vice Chancellor Mary Walshok, Scott — then a student of music and linguistics — was invited to help bring Joe’s vision to life.
Installed in 1989 and officially named the Irene Rubinger/Institute for Continued Learning Memorial Carillon, the instrument quickly became a fixture of campus life. In 1994, on Joe’s 100th birthday, then-Chancellor Richard C. Atkinson formally named Scott the university carillonneur — an acknowledgment of his creative and heartfelt contributions to the tradition.
For the past three decades, Scott has transformed the carillon into more than just a timekeeper. From celebratory anthems to experimental soundscapes, he has kept the instrument alive with performances that engage, delight and surprise. He collaborates with students, faculty, staff and alumni to commission new works and creates playful musical moments that make Geisel Library sing.
Scott’s impact, however, goes well beyond performance. He actively involves the Rubinger family, shares the story of the carillon’s origin with new audiences and ensures that a gift from the 1980s remains a vibrant, living legacy. His thoughtful, imaginative stewardship shows how long-term engagement can deepen the meaning and reach of philanthropy.
“We’re thrilled to see Scott recognized with this special honor,” said Audrey Geisel University Librarian Erik Mitchell. He brings tremendous care, creativity and commitment to his work — not just in his role as carillonneur, but in how he stewards relationships with donors and community members through storytelling, music and connection. This is a well-deserved recognition of the meaningful impact he makes.”
Congratulations to Scott on his 31st anniversary as university carillonneur and on this well-deserved recognition for keeping UC San Diego’s spirit ringing strong.