Much of the work that Allison Subasic is known for on campus and elsewhere in the UC system has been on her own time as a gay-rights advocate.
She was a key player in a decade-long campaign for domestic-partner benefits for UC employees. She has served on campus and UC-wide committees on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues. She helped create UC Davis’ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center, which opened in 1994.
In January 1998, her avocation and career finally merged when she was selected after a national search as the center’s first full-time professional director.
Such a job was a long-held dream for Subasic, whose 12 years as a staff member included jobs working for the Shields Library catalog and serials departments, the campus educational outreach initiative and Upward Bound.
"For some reason, they hired me and I’m still pinching myself," she says.
Born in Maryland, Subasic moved to California with her family when she was 3. She attended high school in Sacramento and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and social welfare at UC Davis.
After graduating, she worked for a while in the Davis Food Co-op’s deli. "I’m a vegetarian, and I could cut up a chicken faster than anybody."
Friends and colleagues here on campus describe Subasic as a warmhearted mentor to students, an unassuming leader who is intensely dedicated to the goals of equality and justice but still maintains a sense of fun.
Subasic says she dislikes the limelight and prefers working behind the scenes.
What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
Having a loving family, enjoying my profession and enjoying my time off, having a sense of inner peace.
Your idea of utter misery?
Not seeing students for more than a month. If they ever stop making Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream. Or if I was told I was allergic to starches or pasta.
Your greatest extravagance?
I’m 35 and I bought my first car. It’s a little Honda Civic but it’s the biggest thing I’ve every bought. That and my cat [18-year-old King Lear.] Whatever he wants, he gets. I can’t walk into a pet store without buying him some toys.
Who are the people you most admire?
Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., Alice Walker and Maya Angelou. [Angelou’s] sense of inner peace and the way she talks just put me at ease. Ghandi and Martin Luther King for their ability to do things in a peaceful manner and still make a lot of change. They had a vision that they spent their lives pursuing.
Your philosophy of life?
Ever since I was 12, I remember thinking I just wanted to be a nice person, be a good person and try to be honest. One of the things I’ve learned is that none of us is perfect and to forgive myself and other people. And I like to have fun and be silly, which is one of the good things about working with students. They loosen me up.
What’s something you’d never do?
Sky diving. I’m afraid of heights. And I will not be donating blood, because I’m afraid of needles. I passed out once. If I had to I would, but I don’t see myself doing it anytime soon.
What character in popular culture are you most similar to and why?
Tinkie Winkie because I love to dress up in purple and carry a handbag, too.
What’s something about you people would be surprised to know?
I’m dyslexic and I’m allergic to bees and, if they don’t know me in this position, they may not know I’m a lesbian.
What’s your pet peeve?
People making a lot of noise when they eat. It drives me crazy.
What do you do when you are bored?
I watch cooking shows. I love cooking shows. I clean or I garden. I pamper the cat or eat Cherry Garcia ice cream.
If you could pass a universal law for the campus, what would it be?
That we would all have to respect each other for our differences…in all aspects of our lives.
What are your hidden talents?
Synchronized swimming. I was the head coach for the synchronized swim club team for two years. We competed against UC Berkeley and Stanford. I play the fife.
Your greatest fear?
Even though I taught swimming for years and I taught synchronized swimming, my greatest fear is drowning. When I have nightmares, it’s about drowning. My other greatest fear is if they ever stop making Cherry Garcia ice cream.
Your greatest achievements?
Helping the university get domestic partners benefits. My job. It took many years to get here. I’m really proud of myself for getting what is the perfect job for me. And to feel that I make a difference in the lives of some of the students and for the university.
What’s always in your office?
Kleenex and Red Ropes [licorice sticks], teddy bears and a softball mitt and balls. I’ve always got some sporting thing in here. I’m not that good at sports but I always have some in here in case I get bored so I can go outside and throw a ball.
Do your co-workers have a nickname for you?
They either call me Alli or the students call me Boss Lady.
What actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Meg Ryan. She’s just kind of fun and light. Who knows what she’s like in real life, but I like her characters.
What words or phrases do you overuse?
"Sure I can do that"–that’s a biggie. Or "whatever." Students, if they hear that one more time, are going to kill me. "Hang in there" or "Can I refer you to counseling?"