Education for All
Dr. James Stretch ’78,’84 and Dr. Sybil Carrère ’78 create opportunities in aquatic biology
For Dr. James Stretch ’78,’84 and Dr. Sybil Carrère ’78, giving back is a natural extension of the lives they’ve built, rooted in education, discovery, and social equity. Their planned gift to aquatic biology at UC Santa Barbara will help students in the field pursue their studies.
“Right now, it’s important to appreciate the role science plays in helping us understand the world. Scientific methodology allows us to grasp all aspects of our environment. Supporting those efforts gives people a clearer understanding of the issues — whether political, social, or environmental — and provides a stronger foundation for making informed decisions,” said James, known to his friends and colleagues as “Stretch.”
In 1974, Sybil and Stretch met at a party hosted by the person who would become his graduate advisor at UC Davis. They seemed to follow each other around California as they pursued their education. A mutual friend kept pairing them at social events until they finally figured out they were meant to be together, Sybil recalled with a laugh.
At UC Santa Barbara, Sybil earned her master’s in counseling while working with women reentering education. After earning a doctorate in social ecology at UC Irvine, she became a postdoc and then a nursing professor at the University of Washington. Sybil concluded her career as a professor at CSU San Bernardino, where her work focused on health disparities. Stretch transitioned into medical education and then into administration at the University of Washington and CSU San Bernardino, with a focus on continuing education.
Throughout their careers, the couple has helped underrepresented and nontraditional students access higher education. They hope their legacy gift to UC Santa Barbara, created by a bequest in their estate plans, continues that work by providing aquatic biology opportunities for students with financial need, particularly first-generation college students or those who had been in the foster care system.
“When I worked with foster care programs in San Bernardino, many kids had no idea that college was a possibility. They learned that if they had the interest, resources existed to help them succeed. We really feel that universities were instrumental in the richness of our lives, so we want to invest in students,” said Sybil.
“We are deeply grateful to Sybil and Stretch for their remarkable commitment to aquatic biology at UC Santa Barbara. Their planned gift will open doors for students to immerse themselves in scientific discovery, investigating the mysteries of aquatic life and pursuing new ideas that will shape the future of the field. Support like this transforms opportunities for individual students while ensuring that UC Santa Barbara remains a place where curiosity and exploration thrive for generations to come,” said Professor Todd Oakley, department chair.
Now, 43 years into their marriage, Sybil and Stretch live on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and balance their time between volunteering in support of their communities and sailing throughout the Salish Sea.
“We made lifelong friends from our time at UC Santa Barbara. We feel fortunate to be able to give back, with the hope of making it possible for students who may not have the financial means to enjoy the same opportunities,” said Stretch.
Published November 2025
We made lifelong friends from our time at UC Santa Barbara. We feel fortunate to be able to give back, with the hope of making it possible for students who may not have the financial means to enjoy the same opportunities.
Dr. James Stretch ’78,’84, pictured with Dr. Sybil Carrère ’78
