Celebrating the Life of Ralph Shapiro

Ralph J. Shapiro '53, J.D. '58

September 2, 1931 – August 14, 2024

Ralph J. Shapiro was a visionary leader whose deep-rooted loyalty to UCLA spanned three quarters of a century. Along with his wife, Shirley, and their children, Ralph served as a volunteer leader and provided generous philanthropic support across the campus, including to law, the health sciences, athletics, the arts, disability studies, public affairs and more. He was honored at UCLA on December 5, 2024, with a celebration that featured 11 speakers, a musical performance, a photo montage interspersed with written remembrances from friends and colleagues, and a video telling Ralph’s story in his own words. Follow the links below to explore multimedia content honoring a beloved, charismatic and impactful member of the UCLA community and society at large.

In addition to watching the video, please scroll down for links to tributes and other content from the Celebration of Life that took place on December 5, 2024.

Delve into the lasting impact of Ralph Shapiro on UCLA and beyond through heartfelt remembrances and tributes.

View the program for the celebration, featuring running order, list of speakers and more.

See the slideshow of photographs and tributes that ran as guests entered Schoenberg Hall.