Author Archives: Nick Todd

Books by Bruins - LGBTQ Stories

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n celebration of Pride month, our Books by Bruins series features publications about LGBTQ topics ranging from personal memoirs to historical stories to humorous film critiques. As this compilation of Bruin authors grows, we’re categorizing the books into an online library, but we’ll need your help to make it as comprehensive as possible. If you know of one, please submit a Bruin author. While all these books are written by UCLA alumni, inclusion in the list is not an endorsement.

Movies That Made Me Gay (2023)

Larry Duplechan ʼ78

Larry Duplechan’s memoir transports viewers through Hollywood history with humorous film criticism while simultaneously covering his experience growing up as a Black gay man in the early 1960s. Duplechan is the author of five novels, including “Blackbird,” which is considered the first modern Black “coming-out” novel, and the Lambda Literary Award-winning “Got ‘til it’s Gone.”

Q&A: Voices from Queer Asian North America (2021)

Alice Hom, M.A. ʼ92

“Q&A: Voices from Queer Asian North America” considers how Asian American racial and queer sexuality interconnect in mutually shaping and complicating ways. Alice Y. Hom is an Asian American LGBTQ community activist and author, and the director of Equity and Social Justice for The Northern California GrantMakers. She is also the host of the Historically Queer Podcast. Her 1998 book, “Q&A: Queer in Asian America; Unifying Differences,” won the Lambda Literary Award for Best Book in Lesbian and Gay Anthologies/Non-Fiction.

Gay L.A.: A History of Sexual Outlaws, Power Politics, and Lipstick Lesbians (2009)

Stuart Timmons ʼ81

Drawing on rare archives and photographs as well as more than three hundred interviews, Lillian Faderman and Stuart Timmons chart L.A.'s unique gay history, from the first missionary encounters with Native American cross-gendered “two spirits” to cross-dressing frontier women in search of their fortunes; from the bohemian freedom of early Hollywood to the explosion of gay life during World War II to the underground radicalism set off by the 1950s blacklist; and from the 1960s gay liberation movement to the creation of gay marketing in the 1990s. While a student at UCLA, gay historian, activist and author Stuart Timmons cofounded Outfest, which has grown into one of the nation’s largest and most influential LGBT film festivals.

Queer American History: A Reader in Documents and Essays (2024)

Amy Sueyoshi, M.A. ʼ98, Ph.D. ʼ02

Sueyoshi bridges feminist, queer and ethnic studies to show how the white quest to forge new frontiers in gender and sexual freedom reinforced racial inequality through a pan-Asian American stereotype weighted with sexual and gender meaning. Amy Sueyoshi is the associate dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University. She is the author of “Queer Compulsions: Race, Nation, and Sexuality in the Affairs of Yone Noguchi.”

It Rhymes with Takei (2025)

George Takei ʼ60, M.A. ʼ64

Following the award-winning bestseller “They Called Us Enemy,” George Takei’s new full-color graphic memoir reveals his most personal story. Takei has shown the world many faces: actor, author, outspoken activist, helmsman of the Starship Enterprise and living witness to the internment of Japanese Americans. Now, for the first time ever, he shares the full story of his life in the closet, his decision to come out as gay at the age of 68, and the way that moment transformed everything.

Twenty Years of Legal Marriage for Same-Sex Couples in the United States: Evidence Review and New Analyses (2024)

Benjamin Karney, M.A. ʼ92, Ph.D. ʼ97

It has been 20 years since the first marriage licenses were issued to same-sex couples in Massachusetts. The authors of this report draw on an evidence review and analyses that reveal that the benefits of access to legal marriage for same-sex couples are unambiguously positive. For the past 25 years, Dr. Benjamin Karney has been studying change and stability in intimate relationships, especially in the early years of marriage.  His research relies upon longitudinal data, repeated measures, multilevel modeling and observational coding of couple interactions.

Love Comes First: Creating LGBTQ Families (2021)

Bradford Kolb, EMBA ʼ22

This first-hand account covers practical information from an organization specializing in adoption for LGBTQ parents as well as sperm donation from the largest sperm bank in the country. As president and managing director of HRC Fertility, Dr. Bradford Kolb is internationally known for having some of the highest rates of pregnancy success in the country. He has also been a pioneer in assisting LGBTQ families. Dr. Kolb is the president and board chair of Love Comes First, a nonprofit organization dedicated to furthering awareness of LGTBQ families via multimedia storytelling.

Mama's Boy: A Story from Our Americas (2019)

Dustin Lance Black ʼ96

Dustin Lance Black wrote the Oscar-winning screenplay for “Milk” and helped overturn California's anti-gay marriage Proposition 8, but he grew up in a conservative Mormon household outside San Antonio, Texas. His book explores what it took to remain a family despite such divisions — a journey that stretched from the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court to the wood sheds of East Texas. Black is an Oscar winner, a TFT alumnus and a veteran screenwriter, producer, director and playwright.

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Previous articles in the Books by Bruins series

Recent Articles

L.A. Wildfires: Bruins Helping Bruins

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he January wildfires across Los Angeles County were the most destructive in California history, leaving behind immeasurable damage, displacement and a citywide sense of loss. The Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods have been devastated and the entire city is shaken, either by personal loss or by the scale of destruction and its impact on friends, family and coworkers. The fires have upended the lives of many in the Bruin community, and Bruins have responded with an outpouring of support. 

After nearly a month of intense firefighting efforts, all the fires are 100% contained, but the damage is staggering. The Palisades Fire burned 23,707 acres, destroying 6,833 structures. The Eaton Fire burned 14,021 acres, and destroyed 9,418 structures. In all, 29 lives were lost and estimates show that 150,000 people were displaced. Thousands of families have lost their homes or cannot return to them until their neighborhoods are safe again. Artists lost their studios, small business owners lost their shops, housekeepers, gardeners and teachers lost their places of employment.  As wildfires broke out across the city on Jan. 7, UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk had just started his first full week in his new role. He quickly shifted his focus to leading UCLA’s response. While the UCLA campus was never in immediate danger, the University closely monitored the situation. Students, faculty and staff who lived nearby had to evacuate, and many learned their homes had been lost in the fire. The Bruin community immediately began organizing ways to help. Chancellor Frenk encouraged Bruins to “look out for one another and mobilize our reservoirs of kindness.”

IMMEDIATE NEEDS

As the winds shifted and the fire began to move towards campus, the Academic Senate made a decision to move classes online for a week out of an abundance of caution. To keep in touch with the Bruin community, Frenk began sharing personal video messages updating the community on UCLA’s efforts to keep health care facilities open and running, limit water use on campus and provide access to temporary housing, meals and support.

Chancellor Frenk announced a series of virtual Town Halls for staff, students, alumni and parents to answer questions from the community and provide updates on resources. UCLA also established a campus updates and resources page with up-to-date information.  

Across campus, student groups, campus departments and other units jumped into action to support the community’s most pressing needs. The UCLA College Corps, a group of students who perform climate-related community service partnered with the UCLA Volunteer Center to mobilize the purchase of comfort and care items from an Amazon wish list, which were combined with donations from businesses. They distributed more than 500 care packages to UCLA community members affected by the fires.

UCLA ALUMNI

Bruins are finding ways to support each other and give back. Within the UCLA community, it is estimated that the fires affected more than 22,000 alumni. Alumni Affairs is working with various alumni networks to assess the needs of impacted Bruins, sharing resources and making plans to help in their long-term recovery. A large list was compiled of resources for affected Bruins, ranging from pet/animal care to temporary housing assistance to programs for small businesses. 

Alumni who are searching for ways to help can directly assist displaced Bruins via GoFundMe, or volunteer their services through this interest form. Julie Sina, associate vice chancellor of Alumni Affairs, has said, “Your alumni community, 670,000 Bruins, are here to support you and lift you, through what we know will not only be today, but as time moves forward, through the recovery. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.” 

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER

In his message to the UCLA community on Jan. 14, Chancellor Frenk shared that the University would open space at its UCLA Research Park property, formerly the Westside Pavilion mall, for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to use as a Disaster Recovery Center. FEMA partnered with the City of Los Angeles and other federal, state and local government agencies and nonprofits to provide much needed services. Since then, the Center has served nearly 17,000 people with applying for disaster relief loans and replacing lost or destroyed birth certificates, passports and driver’s licenses. The UCLA Foundation and Alumni teams have organized a table staffed by UCLA and our alumni volunteers every day since the opening of the center.  Nearly 2,500 Bruins have signed up to lend a helping hand. Volunteers are connecting alumni with resources, answering questions and sharing information about University job openings. UCLA graduates and graduates of any UC can request a replacement diploma free of charge. Kristine Werlinich, executive director of The UCLA Foundation says, “Volunteers have taken away that it’s good to be able to show up for people as a friendly face and an ear to listen, just being there for them when they're going through a tough time.”

The UCLA Alumni Association is collecting new or gently used Bruin apparel to share with Bruins who have lost theirs in the fires. Whether it’s a hoodie, a T-shirt or anything with Bruin flair, donations can be dropped off at the James West Alumni Center on campus. A pop up will be hosted in the spring by the Alumni Association to distribute the gear. 

COMMUNITY

Bruins are using their skills in any way they can to help others. Alan Barasorda ʼ93 is the director of finance and human resources for the Pasadena Senior Center. He is also a longtime member and current president of the Rose Bowl Bruins. Basorda’s UCLA story begins in 1990 when he attended his New Bruin Orientation. He remembers someone asking the gathered students if they felt special, having received an acceptance to their dream school. They followed the question with a suggestion, “I want you to remember this feeling so that after you graduate you can show your gratitude by giving back to the community.” Basorda took that message to heart, and it has inspired him throughout his life.

The Pasadena Senior Center is a nonprofit working to improve the lives of low income and food insecure older adults. During the fire, the Center needed to close briefly, so they brought their supplies to share with the nearby Red Cross Center. In the meantime, the Center collected donations and when they reopened on Jan. 10, they were restocked and eager to provide much needed meals and services. The Altadena Senior Center burned in the fire, so the Pasadena Center extended a welcome to their seniors as well. 

Barasorda has brought UCLA to the Senior Center, hosting Rose Bowl Bruin events and volunteer opportunities. He encourages others to volunteer at the Center, or find other ways to get involved. He says, “It’s about giving back, because that’s what we Bruins do.”

Among the heroes of the community were the firefighters and first responders. Nearly two dozen Los Angeles Fire Department battalion chiefs are UCLA Extension alums. Battalion chiefs coordinate resources and people, a job that requires excellent project management skills. The firefighters earned certified associate project manager certificates through the project management professional exam preparation course within UCLA Extension in 2019. 

CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS 

Many Bruins need help coping with the aftermath of the fires, and UCLA has responded by mobilizing campus organizations and centers. The UCLA Homeless Healthcare Collaborative provided medical care to people who were displaced by the fires and dentistry students and others have mobilized to supply fire-impacted residents with essential relief items. The UCLA Community Programs Office worked with partners including Semel Healthy Campus Initiative Center, UCLA Residential Life and the local nonprofit Food Forward to hold regular food distribution events for students, faculty, staff and alumni. Student volunteers stepped up to help feed hundreds of Bruins and their families at events across UCLA. 

UCLA also provided counseling for students. The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff were made available to support mental health needs and have a 24-hour a day hotline. The UCLA RISE Center also provided support for mental and emotional wellbeing, and held specialized drop-in support and programming for those impacted by fires. 

UCLA EXPERTS

As the focus shifts from immediate support for fire survivors to rebuilding and recovery, UCLA experts are helping guide policymakers and communities to address immediate and long-term challenges, including water supply, air quality, recovery planning, and the governance and politics of disaster response.  

Gregory Pierce, one of the experts from the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, consulted with community members and politicians on increasing safety and trust in drinking water systems impacted by wildfires. He said, “We need to coordinate ASAP on testing, treatment and public communication and involve nonprofit organizations that are trusted in their communities. Otherwise, residents will be confused, concerned or worse regarding the safety of their water.”  

Rachel Connolly, an air quality and environmental equity researcher at UCLA, recommended N95 masks and air purifiers to protect from contaminated air. The Campus Air Quality Dashboard allows anyone to access the information from five air quality sensors across campus. UCLA provided N95 masks at the Ashe Center and from residence halls during and after the fires.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

As UCLA continues to expand the scope of its support for fire relief and recovery efforts, it has also established the Bruin Wildfire Relief Funds to assist students, faculty, staff and researchers who have been impacted by this tragedy. Rebuilding and recovery won’t be achieved in the coming weeks or months; it will take years and will require a large-scale mobilization. But if there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that Bruins are here to help.

Below is a list of UCLA opportunities. 

• Economic Crisis Fund - students in need 
• UCLA Employee Relief Fund – UCLA staff in need  
• UCLA Health Employee Relief Fund - assist those who work in patient care and David Geffen School of Medicine faculty and employees. 
• GoFundMe – UCLA alumni in need 
• Volunteer Interest Form – Offer your time, resources or expertise 
• UCLA Volunteer Center – Database of volunteer opportunities 

If you are impacted by the fires and are in need of support, please reach out to community@alumni.ucla.edu.    

Recent Articles

In Memoriam: Kelli Tani '17

Former Student Alumni Association board member Kelli Tani '17 has passed away in a tragic biking accident. She was 28.

A celebration of life service for the California-born resident of Colorado will be held on at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, at Riviera United Methodist Church, 375 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Those wishing to attend are requested to RSVP for planning purposes by calling Tani's home church, Faith UMC, at 310-217-7000.

A communications studies major and member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, Tani, who worked at NBCUniversal Media and Google, participated in UCLA Alumni's Entertainment Networking Night. At the time of her death, she was an MBA candidate at the NYU Stern school of Business.

Tani is survived by her parents, Gary and Cathie Tani; brother, Andrew; fiancé, Jon Hurwitz of Los Gatos, California; grandfather, Koichi Ono; uncles Daryl Ono and Dr. Lloyd Tani of Salt Lake City, Utah; aunt, Colleen Tani; cousins Ryan (Bronte) and Jaclyn Tani, and many family and friends.  She was predeceased by her brother, Christopher; grandparents, Joe and Lorraine Tani and Hisako Ono, and other relatives.

News of Tani's passing prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrances from her friends and colleagues, some of which we share here.

There are no words that could encapsulate Kelli's spirit and her warm nature. Kelli was truly one of a kind. She was so energetic, fun, inclusive, kind, and bubbly. She made everyone feel seen and heard, and was able to fill a room with her light in a very special way - her light only made everyone else's shine brighter. Kelli was very diligent in her work and I always trusted in whatever she was delivering to be of very high quality. She was always someone I could count on. While I respected and admired her professional accomplishments, it was her zest for life and community building ability that made her truly special. She excelled at everything she put her mind to, and that included finding balance in her professional and personal life. Kelli was known to make you feel special and heard, and could connect with practically everybody. Kelli will truly be missed by so many of the lives she deeply touched.
— Eunice Jung, former president, Student Alumni Association

Kelli truly was the most incredible human.  We bonded as a true family on Spring Sing together as we spent countless hours putting together an amazing show for UCLA students and becoming such a close knit unit.  lli was always a bright light in any room. She was thoughtful, selfless, kind, bubbly and the life of the party. She was dedicated and hard working yet also knew how to not take life too seriously. She made any moment more fun and always brought an infectious positive energy that lifted everyone around her and brought people together.
— Abby Freemire

Kelli was my director on Alumni Relations during her senior year and was truly the piece that brought us all together. Our committee was very close that year and we all have Kelli to thank for that. She was incredibly thoughtful, funny, kind, and always there to listen. Her zest for life and those around her was so apparent. She will be deeply missed by us all.
— Grace Hunter

There were so many things I admired about Kelli, but one of the biggest ones was how she so effortlessly and genuinely built community with others. Whether it was her committees or friends, she had such a special way of bringing people together and making them a group that cared for and supported each other.
— Geena Shah

Without a doubt, Kelli was truly a rare and special person. She had the most vibrant and beautiful soul, with a contagious smile and laughter that would light up every room she walked into. She possessed the amazing gift of humor, cared tremendously for her friends and loved ones, and poured her heart and soul into all of her passions. She made an indelible impact on so many of our lives, and I know all of us lucky enough to know her will carry her in our hearts for the rest of our lives. I am grateful for our unforgettable memories and friendship, from the all-star cast we had in Career Networking to losing our voices together at football games to graduating together as SAAniors.
 — Christian Tejeda

Her beaming smile that we all knew and loved was always the first thing you noticed about her, and then quickly after came her radiant light, warmth, and energy. I truly don’t have a single memory of her not smiling or being her happy self. 
 — Paulina Hernandez

Kelli and I were on Spring Sing committee together where we spent so many weekends and long nights preparing for the big show. We became one big family and Kelli was the light in the center of it. She brought so much joy, positive energy, and laughter into every moment. Kelli was such a rare person.
— Amir Ghowsi 

Kelli was my co-Director on Spring Sing. We spent countless hours during one of the most monumental years of my college experience putting together a dream Stage Crew for the event. She was pure sunshine - not only to work with day after day, but to simply be around, laugh with, play with. Her genuine kindness and pure silliness was contagious, and I’ll always be grateful for that time spent with her as a partner in crime, Stage Crew mom and friend. May her unmatched light continue to shine bright on us. 
— Ari Stanton

I am sending so much love to your family. Kelli was so sweet and always made me feel seen & included. I had what I know now was severe social anxiety, and she was quite literally one of the handful of people from my time in SAA with whom I immediately felt comfortable and got to connect with. I'll remember her dearly.
— Tunrayo

Kelli reminds me of the sun, radiating warmth on the days you need it. Big ol' smile on her face whenever I walked into meeting. Thank you Kelli. Your shine made Tuesday nights even better.
— Frankie

I met Kelli during my sophomore year at UCLA. Kelli was a senior and the director of my Student Alumni Association committee. I feel grateful to have met Kelli during this period of my life, because it was a formative time as I was exploring who I wanted to be. I instantly looked up to Kelli, and saw her as the older sister I never had...
— Read more of Catherine Zhang's tribute to Kelli here.

Recent Articles

Career Anxiety and How Parents Can Help

As a 25-year veteran executive recruiter, I had the opportunity this summer to teach a career management course to UCLA recent graduates. It opened my eyes to some startling trends. A phenomenon that surprised me was the rise of "snowplow parenting." This is defined as a parenting style that seeks to remove obstacles from a student’s path to prevent them from experiencing pain, failure or discomfort, particularly around academic and career endeavors. Instead of allowing students to register themselves for the course, parents were doing it on their behalf. Some parents even asked if they could attend the class instead of their student or sit in. This level of intervention reflected deeper concerns — parents were feeling the stress of the current job market as much as their recent grad, if not more.

Scholars note that a young person’s soft skills, particularly communication, problem-solving and adaptability, are stunted when guardians act as intermediaries. Critical for workplace success, these skills may remain underdeveloped when young adults rely on parents to handle complex or challenging situations. The Atlantic and New York Times have reported increased instances of parents calling employers on behalf of their adult children or even sitting in on job interviews.  This behavior signals to employers that the candidate may lack autonomy and initiative.

At the same time, I was equally surprised by the fears and anxieties felt by my Gen Z students about the job search process. Their reluctance to show enthusiasm during interviews, lack of preparation and the alarming admission that some had applied to over 1,000 jobs without being qualified revealed a deeper issue. These students were so overwhelmed that they threw applications into the void, hoping something would stick, and then they became despondent when none of it resulted in an interview. I quickly realized that this was about their fear of the unknown — failure — and fear of entering the workforce without a clear idea of what they wanted to do.

In my previous series “Gen Z in the Workforce,” I described how this generation was under pressure, with many struggling with mental health, and figuring out their path was challenging. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened their uncertainty. Internships were canceled, job opportunities dried up and the usual pathways to building work experience disappeared overnight.  As a result, many were going into the workforce “blind,” unprepared and unsure of how to navigate the complexities of today’s job market. Some were even postponing their entry into the workforce altogether, opting for graduate school to avoid the job search.

My summer experience taught me a great deal about the stresses facing today’s graduates and the well-intentioned but sometimes overbearing role of parents. Eighty percent of the students expressed feeling tremendous pressure from their parents to hurry up and land a job. If parents really want to help, they can utilize some practical strategies and support techniques to help young adults without enabling them. They can offer to research potential companies, but they should also allow the job-seeker to reach out and connect on their own. They can listen to the challenges of their adult children but should refrain from “fixing” the situation. Guardians can also help by suggesting networking strategies but should let the young adult take the lead.

My course, The Classroom, included the benefit of office hours where students were able to schedule time with me to discuss anything about their job search. I created a judgement-free environment where they can feel comfortable being open about their frustrations and disappointments about the process. My advice for snowplow parents is to start the shift from over-involvement to a more supportive, hands-off role that fosters independence.

Here’s what that looks like:

1. Let Failure Be a Teacher: Failure is necessary for growth. By stepping in to solve every problem, parents prevent their student from learning resilience, problem-solving and how to navigate setbacks independently. Encourage parents to view failure not as something to avoid but as a steppingstone to success.
2. Trust Their Abilities: College graduates are capable adults who need opportunities to prove themselves. They may not always get it right, but trusting them to find their way will help build their confidence. Parents are encouraged to voice their belief in their young adult’s abilities, which can provide emotional support without micromanaging.
3. Provide Guidance, Not Control: Act as a sounding board rather than decision-makers. Offer advice when asked but allow the young adults to make the final call on important decisions. This approach nurtures independence and teaches young adults to weigh options and accept the consequences.
4. Redefine Support: Parents should transition from "doers" to "supporters." Being supportive does not mean fixing every issue. Instead, it means offering encouragement, listening and showing empathy. It's OK to observe from afar but to trust the process.
5. Let Them Come to You First: If a parent has made it known they are there for support, the young adult will feel free to express themselves earnestly when ready. They may come to seek advice or air frustrations. Regardless, the goal remains the same - keep them moving forward with confidence and encouragement.
6. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results: Focus on their effort and determination rather than just the outcomes. Whether or not a project or job application is successful, praise their persistence, reinforcing resilience and perseverance.
7. Encourage Networking Over Handholding: Instead of directly intervening in their job search or career steps, encourage them to build their network. Parents can help connect them to professionals, but their young adult needs to have those conversations and relationships on their terms.
8. Understand the Long-Term Value: Allowing their young adult to struggle and overcome challenges now will set them up for long-term success. By stepping back, guardians are equipping their graduate with critical life skills and giving them the space to grow, explore and learn from their own experiences.

The Alumni Association is also here for encouragement and support. Bruins have access to the largest network of UCLA alumni professionals through UCLA ONE, where they can have industry-specific questions answered, seek an informational interview or search jobs posted by Bruins. Furthermore, the Association:

• Offers professional development workshops taught by seasoned career coaches
• Runs the Bruin Success podcast where established Bruins share lessons from their career journey
• Provides in-person networking opportunities with Bruins from a variety of fields

As mentioned earlier, I recently taught The Classroom I, II and, coming next spring, part III. The course is targeted for recent graduates seeking to gain valuable insights and practical tools for their job search. The sessions are recorded and available for both course participants and non-participants.

Ultimately, these students are all Bruins. Why shouldn’t we have every confidence in the world that they can succeed on their own? They beat the odds, they got into UCLA and they successfully graduated from the No. 1 public university in the country.     

Amy Rueda is a 25-year veteran of executive search, who has placed CEOs and C-suite executives across multiple industries and functional areas. Her passion for leading diversity initiatives that focus on change management and employee engagement is reflected in her portfolio of accomplishments. Rueda studied political science and was born and raised in Los Angeles. Her previous articles can be viewed at https://alumni.ucla.edu/career-engineering.

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Bruins Then and Now

Do you have a great photo of yourself with your BFF, classmates, or teammates from your days on campus that would be worth … recreating? UCLA Magazine is working on a feature story where alumni will be invited back to campus to recreate a photo from their time at UCLA, to see the “then” and “now.” (You can see examples here.) Get your group back together for a fun photo shoot for the 2025 print edition of UCLA Magazine! Please submit your photos and your contact information to Michael Callahan, editorial director, at mcallahan@stratcomm.ucla.edu.

Recent Articles

The Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits: Addressing a Booming Need

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new $8.05 million gift from Lowell Milken, J.D. ’73, has elevated UCLA Law’s Program on Philanthropy and Nonprofits – established in 2021 with a $3.7 million gift from Milken – to the status of research center. It recently launched as the Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits.

The center will provide much-needed education for UCLA Law students as well as nonprofit professionals who would like to acquire better grounding in the legal aspects of running a nonprofit. The center also aims to provide thought leadership and scholarship for the sector.

Much of the motivation for Milken’s gifts comes from understanding a societal shift happening with aging boomers.

“We are at a unique moment in history, where members of the baby boomer generation have accumulated unprecedented wealth. That wealth is spurring revolutionary change in philanthropy and giving,” Milken said. “Ultimately, this generational wealth shift and the infusion of financial capital into the philanthropic community have the potential to create a profoundly positive impact on society.”

Rose Chan Loui, the center’s executive director, added, “In the United States, so many of the social services that we need are provided by nonprofits. The huge transfer of wealth that has started to happen amounts to trillions of dollars. Lowell wants this next generation of philanthropists to have experts working with them so that they can have the most positive social impact possible with their funds.”

Chan Loui is hoping that a large number of these experts will eventually come from the UCLA alumni community. She also invites UCLA alumni in the philanthropic and nonprofit space to reach out to the center.  Whether it’s to mentor students, participate in panels, or engage with the center’s educational offerings, Chan Loui says they would like to hear from interested Bruins. “We encourage alumni to join our mailing list and talk to us about how they can be involved.”

In addition to courses for those in the J.D. and LL.M. programs, the center will provide executive education programming, as well as special events and talks.

“We’ve had a very busy year,” Chan Loui said.  “We’ve been focusing on different constituencies within the nonprofit and philanthropic world. For example, we had a large convening of arts nonprofits and funders, featuring the chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, Maria Rosario Jackson, Ph.D. ’96. We held a big conference jointly with Loyola Law School that is targeted at practitioners – mostly lawyers, nonprofit accountants and in-house counsel at nonprofits. Due to the generosity of event sponsors, we were able to provide scholarships to 20 law students from UCLA and Loyola to attend the conference.  At the law school, we have been conducting career panels to introduce students to what they can do in the philanthropy and nonprofit world.  Finally, we just hosted at the law school a conversation with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on the challenging issue of homelessness. There are many UCLA alumni out there working in the nonprofit world; we would love to bring them together for an event.”

One possibility for such a gathering might be a discussion of the drama that occurred at OpenAI with the ouster and subsequent return of CEO Sam Altman. Chan Loui co-wrote an article with the center’s faculty director Jill Horwitz and senior scholar in residence Ellen Aprill on the intrigue at the ChatGPT company and how it’s nonprofit status played a large role in the drama. Chan Loui also appeared on CNBC’s “Squawkbox” discussing the situation.

“Open AI is actually a nonprofit with a nonprofit mission, something that a lot of people did not recognize; they were saying, ‘Who are these people and what do they know about artificial intelligence? They don’t even have a financial interest in AI’ – but that is exactly why they were placed there to guard the nonprofit mission.”

Many lawyers who have decided the corporate world is not as satisfying as they had hoped have turned to the nonprofit sector as a rewarding way of using their legal education and experience – despite it being potentially less lucrative.

“Students are often concerned that a career in nonprofit law is not financially viable – but that is not true,” Chan Loui said. “There is a world there that they might be able to fit into someday.

“There’s been some good interest at the law graduate studies level – people who are here getting LL.M.s – and I think it’s because they’re farther along in a career or they’re making pivots.  What you hear the most is that they’re looking for careers that are fulfilling, and that’s what a nonprofit law career can give you. If you find a cause that you’re interested in, it’s a great space to be in. You’re not going to make the same money as being a partner in big law firm or by being a venture capitalist, but you can have a solid lifestyle and at the same time feel really good about your work.

“Nonprofits always need really good volunteers. So if you want to get your feet wet and have specific expertise to offer, e.g., legal or financial, joining the board of a nonprofit is a really good way to get involved in that nonprofit world, to give back. That’s how I started – it was when I started volunteering on boards that I realized how much I liked being in that sector. So I pivoted from doing corporate tax into nonprofit – and I feel that I’ve found my place.

“The tricky challenge with nonprofit law is there's not this defined path as there is for law firms or even for government work. Most nonprofit lawyers have worked at law firms first, or in government or as public interest lawyers, then gotten themselves trained and then moved into nonprofit law practice or nonprofit management. It's a more circuitous path and you can get there in all kinds of ways. But it helps to know that you can go in that direction. We really appreciate people who want to mentor others who are interested in practicing nonprofit law or being in the nonprofit world.”

Chan Loui says Lowell Milken’s inspiration for funding this center is the transfer of wealth from the baby boomer generation to their children. “We need the next generation of lawyers and experts to be advisers to all the philanthropists we are expecting. Many of us are getting to retirement age and there aren’t a lot of people to continue the work, because we haven’t been training them.”

With the advent of the Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits, UCLA Law is taking a large step toward addressing that situation.

To join the center’s mailing list, please email nonprofits@law.ucla.edu.

Recent Articles

UCLA Campus Protests

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ike many universities across the country and around the world, UCLA is experiencing a period of unrest. The Oct. 7 attack and ensuing conflict in Gaza have led to protests, encampments, violence, vandalism, arrests, remote learning, canceled events and calls for change. The following is a compilation of excerpts from University announcements and AP News alerts addressing these events as they unfolded. Click on the links to read the full statement.

Oct. 9, 2023

Chancellor Gene Block issued a message regarding recent violent attacks abroad and shared a statement from UC President Michael Drake and UC Board of Regents Chair Richard Leib:

“I write to share the below message from University of California President Michael V. Drake and UC Board of Regents Chair Richard Leib about the horrific and heart-wrenching terrorist attacks on Israeli citizens that took place over the weekend. These attacks led to an escalation of violence in the region that has since claimed many additional Israeli and Palestinian lives…”

Oct. 13, 2023

Chancellor Gene Block shared this message about the recent events in Israel and Gaza and the resources available to our community:

“I write to share reflections at the end of a very challenging week for both our UCLA community and the world. Only six days ago, a heinous assault was perpetrated upon Israeli civilians by the terror organization Hamas, a despicable attack that included the killing of children and the elderly as well as the taking of innocent hostages. Earlier this week, I joined UC leadership in condemning this attack, and as new details have emerged, I can only denounce it further: This was a grievous act of malice and hate. It was, I am pained to say, the largest one-day killing of Jews since the end of the Holocaust...”

Oct. 27, 2023

This message was shared with the campus community by vice chancellor for Student Affairs Monroe Gorden Jr. ʼ94, CERT. ʼ09, administrative vice chancellor Michael Beck and interim vice provost for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Mitchell Chang:

“As violence continues in the Middle East, and as events and rallies related to the conflict take place on our campus, we have heard from members of our community who are concerned about their safety. We write today to share some of the actions UCLA is taking to promote security, respect and well-being within our community while ensuring our university remains true to its commitment to freedom of expression...”

Chancellor Gene Block shared this message with the campus community about the importance of tolerance, mutual respect and maintaining a safe environment on campus:

“The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has stirred very deep emotions in many of us. But this does not in the least give anyone in our community — or anyone visiting our campus — license to make our students, staff or faculty feel unsafe.”

Nov. 10, 2023

Chancellor Block shared the following message with the campus community condemning incidents of bigotry, intolerance and intimidation that have taken place on UC campuses, including UCLA, over the past several weeks:

“Periods of conflict in the Middle East have time and again been linked to a global rise in reprehensible acts of Antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate. I am extremely disheartened to say that this has proven true once again, and the UCLA campus has by no means been spared…”

Feb. 21, 2024

UCLA statement on resolutions by the Graduate Student Association and the Undergraduate Students Association Council which have called for divestment from Israel:

“These resolutions run counter to the position of the University of California and UCLA, which, like all nine other UC campuses, has consistently opposed calls for a boycott against and divestment from Israel. This has been the longstanding position of all 10 UC campus chancellors and the UC Office of the President. We stand firm in our conviction that a boycott of this sort poses a direct and serious threat to the academic freedom of our students and faculty and to the unfettered exchange of ideas and perspectives on our campuses…”

March 28, 2024

UCLA issued a statement in response to an appalling and hateful display at a UC Board of Regents meeting:

“We are appalled, offended and deeply frustrated by the ugly antisemitic caricature that was displayed as part of a protest targeting a University of California Board of Regents meeting on our campus in mid-March. The protest ended on March 21 and the display has been removed. Hateful and racist depictions like this are a complete affront to UCLA’s Principles of Community and True Bruin Values, and to the diverse, inclusive academic community we aim to cultivate….”

April 25, 2024

Campus activity update: “Demonstration with encampments formed early this morning in Royce Quad.”

Mary Osako ʼ96, vice chancellor for UCLA Strategic Communications, shared the following statement regarding the demonstration:

“Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of our entire Bruin community. We’re actively monitoring this situation to support a peaceful campus environment that respects our community’s right to free expression while minimizing disruption to our teaching and learning mission...”

April 26, 2024

Mary Osako ʼ96, vice chancellor for UCLA Strategic Communications, shared a statement regarding the encampment:

“Yesterday morning, demonstrators established a physical encampment on a lawn in Royce quad, joining similar groups that have set up presences at universities across the country. UCLA’s approach to the encampment is guided by several equally important principles: the need to support the safety and wellbeing of Bruins, the need to support the free expression rights of our community, and the need to minimize disruption to our teaching and learning mission. These same long-standing principles have allowed UCLA to uphold a history of peaceful protest…”

The University of California shared the following statement:

“The University of California has consistently opposed calls for boycott against and divestment from Israel. While the University affirms the right of our community members to express diverse viewpoints, a boycott of this sort impinges on the academic freedom of our students and faculty and the unfettered exchange of ideas on our campuses…”

April 27, 2024

Campus activity update: “Regular campus activities continue uninterrupted by the encampment demonstration… Safety personnel in Student Affairs Mitigators (SAMs) and Public Safety Aides (PSAs) uniforms are around the encampment site, and CSC security teams are also located throughout campus. While in the area, you may also hear helicopter activity that is associated with the news media covering the demonstration.”

April 28, 2024

Campus activity update: “Regular campus activities continue uninterrupted by the encampment demonstration…UCLA is following University of California systemwide policy guidance, which directs us not to request law enforcement involvement preemptively, and only if absolutely necessary to protect the physical safety of our campus community.”

11:22 a.m.: Mary Osako ʼ96, vice chancellor for UCLA Strategic Communications, shared a statement:

“This morning, a group of demonstrators breached a barrier that the university had established separating two groups of protestors on our campus, resulting in physical altercations. UCLA has a long history of being a place of peaceful protest, and we are heartbroken about the violence that broke out.”

April 29, 2024

Campus activity update: “We are heartbroken to report that yesterday, some physical altercations broke out among demonstrators on Royce Quad. We have since instituted additional security measures and increased the numbers of our safety team members on site, including our uniformed Student Affairs Mitigators (SAMs), Public Safety Aides (PSAs), CSC and campus security.”

April 30, 2024

8 a.m., Campus activity update: “Events and activities are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis and we are working to maintain our regular campus life as much as possible.  Event organizers will communicate with participants directly regarding changes, cancellations or alternative access accommodations.”

4:25 p.m., Campus activity update: “Access to Royce Hall is now closed through Friday. Alternate locations are being identified as options for classes taking place in Royce. Instructors will inform students about further information regarding class location. Faculty should reach out to their departments for possible classroom reassignments.”

5 p.m.: Chancellor Gene Block shared a message with the campus affirming UCLA’s support of peaceful protest and condemning incidents of bullying and threatening behavior:

“Many of the demonstrators, as well as counter-demonstrators who have come to the area, have been peaceful in their activism. But the tactics of others have frankly been shocking and shameful. We have seen instances of violence completely at odds with our values as an institution dedicated to respect and mutual understanding. In other cases, students on their way to class have been physically blocked from accessing parts of the campus. In response… we have significantly increased our security presence in the area… we have also engaged law enforcement to investigate the recent acts of violence. The barriers that demonstrators used to block access to buildings have been removed, and we have staff located around Royce Quad to help ensure that they will not go up again… I recognize that the suffering in the Middle East has had a profound impact on our campus, and we continue to hope for a peaceful resolution. While Bruins hold a variety of perspectives on this conflict, we must all protect the wellbeing of our peers and maintain an environment safe for learning. This is a commitment I call on our community to uphold as we navigate the weeks ahead.”

A statement from UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D., on free speech and campus protests:

“The right to protest and demonstrate against policies and practices of governing authorities is among the most important privileges of a democracy. This right is not, however, absolute. We must exercise our rights within the broad confines of the laws and policies we ourselves have established. Earlier today, the UCLA campus sent out a message for those in the UCLA encampment informing them that the encampment is unlawful and violates university policy...”

Officials at UCLA declared the pro-Palestinian encampment illegal for the first time on Tuesday and warned protesters that they faced consequences if they did not leave.

May 1, 2024

12:12 a.m.: Mary Osako ʼ96, vice chancellor for UCLA Strategic Communications, shared a statement about the attack at the encampment on campus:

“Horrific acts of violence occurred at the encampment tonight and we immediately called law enforcement for mutual aid support. The fire department and medical personnel are on the scene. We are sickened by this senseless violence and it must end.”

1:10 a.m., AP News: “Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters clashed in Los Angeles on the campus of UCLA on Wednesday in the latest escalation of demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war that have spread to college campuses nationwide.”

6:59 a.m., AP News: “Police move to separate pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators at UCLA. Police in riot gear moved onto the UCLA campus in Los Angeles amid violence between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters on Wednesday.”

8 a.m.: Campus activity updates: “Due to the distress caused by the violence that took place on Royce Quad late last night and early this morning, all classes are canceled today.”

2:15 p.m.: Chancellor Gene Block shared a message with the campus community about recent violence and restoring a safe learning environment at UCLA:

“Late last night, a group of instigators came to Royce Quad to forcefully attack the encampment that has been established there to advocate for Palestinian rights. Physical violence ensued, and our campus requested support from external law enforcement agencies to help end this appalling assault, quell the fighting and protect our community. However one feels about the encampment, this attack on our students, faculty and community members was utterly unacceptable. It has shaken our campus to its core and — adding to other abhorrent incidents that we have witnessed and that have circulated on social media over the past several days — further damaged our community’s sense of security.”

6:07 p.m.,  AP News: “Students speak out about overnight violence at UCLA protests… after counter-protesters ‘forcefully’ attacked a pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA early Wednesday.”

6:30 p.m., Campus activity update: “Campus operations will be limited tomorrow and Friday. Please continue to avoid campus and the Royce Quad area… Per Academic Senate guidance on instruction, all in-person classes are authorized and required to pivot to remote tomorrow and Friday.”

8:39 p.m., AP News: “Tension grows on UCLA campus as police order dispersal of large pro-Palestinian gathering… A large crowd of students, alumni and neighbors gathered on campus steps outside the barricaded area of tents, sitting as they listened and applauded various speakers and joined in pro-Palestinian chants. Overheard television cameras showed students in the barricaded area passing out goggles and helmets, as well as setting up medical aid stations.”

May 2, 2024

12:09 a.m., AP News: “Police in riot gear massed on the UCLA campus and ordered a large group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators inside a fortified encampment to leave the area or face arrest late Wednesday.”

2:59 a.m., Bruin ALERT: “AVOID THE AREA of Dickson Plaza due police activity; Police have ordered an evacuation of Dickson Plaza due to an unlawful assembly. DO NOT re-enter the area of Dickson Plaza & follow the direction of public safety personnel. UCLA has modified campus operations.”

7:10 a.m., AP News: “Police and protesters clash at UCLA in tense scene as pro-Palestinian encampment is dismantled. Police removed barricades and have begun dismantling the fortified encampment of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in a chaotic and tense scene at the University of California, Los Angeles.”

9:25 a.m., AP News: “Tense clashes at UCLA between pro-Palestinian protesters and police lead to arrests. Police removed barricades and began dismantling pro-Palestinian demonstrators’ fortified encampment early Thursday at the University of California, Los Angeles, after hundreds of protesters defied orders to leave, some of them forming human chains as police fired flash-bangs to break up the crowds.”

1:41 p.m.: Chancellor Gene Block shared a message with the campus community about the immense toll the events of the past week have taken on Bruins:

“Our community is in deep pain. We are reeling from days of violence and division. And we hope with all our hearts that we can return to a place where our students, faculty and staff feel safe and, one day, connected again… To preserve campus safety and the continuity of our mission, early this morning, we made the decision to direct UCPD and outside law enforcement officers to enter and clear the encampment. Officers followed a plan that had been carefully developed to protect the safety of protesters at the site. Those who remained encamped last night were given several warnings and were offered the opportunity to leave peacefully with their belongings before officers entered the area. Ultimately, about 300 protesters voluntarily left, while more than 200 resisted orders to disperse and were arrested.”

May 3, 2024

Campus activity update: “Campus operations will be limited through the weekend, and are expected to resume in full on Monday. Classes continue remote through the weekend. Work, events and research activities are encouraged to remain remote or be rescheduled wherever possible during that period.”

May 5, 2024

Chancellor Gene Block sent a message to the Bruin community outlining an organizational change which will administer policing and emergency management:

“Effective immediately, I am moving oversight and management of UCLA PD and the Office of Emergency Management from the Office of the Administrative Vice Chancellor to a newly created Office of Campus Safety, whose leader reports directly to me. It is clear that UCLA needs a unit and leader whose sole responsibility is campus safety to guide us through tense times… Leading the Office of Campus Safety as its inaugural associate vice chancellor is Rick Braziel, who brings to the position more than 30 years of public safety service, including five years as chief of police for the City of Sacramento. Braziel has also served as an instructor in community policing and has led reviews of law enforcement agencies and police responses.”

Campus activity update: “The campus will return to regular operations tomorrow, Monday, May 6, and plans to remain this way through the rest of the week.”

May 6, 2024

8:30 a.m., Campus activity update: “Classes and work in Moore Hall will be remote today due to ongoing disruptions.”

10:15 a.m., Campus activity update: “All classes are moving remote today and campus operations are limited due to ongoing disruptions.” 

4 p.m., Campus activity update: “Due to ongoing disruption, the campus has returned to limited operational status. Therefore, per Senate guidance (link is external), classes will move remote May 6-10.” 

6:38 p.m.: Chancellor Gene Block shared a message with the campus community about an investigation to identify the perpetrators and hold them to account:

“Last Tuesday night, a group of instigators came to Royce Quad and violently attacked students, faculty and staff members who were encamped to advocate for Palestinian rights. This was a truly despicable act, and in my message to the campus the following day, I committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice. This remains an important priority. To that end, inaugural Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Safety Officer Rick Braziel is leading a law enforcement investigation to identify the perpetrators of the violence and hold them to account...”

May 7, 2024

UC announces nationally-recognized firm will review actions that led to violent events at the UCLA campus last week:

“Today, the University of California announced that 21st Century Policing Solutions (21CP) will lead the independent investigation of the actions that led to violence on the UCLA campus last week. 21CP is a nationally recognized consultant known for expertise…”

May 9, 2024

The University of California Office of the President announced guiding principles for use by UC campuses in determining disciplinary actions:

“UC campuses support and protect nonviolent and lawful protests. We do all we can within the law to facilitate freedom of expression and a vibrant exchange of ideas, while also maintaining a safe environment and access to university facilities for all members of our community… Any member of the university community who is arrested for unlawful behavior or cited for a violation of university policy must go through the applicable review process, such as student code of conduct or employee disciplinary process. UC community members found to violate university policy or campus codes of conduct will be held accountable in a manner appropriate to the situation and consistent with campus processes.”

UCPD Statement Regarding 5-6-24 Incidents:

“On Monday, May 6, 2024, at about 5:50 a.m., a UCLA community member reported a large group of people at Parking Structure 2. UCLA PD officers responded to the location and found a group of approximately 40 individuals inside the structure wearing masks and in possession of metal pipes… At about 6:05 a.m., while the group at Parking Structure 2 was still detained, a group of at least 30 individuals were seen inside Moore Hall. Moore Hall was closed to the public at that time. UCPD learned via social media that a UCLA registered student organization had just posted a statement encouraging people to occupy Moore Hall… After approximately 25 minutes of announcements… a group of about 60 individuals exited the building and left the area.”

AP News: UCLA faculty and staff denounce University’s handling of student Gaza protest. “Some professors at UCLA are demanding that the University stop its plan to punish students recently arrested while protesting the ongoing war in Gaza at a tent encampment on campus.”

May 11, 2024

Campus activity update: “ALL CLEAR - Dickson Plaza (Royce Quad) has reopened to the public. Please follow the direction of facilities & public safety personnel as the affected area(s) reopen.  Law enforcement and other security personnel continue to be on campus to help promote safety and actively monitor conditions. The campus has returned to regular operations. - ALL CLEAR.”

May 20, 2024

Chancellor Gene Block shared a message reflecting on several very difficult weeks for our UCLA community:

“The events of the past several weeks have fractured both our sense of community and our sense of security. They have bred anger and mistrust between Bruins, and they have led to marked frustration with how we have administered campus safety at UCLA. I am deeply sorry to see our community in so much pain... This week, I will be testifying before a Congressional committee focused on the topic of antisemitism on college campuses. I will speak honestly, and personally, about the challenges UCLA faces and the impact of this pernicious form of hate. I will continue to insist that antisemitism – as well as Islamophobia, anti-Arab hate and any form of bigotry, hostility or discrimination – is antithetical to our values, corrosive to our community and not to be tolerated... In my final few months as chancellor, I am dedicated to doing all I can to address these challenges and help shepherd the process of rebuilding trust and dialogue within our community. This includes ongoing discussions with student and faculty leaders of all perspectives, with the aim of ensuring our campus can be a place where advocacy does not lead to antagonism.”

As developments unfold, visit the UCLA Newsroom Campus Statements and Bruins Safe Online pages for the latest updates.

Recent Articles

When I Was at UCLA - May 2023

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n a recent issue of Alumni Connect, we put out a call for alumni to finish the sentence, “When I was at UCLA…” with anecdotes from their time on campus.  The submissions varied, telling interesting occurrences of personal significance, campus history and UCLA’s impact on generations of Bruins. Below are some highlights: 

• When I was at UCLA, I was a mother of five and married. It was during Coronavirus. I had one class on campus the entire time. I was a transfer student and I was still the best student I have ever been. I made the best of a hard situation and I succeeded. I had GRIT and I graduated with a 3.93 GPA. It was a dream come true and it was home to me. Go Class of 2022! I am proud to be in your graduating class. – Ayanna Robinson ʼ22
• When I was at UCLA, I was part of the first freshman class to select classes via telephone enrollment (yes, telephone!). – Jenny Grossgold ʼ93
• When I was at UCLA, I realized a dream come true: amazing research/library facilities; incredible, famed speakers; basketball giants (literally!); and a doctoral advisor/chair second to none (John McNeil). – Bill Younglove, Ed.D. ʼ83
• When I was at UCLA, I was walking to the student center - Kerckhoff hall in 1958 or 1959 and was stopped by Rafer Johnson ʼ59. He wanted to tell me why I should vote for him for student body president. He was very pleasant, and we spoke for quite a while. – Jo Ann Lesser ʼ59
• When I was at UCLA, I got my start with teaching. As an incoming freshman, I found the UCLA Computer Club located in 3514 Boelter Hall (the club no longer exists). I volunteered to teach one of the free computer classes the club offered in the evenings. I found that I loved to teach. I taught classes through the club nearly every quarter I was a student. After graduating, I started to teach for UCLA Extension where I still teach to this day. And I still love teaching! – Daniel Gutierrez ʼ78
• When I was at UCLA, I learned so much in the Army ROTC program. I thought that I knew so much because I was already a Vietnam Veteran when I enrolled in the program. I learned about accepting responsibility for my actions and not blaming others. My UCLA experience helped me a lot in my career as an educator. Thank you UCLA for all you have done for me and in the community as well as the world to make a difference. – Dr. Jonpatrick Anderson '79
• When I was at UCLA, I used to like the energy on Bruin Walk in the morning.  So many people were headed to class with their backpacks filled with books so they could study in one of the many libraries between and after classes.  Swami X was a familiar face on Bruin Walk in my day – what a character he was! – Michael Slater ʼ80
• When I was at UCLA, I would stop and listen to Swami for a few minutes as a bit of an escape.  I remember thinking he was pretty cool for an old guy.  – Roberta Stambaugh ʼ76
• When I was at UCLA, I would stop by the courtyard in front of Royce Hall and Powell to decompress. The grandeur of these buildings made the stress of college life feel temporary. – Arianna Rivera Lee ʼ17
• When I was at UCLA, You could always count on herb baked chicken and fire station casserole in the dining halls. – Lesley Lee ʼ93, M.Ed. ʼ94
• When I was at UCLA, my favorite place on campus was in the stacks below Powell Library. It took my breath away the day I discovered it as a first-year graduate student from a tiny college of 700 souls. There, in an enormous deep basement, were hundreds of thousands of books on shelves placed about 18 inches apart and ranging for what felt like a half mile. You could sit down on the floor and literally immerse yourself in your chosen discipline, with books on that topic surrounding you. Was I supposed to be down there? I'm not sure, but there were no signs forbidding it and the unmarked doors were not locked. During my time at UCLA, books in the stacks were moved to warehouses all over Los Angeles, for earthquake safety. But what sheer heaven it was to disappear at midday down into the silent dungeon of knowledge and read the afternoon away. – Janet Jones, Ph.D. ʼ89
• When I was at UCLA for college and law school, the basketball team won seven consecutive national championships. I feel guilty for leaving…. – Joe Hilberman ʼ70, J.D. ʼ73

SPOTLIGHT

David H. Walter ’65, MBA ’66, Ph.D. ’73,  entered UCLA in 1961 and spent the next 12 years as an enrolled student. He drew his recollections from a span of time that is hard to match in terms of historically important events, both at UCLA and in the culture at large. Here are some of the memories he shared with us:

• When I was at UCLA in 1961, the last year of semesters before transitioning to quarters, I vaguely remember my registration and tuition fees were in the vicinity of $100, give or take a few dollars!  What an amazing deal!
• When I was at UCLA, my first freshman semester, September 1961, parking on campus was free. Soon thereafter a fee of 25 cents was instituted—as memory serves. I don’t remember any parking structures, only large paved and unpaved lots (e.g., the entire northeast corner of campus at Sunset and Hilgard was a dirt parking lot).
• When I was at UCLA on Nov. 22, 1963, while walking past Murphy Hall toward the old Business School north of Dodd Hall at approximately noon, having been at UCLA for 2+ years, I first became aware that campus had a loudspeaker system. As I recall, “May I please have your attention, we regret to report that President John Kennedy has been shot. Classes are cancelled for the rest of the day; please leave campus at this time, thank you.”
• When I was at UCLA, my undergraduate graduation ceremony on June 11, 1965, was the inaugural event in Pauley Pavilion, even before any basketball games had been played there - a fitting christening for the Wooden era that was about to develop.
• When I was at UCLA on Jan. 17, 1969, I was on my way to the old (original) Business School. Walking past the east side of Campbell Hall, I noticed a commotion outside a classroom on the first floor; it appeared that the window was shattered. I soon heard that two men, Black Panthers (students?) had been shot (through the windows?) and killed. I continued on to class. Accounts of this event are readily available on the internet; I did not read them, I was there.
• When I was at UCLA as student at the Graduate School of Management, I was on campus one afternoon in the early 1970s, when I noticed a group of dignitaries in the Franklin Murphy Sculpture Garden. They were there to dedicate the donation of a Rodin sculpture by Norton Simon. Among them were (former) Chancellor Franklin Murphy, Norton Simon and Governor Ronald Reagan. A couple of years before I attended a wedding of my friend Paul Simon (no, not that Paul Simon) whose father was Norton’s first cousin. At the wedding I met Norton’s mother. So, wanting to meet this giant of industry, I nervously approached and said something like, “Hello Mr. Simon, I recently met your mother at Paul Simon’s wedding. I’m a student at the Business School and wanted to meet you." He responded, “Oh yes, I heard about the wedding,” and asked a few questions about my studies at GSM (before it was Anderson).  Governor Reagan and Chancellor Murphy were standing by. Paul loved the story of my encounter. The Rodin sculpture is at the top of the steps in the Northwest corner of the Sculpture Garden.
• When I was at UCLA in the mid-1990s I used to go running at Drake Stadium. On one occasion, I noticed John Wooden there also running laps. Wanting to meet and shake his hand, when he had stopped jogging I nervously walked over and muttered, “Hi Coach Wooden, I was a student here during all of our National Championships and just wanted to meet you.”  He shook my hand, asked me a few questions about my studies, and wished me well...or something like that; I had met Coach Wooden, the greatest collegiate basketball coach of all time.

Walter’s reminiscences of his time at UCLA do not end with receiving his Ph.D.

“I'm a psychologist now because of taking extension classes with Carl Faber,” he said. “I graduated in ʼ73 and about two years later, I started taking extension classes just for fun. I met a teacher that changed my life totally. I had been working in aerospace since 1966 and I realized within about a year of taking his classes in extension, I was in the wrong field.”

Walter went on to take over 50 Extension courses in the next 20 years and continues to attend events and lectures, both on campus and virtually, the most recent being the Psychiatry Grand Rounds lecture in April, the month he turned 80. He said, “I literally have been eminently affiliated and on campus in some way, shape or form from 1961 till today.”

If you have a story to share, finish the sentence “When I was at UCLA…” and submit it to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

When I Was at UCLA Articles

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  When I Was at UCLA - June 2023
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  When I Was at UCLA - May 2023

Recent Articles

Introducing the Bruin Promise

F

iat lux — let there be light — the motto of the University of California symbolizing its role in lighting the way in the pursuit of knowledge, creativity and truth. To this end, UCLA is shining a light on its enduring presence in the lives of alumni, enlightening Bruins through every stage of life. A new portal has been created that provides you with unlimited access to UCLA’s vast resources and offerings. Introducing the Bruin Promise.

The Bruin Promise is…

A Philosophy

The idea was conceived by UCLA Chancellor Gene Block years ago, inspired by a colleague who told him about a newly formed automobile company that offered a lifetime warranty. He thought, “Why don’t we offer alumni a lifetime warranty? Even after you graduate, we’ll be with you forever.”

The old adage “Once a Bruin, Always a Bruin” is taken a step further, promising that educational opportunities available to students will also be made available to alumni.

For Ann Wang ʼ13, president of the UCLA Alumni Association, it means that “learning both in the classroom and out of the classroom doesn't stop when you graduate, but rather continues in every stage of your life. That's the Bruin Promise, that we as UCLA and as the Alumni Association are here for you.”

A Hub for Experiences

The Bruin Promise website serves as repository for hundreds of UCLA experiences: events, lectures, research, media, publications, etc. It holds a varied and dynamic trove of content from UCLA departments, centers and institutes, which then serve as pathways to take deeper dives into specific subject matters ranging from climate science to cancer research to music innovation and much more.

The site allows you to choose your own adventure beginning with four overarching categories: Arts & Culture, Career & Professional Development, Health & Wellness and Lifelong Learning. Search filters also allow you to sort through colleges and organizations, content types or use a keyword search. The dynamic functionality of the site means that each visit features a different slate of experiences, exposing you to more of UCLA’s diverse offerings.

A Bridge

Every worthwhile partnership is mutually beneficial. This two-way bridge extends educational access to alumni, while strengthening the connection and involvement of alumni to the UCLA community. When alumni are engaged with UCLA, they bring unique advantages, including recruiting students, serving on volunteer boards, connecting academia with industry or becoming mentors to younger Bruins. The contributions of alumni are innumerable.

Likewise, lifelong access to UCLA’s educational resources and opportunities is a tremendous benefit for those wishing to take advantage. Acquire more education and training to advance your career interests. Build on your professional network and generate business leads. Learn the latest research in child psychology or the aging process as you navigate caring for young or elderly dependents. The possibilities are endless when a strong bond is built between alumni and its alma mater. 

A Starting Point

This is phase I, a prototype, an unfinished product. The purpose of launching it now is to give Bruins a chance to explore it, test it, and contribute ideas and feedback towards improving it. Like any new initiative, the idea of the Bruin Promise has been set into motion with a framework, a platform, a content base and search functionality; however, it is still a ways from the ideal – an ideal that is still being defined.

As you navigate the site, consider the following:

• Did you find the content relevant to your needs or interests? What’s missing?
• Is it easy to find what you were searching for? Is the navigation intuitive?
• Does the layout appeal to you? Do you prefer a curated presentation of limited content or a large breadth of content laid out that can be sorted and filtered?

Any and all feedback is welcome and will be considered. You are a stakeholder in the Bruin Promise and the next steps in its evolution will be determined by your user experience. Submit your thoughts to UCLAbruinpromise@alumni.ucla.edu.

A Game-Changer  

“We’re on the cutting edge of discovery every day at UCLA,” says President Ann Wang. “In our commitment to lifelong learning, alumni will now have access to tap into the University’s knowledge from the certificate level to exciting faculty research. Not a lot of universities are cracking that code.”

While the Bruin Promise is in its infancy, imagine the possibilities when it matures into full adulthood. As knowledge builds upon previous knowledge, the platform will continue to grow and evolve and strive for its ideal: a one-stop shop to feed your curiosity and lead you to greater heights personally and professionally. But its success requires your active engagement, your willingness to explore and respond. Poet William Butler Yeats said, “Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.” So with this new promise, let there be light.

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