UCLA Prytanean Celebrates Its Centennial
For 100 years, the Prytanean Alumnae Network has been giving back to the UCLA community. Prytanean is the oldest honorary alumnae organization in the University of California system, dedicated to making a difference, on campus and beyond.
Pamela Farber '85, vice president of membership and past president of Prytanean, recognizes the many benefits of being part of the network. She says, “Prytanean has survived all these years because it’s all about giving. And in giving of myself, I'm getting a lot back. I enjoy meeting people and feeling part of the Bruin community, but it’s really about being able to contribute to the University for the greater good of all alumni.”
Farber grew up in Orange County and participated in activities as a student which, she says, “made this large campus feel small. I also joined a sorority my sophomore year, which helped me learn how to build relationships.” She says, “When I found out about Prytanean, I welcomed the chance to network with past and future generations.”
As part of the UCLA Alumni Affinity Networks, Prytanean sustains relationships between alumni, parents, students and friends of the University to “enhance knowledge, promote friendships, create volunteer opportunities and expand UCLA’s worldwide sphere of influence.”
Prytanean means "council of the chosen ones." It was first founded at UC Berkeley in 1901 to bring women leaders together across campus in support of women students. In those days, the majority of students were men, and by default, they enjoyed most of the available resources.
It’s really about being able to contribute to the University for the greater good of all alumni.
The UCLA chapter’s motto is “Honor through Service,” promoting friendship, scholarship, leadership and service. It was founded in 1914 on the Vermont Avenue campus as the Social Efficiency Club. The SEC joined with Prytanean in 1924, and was formally installed at UCLA in 1925. In 1939, the UCLA Prytanean Alumnae Network was formed.
One of its members, Louisa Cardenas ’74, attended UCLA through scholarship support, student loans and part-time work on campus. She says, “I felt that if I could ever contribute back, it would be to help students.” She likes that the network has a regular schedule of events each year. “The best part is networking with other members. I am a long-time retired UCLA employee so I really enjoy meeting new staff members and young graduates.”
Prytanean begins their year each fall by introducing the new scholarship recipients at the October Dinner and General Membership Meeting; there is an Annual Benefit in the spring to raise scholarship support; and a June Luncheon to welcome new members. Throughout the year, members attend networking and volunteer activities including Dinners for 12 Strangers and Spring Sing, which they support with the annual Prytanean Alumnae Award for Best A Cappella performance.
This year’s Annual Benefit celebrated Prytanean’s Centennial Celebration at the Tournament House in Pasadena, with tours of the historic mansion, a photo booth and a celebration of their milestone year. Sheila Kuehl ’62, former California state assemblymember, state senator and L.A. County supervisor, was the guest speaker.
Prytanean has provided more than $250,000 in scholarship support to UCLA first-year and transfer students. For Lucy Tseng ’12, the group is unique because it welcomes everyone. “There are no specific qualifications. You don’t have to live in a certain area or belong to a certain affinity group. You just have to want to stay involved with UCLA and support students through the scholarship fund.”
In her professional life, Tseng is director of the UCLA Chancellor’s Society. She says, “I wasn't even aware of the concept of scholarships when I was in college. I took out a ton of student loans because I thought that was my only option. Part of my passion is ensuring students understand that the world of scholarships is vast, and while merit is a significant factor, it is just one of many avenues for securing financial support.”
UCLA Scholarships create opportunities for students to reach their full potential and ensure that a high-quality education is more affordable. Roland Zita ’18 was a Shirley M. Lyon Memorial Alumni Scholar, given to an incoming student with a background in volunteer service. At UCLA, Zita majored in chemical engineering and is now a process engineering supervisor at TTM Technologies.
When he graduated, he was invited to become the first male member of Prytanean. He says, “Looking back on my undergraduate experience, it just felt natural to me. I’m happy to be part of Prytanean, and I support the mission. It’s also kind of cool that my sister, Laura Zita ’21, also attended UCLA and is now a member.”
When I found out about Prytanean, I welcomed the chance to network with past and future generations.
Farber was president in 2018 when the network ratified the inclusion of all genders. She says, “When Roland graduated, I thought, why are we letting these great people go? They want to give to the organization and contribute. We put it to a vote to change the bylaws to accept anyone who wants to join, and it passed with flying colors.”
Zita met his wife, Sophia, at UCLA. She is currently completing a residency in dermatology, but he hopes she will join Prytanean once she completes her residency. He says, “That sense of community alone is enough for me to recommend it. On top of that, you get the volunteer events, social events and everything else that comes with it.” Zita serves as a member-at-large on the Prytanean board, offering suggestions and input.
As part of their mission, Prytanean also supports UCLA campus organizations. They currently support the Bruin Resource Center which works with underserved student groups. Farber says, “These students overcame enormous odds to even be at UCLA. Some were homeless, in foster care, in detention or are veterans. It’s mind-boggling how they met entrance requirements while facing those challenges.”
The members create “Bear Hugs,” gift bags with needed items, including toiletries, personal items and gift cards for groceries and coffee along with personalized handwritten notes. As Cardenas says, “We want to give them the incentive to continue, because it’s a tough road. It’s a wonderful effort to support students who just need a little extra boost.”
Interested alumni, outstanding UCLA graduating seniors and advanced-degree students are encouraged to apply for membership. Farber says, “We are intergenerational, we have members in their 90s and new graduates. We also have ‘friend’ memberships for people who didn't graduate from UCLA but want to support us, like a spouse or a child of an alum.”
For Tseng, the importance of giving back comes from personal experience. “I was raised by an immigrant mom who didn’t drive on the freeway, so I was a bit sheltered. Being at UCLA gave me things I never imagined for myself — I played wheelchair basketball, was a resident assistant, did Dance Marathon and was a summer camp counselor. Reflecting on my own experience makes me want to ensure that current students have the best experience possible so they can look back as fondly as I do.”
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