Frank Wiley ’01, Ed.M. ’03

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As an ironworker working on the UCLA underground parking structure under Janss Plaza, Frank Wiley became captivated by the picturesque beauty of this academic community. Inspired by what he saw during this time, he returned to UCLA just a few years later as a student. As a husband and father of four, Wiley was an unlikely candidate to brave the academic rigors of the university. But from the moment he enrolled in West Los Angeles Community College, he has excelled both personally and academically, achieving academic distinction and paving a clear path back to UCLA.

Wiley became a Bruin in the fall of 1999, garnering a number of scholarships including the UCLA Gold Shield Scholarship, the Community College Transfer Scholarship, the Distinguished Bruin Award and the Academic Advancement Program Scholarship. He quickly became an outstanding presence in the history department, grabbing the attention of his professors in intensive, challenging courses. Many have noted his exceptional writing skills, solid intellectual acumen, inquisitive mind and impressive originality of thought.

In addition to academic success, Wiley has managed to maintain an active extracurricular life. He currently serves as the president of Alpha Gamma Epsilon (AGE) fraternity, a Greek organization devoted to meeting the needs of non-traditional students, and is an active parent at the University Village Child Care Center. He is also a dedicated Bible class teacher at his church and generously contributes his time and energy to a number of philanthropic causes throughout Los Angeles, including the K-Mart Kids Race Against Drugs, the Santa Monica homeless shelter Sanmo Shell and the H.O.P.E. Inner-city Tennis Program.

Graduating with a degree in history, he intends to teach in the Los Angeles Unified School District to help address issues of educational disadvantage. With teaching experience, he hopes to eventually move into an administrative position, where he can have an even greater influence on the lives of children from low-income, working-class families. As a student, Wiley has effectively utilized his resources at UCLA to fuel his educational aspirations, and he hopes to create the same opportunities for other students in his career.