James Collins ’50

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James Collins is a very special member of the UCLA family. He has brought distinction to the University through his professional achievements while consistently offering his time, talents and efforts to service UCLA. He is a man of vision whose leadership and direction have benefitted UCLA. He has previously been honored with Alumni Awards for his professional achievements and service to University. Thus, he becomes the second triple-winner in the history of the Alumni Awards program.

Combining management skill, persistence and leadership, Collins developed a single fast-food restaurant into Collins Foods International, Inc., a $300 million food conglomerate. In 1960, he opened three small franchised Kentucky Fried Chicken units and eventually became the exclusive agent for the restaurant chain in Southern California. Today, his company operates 231 stores, making it Colonel Sanders’ largest franchisee. He served for two years as a director of the Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation. In 1967, James Collins purchased and formed Sizzler Family Steak Houses, and a year later took Collins Foods public on the New York and Pacific Stock Exchanges.

Collins lends expertise to professional and community organizations, and in 1977, he received the Golden Book of Distinguished Service from the YMCA and the International Food Service Manufacturers’ Association Golden Plate Award, the food service industry’s highest honor. He was president of the Westwood Rotary Club and board chairman of the Westside YMCA.

His record of service to UCLA is indicative of his intense desire to give back. He has served as president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, as well as vice president of Student Relations. Currently serving as chairman of the Capital Fund Campaign for the John Wooden Recreation and Sports Center, Collins is chairman of the board of The UCLA Foundation Board of Trustees. Earlier, he held the offices of president, vice president of Professional Schools and Corporate Relations and vice president of Annual Giving. He is involved in a multitude of intercampus activities and support groups, among them Blue Shield, Chancellor’s Associates, Bruin Bench, Sportsmen of the South and UCLA Hoopsters.

A 1950 graduate of UCLA with a B.S. in engineering, James Collins is a tribute to the word alumnus and a tribute to UCLA and the UCLA family.