Robert B. Ratner ’94

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A sampling of Robert Ratner’s contributions to the community offers clear insight as to why his presence has had such a positive impact on UCLA. He reorganized and directed the UCLA Hunger Project which included job development, food salvage, a family assistance program, soup kitchens and Hunger Awareness Week. With the Student Alumni Association, he coordinated a canned food drive during Beat $C Week. Ratner worked as a volunteer in the UCLA Tree Project – guiding underprivileged children through the UCLA Botanical Gardens. President and Service Chair of UCLA Circle K (Kiwanis), he also volunteered at the Turning Point Shelter (homeless shelter and safe house) and the Venice Safe Clinic.

Ratner was assistant commissioner to the UCLA Community Service Commission, and served as a funding board member for the UCLA Community Activities Committee. He was an active member of the UCLA Biology Undergraduate Association and the Alumni Scholars Club. Ratner also formed the UCLA Chemistry Society.

Ratner is an outstanding student in the very demanding field of Physiological Science. He was selected to participate in the initial year-long Research and Training Program in Urban Poverty and Public Policy, designed to train talented undergraduates. Recently, he completed an honors contract, writing a detailed research paper on the neurotransmitter serotonin and its involvement with sleep. A UC Regents Scholar, Distinguished Scholar and recipient of the Chancellor’s Humanitarian Award, Ratner will graduate Summa Cum Laude.