Shiva Rae Bailey ’91, M.A. ’97

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In addition to having a brilliantly creative intellect, Shiva Rae Bailey is a singer, dancer, graphic artist and international cook. But Bailey's greatest talent, in the words of one of her professors, is her ability “to throw herself into other people’s cultures.”

Bailey spent her undergraduate years conducting research through UCLA’s Worlds Arts and Cultures Program, focusing on the role of performance in religious ceremony. She has a particular interest in the rich cultural heritage of Africa and the black diaspora.

An unusual honor, Bailey has received three President’s Undergraduate fellowships. She used her cash awards to conduct research in Jamaica, Ghana and Nepal.

Bailey’s Ghanaian project was particularly notable, producing a thesis worthy of a graduate degree. “Dramatization of Mourning: the Art of Asante Funerals” earned Bailey the Elliot Award for best undergraduate thesis of 1990, and is currently under consideration for publication. Among her other awards and scholarships, she has been a UC Regents’ Scholar every year since 1988. A natural leader, she served both as chair of the World Arts and Cultures Student Association and as a representative to the Executive Committee of the former College of Fine Arts.

Bailey is praised not only for her academic achievements, but for her initiative and imagination, her integrity and honesty. Her extraordinary qualities enrich the lives of all who are lucky enough to know her.