UCLA Alumni San Francisco Bay Area Network
The UCLA Alumni San Francisco Bay Area Network is the recipient of the 2024 UCLA Award for Network of the Year for their commitment to extending the reach of UCLA. The Bay Area is home to the largest group of alumni outside of Los Angeles, and the network provides multiple ways to bring people together.
The Bay Area Bruins formed in 1969 to provide a social network for UCLA alumni in Northern California. The “San Francisco Bay Area Bruin Club” began with four local chapters: San Francisco, Mid-Peninsula, South Peninsula and the East Bay. The chapters were later combined with the addition of Marin/Sonoma/Napa to form today’s network.
The network builds community through engaging, inclusive events that unite alumni of diverse backgrounds and ages. The group’s volunteer leadership give their time and talents to empower students and alumni through networking, mentorship, scholarships, career development and community service. The network prioritizes regular communication to keep members engaged and informed.
Since its establishment, the network has awarded scholarships to numerous Bay Area students attending UCLA. With an endowment that has grown to nearly $500,000, the network grants a full scholarship to a Bay Area student annually. To extend their commitment to the University, they plan to continue expanding support for Bay Area students.
The network’s diverse membership strengthens their impact. A variety of activities welcome newcomers eager to connect with other Bay Area Bruins, including outings, mixers, workshops and sporting events. They were the first network to host a Bruin Bash, which popularized the football pregame party. Their sports game watch parties bring nearly 400 alumni and family together to cheer for the Blue and Gold. These events are opportunities to contribute to both the network's growth and the recruitment of new board members. In response to feedback from young alumni, they are developing a workshop series focused on early career guidance in Silicon Valley.
The Bay Area Bruins are building a brighter future for students through support and community.
Represented in the photo by Elizabeth Zachry ʼ04 (left) and Marina Lemas ʼ89.