bruin stories start here.

From small acts to bold moves, every Bruin story reveals a commitment to growth, purpose, and impact. By sharing them, we strengthen the ties that move us forward together.

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Discover how our stories connect, empower, and shape the world

Humzah, Qasim, and Umiemah Farrukh

story of change

Humzah, Qasim, and Umiemah Farrukh

Bruin stories since ’23

Meet the Farrukh siblings, UCLA alums whose story of change inspires. Motivated by their time at UCLA, and inspired by their mother’s unwavering courage and support, they embarked on a…

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Denise Pacheco, Ph.D.

story of legacy

Denise Pacheco, Ph.D.

Bruin story since M.A. ’04, Ph.D. ’11

Denise Pacheco (Bruin story since M.A. ’04, Ph.D. ’11), a double Bruin, educator, and changemaker leading with heart. As Senior Director of Diversity Programs & Initiatives at the UCLA Alumni…

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Kal Penn

story of change

Kal Penn

Bruin story since ’00

Kal Penn is an actor, writer, producer, and former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. He is known for his starring roles in Designated Survivor, House,…

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Gabrielle Gorman

story of change

Gabrielle Gorman

Bruin story since ’20

Gabrielle Gorman (Bruin story since ’20) demonstrates how storytelling can drive meaningful change in the world. By merging her passion for filmmaking, writing, and activism, she promotes social good through…

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“Our experiences allow us to create, to discover, and to frame those discoveries in ways that are uniquely UCLA.”

campus & community

Stories and breakthroughs shaping the Bruin community and beyond

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Marooned No More

UCLA marine archaeologist Justin Dunnavant has spent his career unearthing the stories of fugitive slave townships in the Caribbean. Now, his innovative mapping methods are expanding Black cultural history.

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UCLA Extension, SoLa Foundation partner for new South Los Angeles programming

Residents offered tuition-free workshops and courses on cutting-edge topics

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26 Random People You Had No Idea Went to UCLA

Some walked away with a diploma; others merely passed through on their way to renown. Meet the Bruins you had no idea were ever Bruins.

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Kids who own cellphones have poorer reading comprehension scores …

The researchers found a statistically significant relationship between owning a personal cellphone and lower reading scores.

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‘What it means to be human’: Lessons from Jimothy, Seattle’s viral raccoon

Short spine, big rizz: Jimothy (insert) the raccoon is now world famous. “Even though he’s a raccoon, I think Jimothy can remind us that disability is at the very heart of what it means to be human,” Helen Deutsch said.

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