Category Archives: Article

When I Was at UCLA - May 2023

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n a recent issue of Alumni Connect, we put out a call for alumni to finish the sentence, “When I was at UCLA…” with anecdotes from their time on campus.  The submissions varied, telling interesting occurrences of personal significance, campus history and UCLA’s impact on generations of Bruins. Below are some highlights: 

• When I was at UCLA, I was a mother of five and married. It was during Coronavirus. I had one class on campus the entire time. I was a transfer student and I was still the best student I have ever been. I made the best of a hard situation and I succeeded. I had GRIT and I graduated with a 3.93 GPA. It was a dream come true and it was home to me. Go Class of 2022! I am proud to be in your graduating class. – Ayanna Robinson ʼ22
• When I was at UCLA, I was part of the first freshman class to select classes via telephone enrollment (yes, telephone!). – Jenny Grossgold ʼ93
• When I was at UCLA, I realized a dream come true: amazing research/library facilities; incredible, famed speakers; basketball giants (literally!); and a doctoral advisor/chair second to none (John McNeil). – Bill Younglove, Ed.D. ʼ83
• When I was at UCLA, I was walking to the student center - Kerckhoff hall in 1958 or 1959 and was stopped by Rafer Johnson ʼ59. He wanted to tell me why I should vote for him for student body president. He was very pleasant, and we spoke for quite a while. – Jo Ann Lesser ʼ59
• When I was at UCLA, I got my start with teaching. As an incoming freshman, I found the UCLA Computer Club located in 3514 Boelter Hall (the club no longer exists). I volunteered to teach one of the free computer classes the club offered in the evenings. I found that I loved to teach. I taught classes through the club nearly every quarter I was a student. After graduating, I started to teach for UCLA Extension where I still teach to this day. And I still love teaching! – Daniel Gutierrez ʼ78
• When I was at UCLA, I learned so much in the Army ROTC program. I thought that I knew so much because I was already a Vietnam Veteran when I enrolled in the program. I learned about accepting responsibility for my actions and not blaming others. My UCLA experience helped me a lot in my career as an educator. Thank you UCLA for all you have done for me and in the community as well as the world to make a difference. – Dr. Jonpatrick Anderson '79
• When I was at UCLA, I used to like the energy on Bruin Walk in the morning.  So many people were headed to class with their backpacks filled with books so they could study in one of the many libraries between and after classes.  Swami X was a familiar face on Bruin Walk in my day – what a character he was! – Michael Slater ʼ80
• When I was at UCLA, I would stop and listen to Swami for a few minutes as a bit of an escape.  I remember thinking he was pretty cool for an old guy.  – Roberta Stambaugh ʼ76
• When I was at UCLA, I would stop by the courtyard in front of Royce Hall and Powell to decompress. The grandeur of these buildings made the stress of college life feel temporary. – Arianna Rivera Lee ʼ17
• When I was at UCLA, You could always count on herb baked chicken and fire station casserole in the dining halls. – Lesley Lee ʼ93, M.Ed. ʼ94
• When I was at UCLA, my favorite place on campus was in the stacks below Powell Library. It took my breath away the day I discovered it as a first-year graduate student from a tiny college of 700 souls. There, in an enormous deep basement, were hundreds of thousands of books on shelves placed about 18 inches apart and ranging for what felt like a half mile. You could sit down on the floor and literally immerse yourself in your chosen discipline, with books on that topic surrounding you. Was I supposed to be down there? I'm not sure, but there were no signs forbidding it and the unmarked doors were not locked. During my time at UCLA, books in the stacks were moved to warehouses all over Los Angeles, for earthquake safety. But what sheer heaven it was to disappear at midday down into the silent dungeon of knowledge and read the afternoon away. – Janet Jones, Ph.D. ʼ89
• When I was at UCLA for college and law school, the basketball team won seven consecutive national championships. I feel guilty for leaving…. – Joe Hilberman ʼ70, J.D. ʼ73

SPOTLIGHT

David H. Walter ’65, MBA ’66, Ph.D. ’73,  entered UCLA in 1961 and spent the next 12 years as an enrolled student. He drew his recollections from a span of time that is hard to match in terms of historically important events, both at UCLA and in the culture at large. Here are some of the memories he shared with us:

• When I was at UCLA in 1961, the last year of semesters before transitioning to quarters, I vaguely remember my registration and tuition fees were in the vicinity of $100, give or take a few dollars!  What an amazing deal!
• When I was at UCLA, my first freshman semester, September 1961, parking on campus was free. Soon thereafter a fee of 25 cents was instituted—as memory serves. I don’t remember any parking structures, only large paved and unpaved lots (e.g., the entire northeast corner of campus at Sunset and Hilgard was a dirt parking lot).
• When I was at UCLA on Nov. 22, 1963, while walking past Murphy Hall toward the old Business School north of Dodd Hall at approximately noon, having been at UCLA for 2+ years, I first became aware that campus had a loudspeaker system. As I recall, “May I please have your attention, we regret to report that President John Kennedy has been shot. Classes are cancelled for the rest of the day; please leave campus at this time, thank you.”
• When I was at UCLA, my undergraduate graduation ceremony on June 11, 1965, was the inaugural event in Pauley Pavilion, even before any basketball games had been played there - a fitting christening for the Wooden era that was about to develop.
• When I was at UCLA on Jan. 17, 1969, I was on my way to the old (original) Business School. Walking past the east side of Campbell Hall, I noticed a commotion outside a classroom on the first floor; it appeared that the window was shattered. I soon heard that two men, Black Panthers (students?) had been shot (through the windows?) and killed. I continued on to class. Accounts of this event are readily available on the internet; I did not read them, I was there.
• When I was at UCLA as student at the Graduate School of Management, I was on campus one afternoon in the early 1970s, when I noticed a group of dignitaries in the Franklin Murphy Sculpture Garden. They were there to dedicate the donation of a Rodin sculpture by Norton Simon. Among them were (former) Chancellor Franklin Murphy, Norton Simon and Governor Ronald Reagan. A couple of years before I attended a wedding of my friend Paul Simon (no, not that Paul Simon) whose father was Norton’s first cousin. At the wedding I met Norton’s mother. So, wanting to meet this giant of industry, I nervously approached and said something like, “Hello Mr. Simon, I recently met your mother at Paul Simon’s wedding. I’m a student at the Business School and wanted to meet you." He responded, “Oh yes, I heard about the wedding,” and asked a few questions about my studies at GSM (before it was Anderson).  Governor Reagan and Chancellor Murphy were standing by. Paul loved the story of my encounter. The Rodin sculpture is at the top of the steps in the Northwest corner of the Sculpture Garden.
• When I was at UCLA in the mid-1990s I used to go running at Drake Stadium. On one occasion, I noticed John Wooden there also running laps. Wanting to meet and shake his hand, when he had stopped jogging I nervously walked over and muttered, “Hi Coach Wooden, I was a student here during all of our National Championships and just wanted to meet you.”  He shook my hand, asked me a few questions about my studies, and wished me well...or something like that; I had met Coach Wooden, the greatest collegiate basketball coach of all time.

Walter’s reminiscences of his time at UCLA do not end with receiving his Ph.D.

“I'm a psychologist now because of taking extension classes with Carl Faber,” he said. “I graduated in ʼ73 and about two years later, I started taking extension classes just for fun. I met a teacher that changed my life totally. I had been working in aerospace since 1966 and I realized within about a year of taking his classes in extension, I was in the wrong field.”

Walter went on to take over 50 Extension courses in the next 20 years and continues to attend events and lectures, both on campus and virtually, the most recent being the Psychiatry Grand Rounds lecture in April, the month he turned 80. He said, “I literally have been eminently affiliated and on campus in some way, shape or form from 1961 till today.”

If you have a story to share, finish the sentence “When I was at UCLA…” and submit it to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

When I Was at UCLA Articles

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  When I Was at UCLA - June 2023
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  When I Was at UCLA - May 2023

Recent Articles

UCLA’s Global and Local Impact on Climate Change

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ast month, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a comprehensive climate report that secretary-general Antonio Guterres called a "survival guide for humanity." The report lays out the threat to human well-being and planetary health, urging swift action on the world’s climate emergency.

The goal is to avoid global temperature rise above 1.5C before the end of this century. Since that goal was set in 2015, the world has already warmed by 1.1C. The more we can slow warming, and the faster we do it, matters. This means transitioning to sustainable lifestyles wherever possible and embracing climate-friendly alternatives. 

UCLA and the University of California system are global leaders in sustainability efforts. Scientists, scholars and students across campus — engineering, law, biology, public policy, public health and more — are working towards innovative and creative solutions for our most urgent issues. UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability brings faculty and researchers from across the campus together to understand and find multifaceted solutions to complex environmental challenges. UCLA’s comprehensive sustainability plan has the details on how the university is protecting climate, health and quality of life while creating a blueprint for change.

The UN report lays out four target areas where scaling up climate action will make a large impact. Here’s what UCLA has been doing in the areas outlined in the report on a global, national and local scale.

ENERGY SUPPLY

Energy production from fossil fuels, like coal, oil and gas, is responsible for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. Sustainability requires renewable, reliable, resilient power sources that improve efficiency, like solar, wind and hydropower.

• GLOBAL
• Solar power only accounts for 3% of electricity in the U.S. A scientific breakthrough at UCLA could have a wide-reaching effect on making this renewable resource longer lasting and more affordable. In a study published in Nature Materials, an international collaboration led by UCLA added a small amount of metal, called neodymium, to protect solar cells from deterioration. This innovation will transform solar, with cells that last longer and are less expensive.

• LOCAL
• UCLA researchers from engineering, environmental science, law, labor studies, public health and public policy are partnering with LADWP to conduct studies that will help the city achieve its goal of transitioning to 100% renewable energy sources while ensuring an equitable transition. Historically, underresourced neighborhoods have borne the brunt of pollution and the effects of climate change; this partnership aims to ensure all citizens will enjoy the benefits of sustainability.

• UCLA CAMPUS
• Methane, the most potent greenhouse gas, may cause as much of 20% of global warming. The oil and gas industry is a responsible for 30% of total methane emissions in the United States. UCLA is undertaking a major decarbonization study, with support from the State, to develop a strategy for decarbonization and reducing the use of fossil natural gas.

LAND, WATER, FOOD

The Earth’s ecosystems are being over-exploited to provide humans with shelter, water and food, sustainability requires efficient use of these resources to protect and conserve for future generations. Twenty-six percent of the United States’ carbon dioxide emissions come from food production, transportation and disposal. Mitigation measures include protecting our oceans and forests and require a shift to more sustainable diets. 

• GLOBAL
• Something as simple as the color of our outdoor lights can have a domino effect on health. Insects can be pests, but they are a vital part of the food chain, pollinating fruits and vegetables. In recent years, scientists have warned about the decline of insect populations. Now, new research by UCLA and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute shows that yellow or amber LED lights attract beneficial insects while blue and ultraviolet light can harm beneficial insects. 

• LOCAL
• The UCLA Sustainable LA Grand Challenge is creating a sustainability roadmap for the world’s cities. This University-wide initiative is using UCLA research, expertise and education to transform Los Angeles into the world’s most sustainable megacity by 2050. UCLA faculty, researchers and scholars, among the world’s top experts in sustainability, have formed an interconnected, interdisciplinary network committed to drive efforts to combat climate change.

• UCLA CAMPUS
• The student-initiated, designed and facilitated research program in the Institute of Environment and Sustainability, Sustainability Action Research, investigates areas of campus that may contribute to climate change to find solutions. The UC-wide sustainability plan set a goal of 25% sustainable food purchases by 2030. This year, the SAR Sustainable Food Team is looking into a drop in sustainable food purchases since the COVID pandemic. The team will audit UCLA Dining’s food purchases and reporting methods to review shortcomings and make recommendations, including purchasing from diverse and ethical vendors.

SETTLEMENTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING HEALTH

Greening our infrastructure will have a positive and lasting impact on slowing climate change. How people live, travel and work all contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. More than half of the world's population live in urban areas, and cities account for two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions. Efficient buildings, vehicles, transportation and energy sources that are affordable and accessible are needed to tackle this challenge. The healthcare industry accounts for almost 5% of global CO2 emissions.

• GLOBAL
• A program at UCLA trains students to tackle integrated solutions to help cities thrive under the pressure of global climate change. NRT-INFEWS, inside the California NanoSystems Institute, explores the interdependence of food, energy and water in the urban environment. One example is the energy strain of producing food in rural areas and transporting it to urban centers. This important research will have global applications, while giving students project management, leadership, ethics, communications, teaching and teamwork skills to become leaders in the field. 

• LOCAL
• UCLA Health is leading the way in campus sustainability. Its Santa Monica hospital purchased 100% renewable energy through the Clean Power Alliance. The Ronald Reagan Medical Center was awarded the top 25 award for their sustainability measures.
• To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, UCLA Health is committed to addressing its environmental footprint while centering health equity. Among other measures, UCLA Health has begun installing photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on buildings and parking structures, replacing energy-efficient lighting with LEDs and using motion-sensor lights to conserve electricity.

• UCLA CAMPUS
• Forty percent of California’s carbon footprint comes from transportation. Saving the planet will require using less gasoline, shifting to electric vehicles and using public transportation. In 2023, UCLA Transportation released its first-ever EV Readiness Plan to prepare for and encourage at least 5% of EV commuters by 2025, which will reduce emissions by 2,500 metric tons each year. The Sustainable Transportation Plan includes transitioning the UCLA fleet to zero-emission vehicles, including an electrified BruinBus system by 2025, which aligns with California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order requiring that all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the state be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. 

SOCIETY, LIVELIHOOD AND ECONOMY

How we live and work influences how we use resources. How the world handles issues such as global migration, planning for natural disasters and social safety nets will have a worldwide impact on meeting sustainability goals. Current circumstances demand leaders who can drive change and encourage support for sustainability measures.

• GLOBAL
• To fight mass environmental destruction, scholars from the UCLA School of Law’s Promise Institute for Human Rights have defined the crime of ecocide as “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused.” If adopted, corporations and governments would be held responsible for their actions. Kate Mackintosh, executive director of The Promise Institute told UCLA, “The hope is that this will change the risk analysis in a way that leads to better choices for the environment. We all win when that happens.”

• LOCAL
• Encouraging consumers to use clean energy requires new policies. Researchers from the Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI) conducted two recent studies that look at encouraging California’s energy consumers to limit energy use during periods of high demand. The report found that financial rewards of any size, on top of what consumers save for using less energy, had a measurable effect on reducing use. The results of the study will inform local policymakers, utilities and energy providers.

• UCLA CAMPUS
• Buildings are hot spots for energy and resource consumption, responsible for 40% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. To reduce the campus’ contribution to global climate change and improve health and indoor environmental quality, all new buildings on the UCLA campus must meet California’s strict laws and achieve a LEED silver rating. As of July 2021, UCLA has 56 LEED buildings and renovations - 11 Silver, 28 Gold and 17 Platinum. Green buildings have added benefits of being less expensive to heat, cool, and illuminate, and contribute to better human health.

HOW CAN ALUMNI GET INVOLVED?

UCLA faculty, staff, students and alumni are leading the efforts to make a more sustainable future. There are Bruins playing key roles all across the field, from leading Sustainability and Resiliency at city departments like LASAN (Doug Walters ’88) to starting businesses like Decarbon to help people reduce their footprint (Kyle Graycar ’14). There are many ways for alumni to get involved, from hosting students for internships or client projects to networking through events. Check out this month's calendar of activities planned for Earth Month at UCLA. If you are interested in the field of sustainability, you can learn more about careers on this page or join the UCLA Extension Sustainability Certificate Program. Of course, you can always support programs through sponsorships and donations. Find out more about how to get involved at UCLA Sustainability or contact sustainability@ucla.edu.

10 Things You Can Do to Live a More Sustainable Life

1. Eat more plant-based food. This lessens the substantial greenhouse gas emissions of meat production. Plant a garden, visit a farmer’s market or subscribe to a CSA farm box to enjoy delicious fruits and vegetables in season.
2. Reduce emissions by choosing to carpool, walk, bike or use public transit. If driving, cut down on idling. Or buy an electric car.
3. Bring a refillable mug, a reusable water bottle or a reusable tote bag. Consider buying secondhand to save money and resources.
4. To reduce organic waste, Los Angeles residents are now required to compost biodegradable kitchen scraps. Create a countertop compost bin which you can then use in the garden or dispose of in your green recycling bin. 
5. When not in use, turn off lights, TVs, computers and anything else that is plugged in — a power strip can make this easy. And when your laptop is fully charged, leave it unplugged to save hundreds of watts of power.
6. Halogen incandescents, CFLs and LEDs can cost more than traditional lightbulbs, but they use less energy and will save you money over time.
7. When it's time for new appliances, upgrade to an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly model for long term savings.
8. If you own your home, consider installing solar panels. Solar energy can be used to heat water and to generate electricity and heat.
9. Save water by turning off the tap when it's not in use or running your dishwasher and laundry only when full. Install low-flow toilets, faucets and water-efficient showerheads, or if you live in an arid region, convert your lawn to a drought-resistant landscape.
10. As new research and technological advancements become available, continue to learn and adopt new ways to reduce your carbon footprint and conserve the Earth’s resources.

Previous Connect Articles on UCLA Sustainability

• Sustainability Goals
• Sustainable UCLA: A Walking Tour

Recent Articles

The Ties That Bond UCLA and the Japan Alumni Association

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n March 31, Chancellor Gene Block, Mrs. Carol Block and a small UCLA leadership delegation visited Tokyo for the Japan Alumni Association’s Westwood Reunion 2023. Like so many alumni events around the globe that unite Bruins, this one was not out of the ordinary with its cocktail reception, plated dinner and speeches. After all, this celebration has been an annual affair since 2016, but interrupted for the last three years due to the pandemic. And yet, this night was special for that very reason. With COVID restrictions recently lifted in Japan, the longest running international alumni network had once again assembled nearly 150 Japanese Bruins to reunite, reenergize and reaffirm its deep connections to UCLA.

Founded in 1975, the UCLA Japan Alumni Association is the largest and oldest alumni network outside of the U.S.  Its first president, Yuji Tsutsumi ʼ65, established the Japanese branch at the request of then UCLA Chancellor Charles Young. Today, Japan is home to nearly 2,000 Bruins and the Japan Alumni Association has nearly 200 active members that span generations.

Their activities also span their members’ multitude of interests. Each fall they participate in New Student Send-offs for incoming Japanese UCLA students, and in the spring, they hold Hanami celebrations to view the blooming cherry blossoms. Their Young Alumni Network has hosted New Year’s mixers and career networking events, and the network helped with the beautification of Yumenoshima Marina for Volunteer Day 2022. In 2019, several lectures in Tokyo featured UCLA faculty and administrators who spoke on subjects ranging from physics and astronomy, to the healthcare industry to innovation and technology. These ties to the campus are built, sustained and reinforced by the Japan Alumni Association’s signature event.

Held at the luxurious Palace Hotel in Tokyo, the Westwood Reunion is the largest gathering of Bruins overseas. This was the first in-person dinner to be held since the pandemic, which added another layer of excitement to the event. The Association’s current president, Tomohiro Toyhama, L.L.M. ʼ84, started the tradition when he took office in 2016. He said, “I wanted a gathering where young people and old people in Japan can get together over a seated, plated dinner.” He acknowledged the difficulty in accessing and reaching the Bruin community in Japan, due to their lack of contact info. For him, this annual gathering, especially given its size, was a great way to reconnect with one another, to get the momentum going for future activities and having the UCLA Chancellor attend was always a good draw for their members.  

Along with Tohyama, other speakers at the reunion included Chancellor Block; Hitoshi Abe, director of the UCLA Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies; Keith Terasaki ʼ77, M.D. ʼ83, chairman of the Terasaki Family Foundation; and Riki Kojima, MBA ʼ92, president of the Anderson Alumni Network: Japan Chapter. Abe spoke about the Terasaki Center and its role in supporting students and faculty studying about Japan. He’s always looking for ways to collaborate and strengthen the ties between the two organizations, with the Terasaki Center serving as the bridge for communications and resources. He said, “For instance, if we wanted to do a life science event, there may be people in the Japan Alumni Association who work in that industry or have connections to potential hosts for such an event. Of course, financial support can also happen, but more importantly, it’s the connection and knowledge they have that is the most valuable resource.” He mentioned that there were key members of the Japan Alumni Association who also serve on the Terasaki Institute’s Advisory Board, which is another platform for ongoing dialogue. “The Institute,” he said, “is a way to enhance the community we have in Japan.”

Dr. Terasaki, who chairs the Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies Advisory Board, is the son of the late Paul Terasaki ʼ50, M.A. ʼ52, Ph.D. ʼ56, a pioneer in the field of organ transplant medicine. Paul established the Terasaki Family Foundation which helps fund the Center for Japanese Studies and many other programs and research that benefit the Japanese community and society as a whole. Dr. Terasaki spoke at the reunion about his family, his commitment to UCLA and to the Japanese community in both countries. These were the same three things his father was most passionate about. He also expressed his amazement at this type of gathering of Japanese Bruins. Both Paul and Keith Terasaki are recipients of UCLA’s highest honor for alumni, the Edward A. Dickson Alumnus of the Year Award, with the father having received it in 2011, and the son to receive it this coming May.

The purpose of this meeting was to reestablish the strong and longstanding connections between UCLA and the Japan Alumni Association, as well as reunite Japanese Bruins. After a long hiatus from in-person gatherings and the loss of their passionate and active vice president Kenji Yokouchi in 2019, Tohyama acknowledged they still have a ways to go to get the “locomotive going” when it comes to their Association’s activities. From gathering alumni contact info to reorganizing their Office of the Secretary to finding successors to lead the community, he is optimistic about the future and hopes that one day they’ll be able to attract 500 to 1,000 Japanese alumni to this event. With support from UCLA and the Japanese American community in Los Angeles, the Japan Alumni Association is poised and ready to blossom into a new season.  

For more information, or to get involved with the Japan Alumni Association, visit their website or join their Facebook group.

Recent Articles

Bruin-Owned Photography Part Two

Photo by Vinukh Kalansuriya

T

hese Bruin-owned businesses showcase the work and art of Bruin photographers. Whether it’s for grad portraits or wedding shoots, corporate events or commercial ventures, you can support the arts and Bruin entrepreneurship by booking a shoot, buying prints or following them on social media to see their current and upcoming projects.

Michelle Guan '18

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://michelle8guan.wixsite.com/mguan

Social: @mguanphotography 

My name is Michelle Guan and I graduated in 2018 with a B.S. in psychobiology. I am extremely grateful to have been able to stay at UCLA for medical school as part of the class of 2023 and am currently finishing up my last year of schooling. My love for photography began during college in 2016 when I started exploring Los Angeles with friends and a camera in hand. As I ventured more into the graduation photography scene, I enjoyed the new friends I met (some of whom ended up becoming my medical school classmates) and being able to immortalize moments of joy for others as they celebrated their achievements with their friends.

As I had more opportunities to travel, photography has also been a great medium for me to share with others the beauty of the landscapes and cultures found across the world. Five of my landscape photographs were published in the UCLA Health community's annual arts and literature magazine "The Beat."

Photography continues to be a way for me to find balance in life as I am pursuing my career in medicine, and I'm always looking forward to events or photoshoot collaborations with others. I hope to continue connecting with other Bruins and alumni clients throughout the years!

Photo Showcase:

Charline Messa '21

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: www.charlinemessa.com

Social: @charlinemessa

I started as a self-taught photographer in Brazil, my home country and where I had the opportunity to capture uncountable moments on and off stage for great artists and bands. After moving to Los Angeles, I decided to embrace photography as a career and chose to study at UCLA. I have always been fascinated with the idea of capturing a scene or a moment forever in time. During my childhood, I used to exercise my creativity by drawing, painting, organizing and doing handcraft activities. Bringing movement to a static image, playing with space, and interaction and proportion of objects with the environment inspired me to photograph toys and miniatures.

Photo Showcase:

Kevin A. Gilligan '90

Current City: Torrance, California

Website: www.photosbykag.com

Social: @photosbykag

Kevin Gilligan ’90 is an award-winning landscape, portrait, sports photographer and destination workshop instructor. Based in L.A.’s South Bay, he frequently travels to capture the beauty of our national parks and stunning destinations, including Patagonia and the Italian Dolomites. In 2020, Gilligan’s image of the Three Towers in Torres del Paine National Park won a Bronze Award from the highly competitive Epson International Pano competition. His portrait work, including his recent solo exhibition “Developing Men,” has been gallery-exhibited and was featured by UCLA Magazine. His sports photography includes professional surfing, professional soccer and mixed martial arts. Gilligan is a second-degree black belt in Krav Maga, a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is passionate about MMA. His images have been in over 30 group shows, three solo exhibitions and displayed in museums three times. Gilligan is also a full time-prosecutor who won UCLA’s Public Service Award in 2016.

Photo Showcase:

Vinukh Kalansuriya '21

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://thedarkroomjukebox.com

Social: @thedarkroomjukebox

My name is Vinukh and I am a recent grad from the University of California, Los Angeles. I studied sociology and film during my time there. I really developed my photography and filmmaking abilities on the back of a wont to capture moments and document them as a part of someone's life history.

My primary medium is film photography and have honed in on shooting mostly commercial and editorial work. I also have experience in concert and music festival photography. Some of my clients have included Insomniac, Google and Irvine Company Apartments.

Photo Showcase:

Serena Zhang '19

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://serenatyphotography.wixsite.com/photography

Social: @serenatyphoto

I have always loved the magic of capturing memories through photography. With thoughts and visions captured in shapes and lines, photography has the power to evoke strong feelings through nostalgia, imagination and familiar scenes. Photography has also given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and hear their stories. Whether it is a graduation session, an engagement session or a lifestyle shoot, photography allowed me to capture and share in the joy that the clients may reminisce in for years to come.

Photo Showcase:

Selina Pan '21

Current City: San Francisco, California

Website: https://shotbysel.myportfolio.com/

Social: @shotbysel

After receiving a camera as a gift on my 16th birthday, I originally wanted to practice and build a portfolio in the editorial and fashion space. I loved planning creative photoshoots with any of my friends that wanted to model for me. I dabbled in sessions with a wide variety of backgrounds, props and lighting. In college, I joined organizations and worked on several projects with different focuses like fashion and dance. I also started building my name in the graduation space at UCLA and other local colleges, and started branching out to shooting events. My recent focus has shifted towards portraits and events, with a heavy emphasis on graduation portrait photography, families and babies, and weddings. I discovered a love for capturing candid moments and documenting growth and milestones. I'm grateful to have experienced various facets of the photography industry, and ultimately, I love working with people, capturing real life moments and emotions.

Photo Showcase:

Miranda Montenegro '20

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://www.mirandamontenegro.com

Social: @mirandaelmontenegro

My name is Miranda Montenegro and I am a filmmaker and photographer. I made photography my passion after interning and eventually working for UCLA Radio in their photo/video department. I have photographed countless artists and bands including Greta Van Fleet, Da Baby, Bishop Briggs and Ruel, and created content for Gibson Guitars and Stila Cosmetics. In 2019, I DP’d two short films, "Velour" and "Love Letter to Los Angeles," and co-wrote "Rate My Poetry: An Anthology on the Poetics of the Review." In 2020, I co-directed an award-winning mockumentary, "The Internet's First Girl Band," and directed my first fiction short film, "Hey Joe." In 2022, I wrote and directed my sophomore short, "U.S. vs. Beltran" and produced and edited the dark comedy "The Good Father." Additionally, I have interned for Sony Pictures Entertainment, Montecito Picture Company and Entravision Communications Corporation. I graduated from University of California, Los Angeles in March 2020 with a B.A. in English and concentration in film, television and digital media. I am a second-year M.F.A. film and TV production student at University of Southern California.

I am currently serving as a director's assistant on a Disney+ television show scheduled for a fall 2023 release. I am self-represented and take clients on a limited basis.

Photo Showcase:

Sabrina Yeung '13

Current City: Bay Area, Ohio

Website: https://www.syeungphotography.com/

Social: @syeungphoto

Since childhood, I've loved the idea of being able to capture moments in time through a photograph. I bought my first camera during my time at UCLA. While I should have been studying for my neurosci exams, I spent hours wandering around campus and different parts of West L.A. with my camera in hand, practicing and developing my photographic style.

During my senior year, I photographed my first wedding for a friend that I had met at UCLA. After graduation, I moved to the Bay Area and with the encouragement from friends, started my wedding and portrait photography business. Ten years later, I am working full-time as a product manager and continue to run my photography business.

Photo Showcase:

If you are a Bruin photographer, send us an email at connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu for possible inclusion into this page. Include your website, social handle, class year and a short one-paragraph bio. We will follow up to request additional info.

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• Books by Bruins - LGBTQ Stories
• Books by Bruins - Health and Wellness
• Bruin-Owned Businesses: Tech
• Books by Bruins - Stories About Women
• Books by Bruins - L.A. Stories
• Bruin-Owned Businesses: Gift Ideas 4
• Books by Bruins - Vol. II
• Bruin-Owned Beverage Businesses 2
• Bruin-Owned Businesses: Fitness and Wellness 3
• Books by Bruins
• Bruin-Owned Businesses: Gift Ideas 3
• Bruin-Owned Restaurants Part 3
• Bruin-Owned Businesses: Fitness and Wellness 2
• Bruin-Owned Photography Part Two
• Bruin-Owned Businesses: Gift Ideas 2
• Bruin-Owned Photography
• Bruin-Owned Art Galleries and Collectives
• Bruin-Owned Restaurants Part 2

• Bruin-Owned Gift Ideas
• Bruin-Owned Fitness and Wellness Businesses
• Bruin-Owned Event-Planning Businesses
• Bruin-Owned Apparel Businesses
• Bruin-Owned Beverage Businesses
• Bruin-Owned Restaurants

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Travel Journal - Egypt & the Eternal Nile

Article and photos by Hon Hoang ʼ14

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his was my first time on the continent of Africa, let alone Egypt. Words could not thoroughly describe how excited I was at the prospect of seeing monuments and world wonders I’d only seen in the media. To step foot onto a land and walk the same paths that so many others have done for millennia; to see cascading waves of sand brush past the horizon as the sun sets ꟷ these were moments that I’ve only imagined and it became a reality. For two weeks, I had the privilege of being part of a tour through Egypt with UCLA Alumni Travel. Going from Cairo to the southern border of Egypt and then back up to Luxor by cruising on riverboats on Lake Nasser and the River Nile, it was an experience that was magical and honest. I saw the country outside its major city limits. I observed villages along the Nile. I visited monuments thousands of years old. And I learned about the people who called Egypt home.

There was a sense of surrealism that enveloped me as I left the confines of the airport. Things felt the same, but were somehow different. As the distance between me and the airport grew, I entered through the city limits to a new reality. It dawned on me that I was a long ways from home. I started noticing the little details: how the air and even the sunshine felt different. This was how I felt when I observed my first sunrise and sunset in Egypt. I wondered if it was the same sun I’ve always known. I wondered if the deep red amber light was a product of the sand and dust while I gazed upon the pyramids of Giza looming in the horizon as the sun said hello and goodbye to the day.

The awe and wonder didn’t strike me all at once as I stood in front of the monuments I’ve only seen in history books and in varying media ever since I was a child. It slowly settled over me like the fine grains of sand on top of surfaces in Egypt. I wondered how much of what I was experiencing was a dream. Then the sights, sounds and sensations reminded me that, for now, this was my reality and that meant I was standing before the Pyramids of Giza, The Temple of Abu Simbel and The Sphinx. As the tour continued on, so did the list of great wonders.

Like any good story, a setting always needs characters to make any tale worth telling. Traveling is nothing without the people who make the destination, with the exception of a few locations. It would be difficult for me to experience a place without learning and immersing myself in the culture my temporary home hoped to provide. Hospitality, especially as it related to tourism, can easily be dismissed as capitalistic opportunity, but this can be said about any tourist destination. Once I began exploring on my own, outside of locations with high tourist traffic, I found that locals had a genuine curiosity and earnestness to interact with travelers. There was reciprocating curiosity as I passed by observing vendors and shopkeepers, exchanging civilities and warm smiles. 

One of the most memorable moments for me did not involve visiting one of the Egypt's ancient structures, but having lunch with a farmer and his family, as our tour group met them at their home. We were granted an opportunity to see how some people in Egypt lived and how they made their living with what the River Nile provided.

I would be remiss not to mention our various modes of transportation as they were experiences unto themselves. It may not seem appealing at first having to take a bus through the deserts of Egypt, but it was during these times that I saw the finer moments that can't be found in guide books or captured on celluloid or printed in the history books. Like seeing the many grains of sand that make up the desert, or observing the grand expanse of what nature has to offer, and realizing how Egyptians have been able to adapt and thrive in such harsh environments. These were the moments that made my trip.

Beyond our bus rides through the cities and deserts, I also found myself on riverboats that transported us from Lake Nasser to the River Nile up to Luxor. These boat rides were exemplary floating hotels that took us from one ancient temple to another. These temples may have been the highlights of the day for some, but for me, it was the moments in between that made it a memorable experience. The early mornings watching the sun rise over the manmade Lake Nasser as we rode motorboats to the shores towards our temple du jour. Observing the crashing waves against the side of the riverboat, still in awe that Egyptians spent 10 years making such a lake. Cruising on the River Nile as the calls to prayer echoed throughout the horizon. As the setting sun reminded the religious to be closer to God, I was reminded where I was in the world. 

Through these words and images, I could only capture so much, but what couldn’t be encapsulated were the sounds and sensations that made up the experience. Depending on the time of year, the time of day and who happens to be present in the moment, popular destinations can be distinctively your own. This trip may have been a shared experience, but it was somehow still distinctively my own. How you travel and what you experience will always be based on how you approach traveling: what you decide to let in and what you decide to leave behind. There’s so much more to be said about this unforgettable trip, so for everything else that was left unsaid, perhaps you’ll have to experience Egypt for yourself. 

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Inside The Den

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nder the bright lights and hanging championship banners of Pauley Pavilion, you can hear the roar and cheers of students booming throughout the building. Coordinated jeers are chanted during visiting-player introductions and tiny pieces of blue and gold paper fly through the air just as the first Bruin basket of the game is made. This is The Den, also known as the most spirited student section on Earth. These die hard UCLA Athletics fans will give 100% of their energy at all UCLA sporting events to cheer on our student athletes. Being part of The Den is one of the most exciting and memorable experiences of being a student. They help create an electric atmosphere inside our stadiums that energizes our players, intimidates opponents and may be partially responsible for the UCLA Men’s Basketball team’s undefeated home record.

To belong to The Den, current students must first purchase a Den Pass, offered by UCLA Athletics. For the 2022-2023 school year, passes can be purchased for $185, which includes access to all home football and men's basketball games (all other UCLA sports offer free admission for students). Additionally, first-year students are able to purchase a 4's Up Den Pass which gives them access to all football and men's basketball games for all four years at a discounted rate. The pass also includes a Den T-shirt, exclusive ticketing priority to Bowl Games, post-season men’s basketball and the UCLA-USC football game, and of course, the best seats in the house — the UCLA student section. Den Pass holders also have a private entrance at Pauley Pavilion, which sometimes means lining up early to beat the crowds for guaranteed entry at marquee games.

Then the fun begins! The student experience at UCLA sporting events is incredible. These games bring along a set of traditions where students come together to show off their Bruin pride. Different sports offer different Den traditions but are all rooted in the same spirit of fun and support for our Bruin teams.

At home gymnastics meets, students are given a paper that details the routines and information about the meet. UCLA ends with the floor exercise, which gives the gymnasts the chance to interact with the student section during their routines. The paper given out includes instructions on how to copy or interact with the dancers during their routines. No worries if you have two left feet though. These dance moves consist of things such as dabbing or even doing the wave. After the last tumbling pass, the paper is torn up and tossed in the air.

Another gymnastics tradition that has held up over the years is when a gymnast performs a superb routine on any apparatus, fans scream out, “10! 10! 10!” while motioning a ten with their hands towards the judges.

With UCLA’s history as a basketball powerhouse, the games in Pauley Pavilion give students the opportunity to participate in many different traditions before, during and after the game. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular Den traditions.

Roll Call

During pregame warmups, Den members chant the names of players repeatedly until they get the player’s acknowledgement.

Opponent Intros

As each starter on the opposing team is introduced, The Den yells out a jeer, “So What?” “Who Cares?” “Big Deal!” “Who’s He?” “Go Home!”

The Dirt and Confetti Toss

The Dirt is a flyer that is placed on every seat before games that has basic information about both teams playing. It also includes embarrassing trash about the other team’s players or school. When the first basket of the game is made by a member of the UCLA team, students rip up the paper into tiny little pieces and throw it in the air like confetti.  

Free Throw Ritual

When a UCLA player is about to shoot a free throw, members hold up a finger and stay quiet. Upon making it, they yell, “Whoosh” followed by two claps. Repeat after making the second free throw and follow it with a “Yes!” and a double fist-pump. If the free throw is the result of a continuation basket, they chant, “Three point play” along with the announcer followed by a “Whoop.” If they complete the and-1 free throw, they yell “Whoosh” followed by three claps and a “Yes!”

Opposing Team Free Throws

On a similar note, during the second half of the game, students are provided with long balloons to wave around in the air when the opposing team is shooting free throws. The forms of distraction vary from funny signs to unique costumes to crazy dances.

Opponent Airballs

When an opponent airballs a shot, they immediately chant, “Airball! Airball! Airball!” which continues every time the same player touches the ball until they score their next point.

Opponent Fouls Out

When an opponent commits their fifth foul, they chant out the player’s steps to the bench with, “Left, Right, Left, Right, Staaaaanding, Sit down!” and concludes with “So long, chief!”

Alma Mater and Rover

After every game, win or lose, the UCLA Marching Band plays our Alma Mater, “Hail to the Hills of Westwood.” Most fans will hold up two fingers in a V for victory, or keep them together after a loss. Either way, The Den puts their arms around each other’s shoulders and sways while singing. If the Bruins win, this is then followed by the song “Rover,” which is a parody of the song, “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover.” This is the pinnacle moment when everyone dances and sings along exuberantly.    

These traditions are a part of what makes our time and experience at UCLA so memorable. The Den has been able to keep this going for years, decades, passing on the rituals from one generation to the next, and enjoyed by returning alumni long after they’ve graduated. The next time you come to a UCLA Athletics event, cheer along with these Den traditions and feel your Bruin spirit come alive.

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Bruin Promise Interviews - DeShaun Foster

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eShaun Foster '13 is one of the most prolific running backs in UCLA Football history. He now serves as associate head coach, running backs for the Bruins. Hear his story and how the Bruin Promise looks to help other UCLA alumni for years to come.

The Bruin Promise is an affirmation that UCLA will provide alumni an accessible, campus-driven gateway to lifelong learning in an ever-changing and evolving world.

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Alumnae Conference - Dare to Soar

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ruins are invited to turn dreams into action at the UCLA Alumnae Conference: Dare to Soar, a place to bring more purpose into your work, develop your goals and build success. The one-day event taking place on Sunday, March 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PDT, will create an empowered network of women supporting each other and giving back to their communities. This year, we are excited to return to campus to experience the unrivaled discovery, networking, professional development and personal growth that can only happen at UCLA. The hybrid format will bring alumnae together from around the world via an interactive webinar.

Alumnae will be warmly welcomed back to the James West Alumni Center by Julie Sina, Associate Vice Chancellor, Alumni Affairs and COO of The UCLA Foundation.

Inspiring strategist, impact maker and entrepreneur Christine Simmons ’98 will be our keynote speaker. Christine will share her vision for embracing an individual’s unique energy to meet their potential. A former UCLA Alumni Association president and regent, she is a sought-after speaker who has worked with Fortune 500 corporations and multi-million dollar companies. She leads the strategic consulting firm Alis Volat Propriis, she who flies with her own wings, and has started a clothing and merchandise line, Unapologetically (TM) Christine.

The day’s engaging panels — Women in Politics, Women in Business and Women in Health & Wellness — will feature conversations among women actively sharing their journeys with all the twists and turns. Learn from business owners, entrepreneurs and leaders as they discuss the issues that matter most to women, including leadership, work/life balance and career growth.

Attendees can take part in a tasting of exceptional wines made by Black women from South Africa and hosted by Roots & Vines Wine founder and CEO Jennifer White ’97, M.P.P. ’06. Throughout the day, explore or participate in the Entrepreneur Marketplace, featuring Bruin-owned businesses ready to serve your needs. Alumnae are also invited to contribute to our Alumni Affairs professional clothing drive. The Career Closet is open to all UCLA community members, including students and alumni. Even if you aren’t able to attend, we welcome all forms of professional clothing and are happy to receive a shipment.

Shipments can be sent to:

c/o Sandy Nguyen, UCLA Alumni
James West Alumni Center
325 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095

The day’s closing speaker, UCLA Women’s Head Basketball Coach Cori Close, M.Ed. ʼ95, will leave us uplifted and inspired. Coach Close is in her 12th season at the head of the No. 16-ranked Bruin team. She gives players a transformational experience through basketball that equips them for the rest of their lives.

We look forward to welcoming you in person or online for a fulfilling and motivational day of community at the UCLA Alumnae Conference: Dare to Soar. Come back to UCLA’s beautiful campus and join with other alumnae to empower possibilities as you develop your purpose while creating positive change.

Cost: $45 In Person, $10 Virtual

UCLA Alumni Affairs celebrates women, non-binary and transgender people of all ages and backgrounds and welcomes everyone and anyone interested in sharing and learning from one another.

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Introducing the Bruin Promise

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iat lux — let there be light — the motto of the University of California symbolizing its role in lighting the way in the pursuit of knowledge, creativity and truth. To this end, UCLA is shining a light on its enduring presence in the lives of alumni, enlightening Bruins through every stage of life. A new portal has been created that provides you with unlimited access to UCLA’s vast resources and offerings. Introducing the Bruin Promise.

The Bruin Promise is…

A Philosophy

The idea was conceived by UCLA Chancellor Gene Block years ago, inspired by a colleague who told him about a newly formed automobile company that offered a lifetime warranty. He thought, “Why don’t we offer alumni a lifetime warranty? Even after you graduate, we’ll be with you forever.”

The old adage “Once a Bruin, Always a Bruin” is taken a step further, promising that educational opportunities available to students will also be made available to alumni.

For Ann Wang ʼ13, president of the UCLA Alumni Association, it means that “learning both in the classroom and out of the classroom doesn't stop when you graduate, but rather continues in every stage of your life. That's the Bruin Promise, that we as UCLA and as the Alumni Association are here for you.”

A Hub for Experiences

The Bruin Promise website serves as repository for hundreds of UCLA experiences: events, lectures, research, media, publications, etc. It holds a varied and dynamic trove of content from UCLA departments, centers and institutes, which then serve as pathways to take deeper dives into specific subject matters ranging from climate science to cancer research to music innovation and much more.

The site allows you to choose your own adventure beginning with four overarching categories: Arts & Culture, Career & Professional Development, Health & Wellness and Lifelong Learning. Search filters also allow you to sort through colleges and organizations, content types or use a keyword search. The dynamic functionality of the site means that each visit features a different slate of experiences, exposing you to more of UCLA’s diverse offerings.

A Bridge

Every worthwhile partnership is mutually beneficial. This two-way bridge extends educational access to alumni, while strengthening the connection and involvement of alumni to the UCLA community. When alumni are engaged with UCLA, they bring unique advantages, including recruiting students, serving on volunteer boards, connecting academia with industry or becoming mentors to younger Bruins. The contributions of alumni are innumerable.

Likewise, lifelong access to UCLA’s educational resources and opportunities is a tremendous benefit for those wishing to take advantage. Acquire more education and training to advance your career interests. Build on your professional network and generate business leads. Learn the latest research in child psychology or the aging process as you navigate caring for young or elderly dependents. The possibilities are endless when a strong bond is built between alumni and its alma mater. 

A Starting Point

This is phase I, a prototype, an unfinished product. The purpose of launching it now is to give Bruins a chance to explore it, test it, and contribute ideas and feedback towards improving it. Like any new initiative, the idea of the Bruin Promise has been set into motion with a framework, a platform, a content base and search functionality; however, it is still a ways from the ideal – an ideal that is still being defined.

As you navigate the site, consider the following:

• Did you find the content relevant to your needs or interests? What’s missing?
• Is it easy to find what you were searching for? Is the navigation intuitive?
• Does the layout appeal to you? Do you prefer a curated presentation of limited content or a large breadth of content laid out that can be sorted and filtered?

Any and all feedback is welcome and will be considered. You are a stakeholder in the Bruin Promise and the next steps in its evolution will be determined by your user experience. Submit your thoughts to UCLAbruinpromise@alumni.ucla.edu.

A Game-Changer  

“We’re on the cutting edge of discovery every day at UCLA,” says President Ann Wang. “In our commitment to lifelong learning, alumni will now have access to tap into the University’s knowledge from the certificate level to exciting faculty research. Not a lot of universities are cracking that code.”

While the Bruin Promise is in its infancy, imagine the possibilities when it matures into full adulthood. As knowledge builds upon previous knowledge, the platform will continue to grow and evolve and strive for its ideal: a one-stop shop to feed your curiosity and lead you to greater heights personally and professionally. But its success requires your active engagement, your willingness to explore and respond. Poet William Butler Yeats said, “Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.” So with this new promise, let there be light.

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Best of Connect 2022

10Watermark: An Exclusive Offer for UCLA Alumni

February Edition

Save up to $25,000 on residency at The Watermark at Westwood Village, an award-winning senior living community steps from campus. Also covered is your Alumni Association Sustaining Donor contribution!

9Campus Eats

March Edition

Which has better food - North Campus or South Campus? In this second helping of the Campus Eats series, we highlighted the dining options at LuValle, Anderson, Court of Sciences, Medical Centers and more. See what's good, what's changed and what's no longer open for business.

8Bruins in the Pros: Cheer and Dance Edition

December Edition

UCLA has a rich history of producing professional athletes who work for a variety of sports teams. In this issue, we’re featured nine recent graduates who are currently performing for professional cheerleading and dance teams in both the NFL and NBA. Be sure to cheer for these Bruins when you spot them at the game!

7Career Engineering: Who Gets Hired and Why

March Edition

Amy Rueda is a 25-year veteran of executive search and has placed CEOs and C-suite executives across multiple industries. In this new series she offered her expert career advice to those seeking to level up. In this issue, she described the DNA of the ideal candidate.

6Bruin-Owned Art Galleries and Collectives

September Edition

Our Bruin-Owned Businesses series continued with a feature on art galleries and collectives which showcased the classic and contemporary works of both Bruins and non-Bruins alike, as well as that of their founders. Support the arts and Bruin entrepreneurship by planning a visit or following them on social media to see their current and upcoming exhibitions.

5Then & Now: South Campus

July/August Edition

The slider overlays an aerial view of South Campus in 1950 to the same area today. Test your knowledge on what sits in the locations where the Greek amphitheater, the orchards and the reservoir used to be. Then check Show Labels to reveal the answers.

4Bruins on the Ballot

November Edition

From the U.S. House of Representatives to local school boards, scores of Bruin candidates ran in various national, state and municipal races in the general election on Nov. 8. See the diverse pool of UCLA alumni (including one current student) who were on the ballot. While this was not an endorsement of any candidates or political parties, it was a call for all Bruins to make their voices heard and VOTE!

3Experience the World With Alumni Travel

June Edition

As the world opens up, the once distant dream of traveling is closer to becoming a reality. Fortunately, UCLA Alumni Travel has expert tour professionals who can aid you with worry-free travel from beginning to end. On most tours you’ll be guided by a UCLA professor, stay in 4- to 5-star accommodations and, best of all, see the world with like-minded, friendly Bruins, where your shared experience lends itself to creating new memories and lasting friendships. Explore our 2022 tours!

1Bruin-Owned Restaurants Part 2

July/August Edition

(Tied for No. 1) Now is a great time to come out and enjoy a delicious meal with good company, while helping a Bruin business. In a sequel to the restaurants installment of the popular Bruin-Owned Businesses series, we’re once again tantalizing you with the mouth-watering dishes being served up by fellow alumni. Bon appétit!

1UCLA Slang

January Edition

(Tied for No. 1) Are you cool enough to know what block party, birding and UZLA all mean? Check out this growing glossary of campus slang and see what the young Bruins are saying these days. Perhaps you'll recognize some throwback lingo from your time in Westwood.

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