BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//UCLA Alumni - ECPv6.15.11//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:UCLA Alumni X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://alumni.ucla.edu X-WR-CALDESC:Events for UCLA Alumni REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250523T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250523T210000 DTSTAMP:20260808T043224 CREATED:20260724T195003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T164149Z UID:10000208-1747983600-1748034000@alumni.ucla.edu SUMMARY:UCLA Awards DESCRIPTION:Since 1946\, UCLA has paid tribute to its most distinguished luminaries who have lit the way for UCLA’s brightest stars to shine. From larger-than-life legends to community heroes\, UCLA Awards are bestowed upon Bruins who have brought great honor to the university and whose contributions impact the world. \n\n\n\n For questions\, contact awards@alumni.ucla.edu. \n\n\n\n2025 recipients\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Ricardo Barboza\, Bruin story since ’95 \n 2025 Community Service Award \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n Ricardo Barboza\, Bruin story since ’95\n 2025 Community Service Award The 2025 UCLA Award for Community Service honors Chief Ricardo Barboza ’95\, UCLA Fire Marshal for the UCLA campus and UCLA Health\, for his outstanding dedication to keeping the campus safe and his deep commitment to the True Bruin Values: excellence\, integrity\, accountability\, respect and service. \nFor nearly two decades\, Chief Barboza has been a steadfast protector of the UCLA community\, working tirelessly to safeguard lives\, property and the environment. As an advisor to UCLA’s Emergency Management Policy Group (EMPG) — the senior leadership team responsible for responding to campus-wide risks — he plays a critical role in shaping emergency preparedness and response strategies. \nDuring recent wildfires\, Barboza prioritized clear\, transparent communication\, ensuring that students\, faculty and staff felt informed and protected. But his impact extends well beyond crisis response. He launched “Cold Brew & Conversation\,” a program designed to connect with students and staff in a more personal way while providing essential fire safety education and highlighting campus resources. \nAs the first Latino to lead UCLA Fire\, Barboza is a champion for inclusivity. He fosters a culture of respect\, collaboration and proactive problem-solving\, ensuring that every voice is valued. His leadership style is hands-on and team-focused — always leading by example\, always making time to support and uplift his colleagues. \nWith a 30-year career spanning UCLA Fire\, UCPD\, and the Alhambra and Torrance fire departments (began UCPD in 1995)\, Barboza’s dedication to service runs deep. His generosity extends beyond his professional role — like in 2014\, when he donated platelets at the UCLA Blood & Platelet Center to help save a young mother’s life. In fact\, Chief Barboza has made over 150 donations for platelets. \nThrough his unwavering leadership and heart for service\, Ricardo Barboza has made UCLA a safer\, stronger and more connected community. The Bruin family is deeply grateful for his commitment and impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Scout Bassett\, Bruin story since ’11 \n 2025 Young Alumnus of the Year \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n Scout Bassett\, Bruin story since ’11\n 2025 Young Alumnus of the Year Scout Bassett is the 2025 UCLA Young Alumnus of the Year\, recognized for her advocacy and resilience. The Paralympian\, author and activist transformed the adversity she faced into a powerful platform to champion others. \nAs an infant\, Bassett lost her leg in a chemical fire and spent her early years in a Chinese orphanage. Adopted by a family in a small town in northern Michigan\, her athletic journey began at age 14\, when the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) provided crucial support to fund her training. She found solace and success by competing in races and mentoring young amputees. \nHoping to broaden her horizon after high school\, she felt an immediate connection when she visited UCLA. She received a scholarship from CAF to continue her training at UCLA. Her college experience was enhanced by her work as an R.A.\, listening to other students share their life journeys. \nAfter graduating from UCLA\, she became a professional track and field athlete. Her athletic achievements are extraordinary: 2016 Paralympian; seven-time National Champion in the 100m; world record holder in the 400m; American record holder in the 100m and 200m; four-time ITU Paratriathlon World Championships medalist; four-time USA Paratriathlon National Championship medalist; and two-time World Championship bronze medalist. \nBeyond her athletic success\, Bassett is a powerful advocate for women and athletes with disabilities. She founded the Scout Bassett Fund to provide financial grants to young athletes with disabilities. She serves as president of the Women’s Sports Foundation\, advocating for equal opportunities. For the upcoming LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games\, she is an Athlete Commission Member\, representing athletes’ interests. Her influence extends to corporate partnerships\, including her role as a Gatorade Women’s Advisory Member and supporting initiatives for women in sports for PepsiCo. \nBassett’s story is chronicled in her autobiography\, “Lucky Girl: Lessons on Overcoming Odds and Building a Limitless Future.” Her recognition as a USA TODAY Woman of the Year and a 2024 Elly Awards Honoree at the Women’s Forum of New York further underscores her significant impact as an inspiration to all. \nClick here to watch Scout’s story. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bruin Professionals \n 2025 Alumni Network of the Year Award \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n Bruin Professionals\n 2025 Alumni Network of the Year Award Bruin Professionals is the recipient of the 2025 UCLA Award for Network of the Year for their commitment to building and supporting a community of Bruin business leaders and professionals. The network excels at fostering a sense of belonging\, while empowering members to build a strong network of supporting Bruin-owned businesses. The network’s core values of “Community\, Camaraderie and Commerce” reflect their dedication to creating a space where Bruins thrive both socially and professionally. Established in 2003 by UCLA alumni Mike Anderson ’97\, Cert. ‘11\, Randy Sheinbein ’78\, Cert. ’10\, Mark Baker ’89 and Matthew Baker ’89\, Cert.’07\, Bruin Professionals (BP) has grown to 15 active chapters across Southern California. \nUnder the leadership of all who followed their founders\, BP has expanded its reach and impact across the UCLA graduate schools and undergraduate alumni and the UCLA affinity community. The network supports its members in building connections through monthly meetings and events\, encouraging the exchange of referrals\, resources and advice. Their BP Exchange forum boasts more than 8\,000 subscribers. They maintain a robust events calendar\, where most meetings include an educational component or high-profile speaker who share business trends and updates in the current market. BP has added affinity groups for lawyers\, real estate professionals and young alumni to provide touchpoint opportunities for networking with peers. \nBP is committed to supporting the next generation of business leaders through the Bruin Professional Alumni Scholarship\, establishing the BP 200 Club for members who donate at least $500 to the fund. BP’s scholarship impact is significant; they have endowed one scholarship and are nearing the endowment of a second\, to provide substantial financial aid. The network has raised over $30\,000 for scholarships through its annual golf tournament. \nBP’s membership includes numerous successful small business owners who contribute to their communities and the broader UCLA network. Notably\, BP members are consistently recognized in the Bruin Business 100\, along with individual and firm accolades such as Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams\, the Wall Street Journal RealTrends Top 1.5% in the country\, Financial Planning Magazine top national investment advisors\, Los Angeles Super Lawyers\, and leading regional and national industry boards. They also serve on numerous UCLA boards across the University. \nAs the UCLA Network of the Year\, BP is continuing the tradition of Bruins helping Bruins\, while being trusted advisors and resources to businesses and making an important investment in the next generation of Bruin professionals. Visit us as www.BruinProfessionals.com. Go Bruins! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Isaac Bryan\, Bruin story since M.P.P. ʼ18 \n 2025 Public Service Award \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n Isaac Bryan\, Bruin story since M.P.P. ʼ18\n 2025 Public Service Award Isaac Bryan\, M.P.P. ’18 is the recipient of the 2025 UCLA Award for Public Service\, recognizing his impactful leadership in improving the lives of Californians. Throughout his career\, Bryan has built diverse coalitions to champion environmental justice\, racial equity\, housing justice and reform of the criminal legal system. \nBryan earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in political science and his master’s degree in public policy from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. While at Luskin\, he was an advocate for policy reform rooted in research and scholarship. He served as the Director of Organizing for the Million Dollar Hoods research project\, co-authoring a report on the cost of mass incarceration. He became the inaugural Director of Public Policy at the UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center and the founding director of the UCLA Black Policy Project. Bryan received numerous fellowship awards and in 2021 was honored as the MPP Alumnus of the Year from UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. \nAs a member of the California State Assembly\, representing the 55th district\, has successfully fought for policy changes and investments that protect marginalized Californians. He chairs the Committee on Natural Resources and the Assembly’s first Select Committee on Poverty and Economic Inclusion. He is also vice chair and a founding member of the Renters Caucus and also serves as vice chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. \nHis legislative victories include phasing out oil drilling near homes and communities\, eliminating fees for parents with children in foster care\, ending prison gerrymandering\, ensuring access to menstrual products for incarcerated Californians\, and protecting foster youth survivor benefits. He secured vital funding for initiatives including the establishment of the Center on Reproductive Health\, Law\, and Policy at the UCLA School of Law and the first Climate Change Education Center in the California Community College system at West LA College. He also created a stipend program for formerly incarcerated community college students. \nAs one of the youngest California legislators and one of 12 Black state lawmakers\, Isaac Bryan is using the knowledge and skills he honed at UCLA towards making impactful policy changes at the intersection of environmental\, economic\, education and housing justice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Joanna Doran\, Bruin story since ʼ98 \n 2025 Professional Achievement Award \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n Joanna Doran\, Bruin story since ʼ98\n 2025 Professional Achievement Award The 2025 UCLA Award for Professional Achievement belongs to Joanna Doran ʼ98 for her dedication to improving the lives of those affected by cancer. The distinguished attorney\, author and speaker is an advocate for patients finding a path forward\, allowing them to focus on healing. \nDoran’s commitment began while studying political science with an emphasis in international relations at UCLA. As a student\, she worked at the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI)\, where she saw the legal challenges patients faced. She earned her J.D. at Loyola Law School\, where she externed for a disability rights organization with a program on cancer. Upon graduation\, she received a public interest law fellowship to continue her work in cancer rights. Within a few years\, she became director of that program and began teaching a course on Cancer Rights Law. \nDriven by these early experiences\, Doran co-founded and serves as CEO of the national nonprofit Triage Cancer\, the only nationwide organization dedicated to providing free education on the legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers. \nRecognizing the overwhelming burden placed on cancer patients by these challenges\, Doran is sharing her expertise with others. She has presented more than one thousand educational seminars and educated countless students at Triage Cancer and as an adjunct professor of law at Loyola Law School Los Angeles\, and Wayne State University Law School. She has contributed to numerous publications and co-authored “Cancer Rights Law” for the American Bar Association\, the first and only book of its kind. \nHer leadership and advocacy have been recognized with numerous accolades\, including the 2009 Advocate of the Year from Susan G. Komen for the Cure®\, the 2015 Legacy Advocate Award from Stupid Cancer and she was named one of the Top 20 Attorneys in California Under the Age of 40 by the Los Angeles Daily Journal in 2010. She has served on prominent committees and boards including the California Division of the American Cancer Society\, ZERO Prostate Cancer’s Medical Advisory Board and the executive committee of the American Bar Association’s Breast Cancer Task Force. \nJoanna Doran’s impact is undeniable. Through her work and her extensive advocacy\, she has ensured that millions of individuals with cancer and their caregivers have access to the information and support they need. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celia Ward-Wallace\, Bruin story since ’98 \n 2025 Edward A. Dickson Alumnus of the Year \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n Celia Ward-Wallace\, Bruin story since ’98\n 2025 Edward A. Dickson Alumnus of the Year Celia Ward-Wallace ’98 is the 2025 Edward A. Dickson Alumnus of the Year. A social justice leader\, visionary changemaker and entrepreneur\, her work through South L.A. Café and its Community Foundation has had a transformative impact in South Los Angeles and beyond. \nThe daughter of civil rights organizers Lian Hurst Mann and Eric Mann\, Ward-Wallace was raised with a deep responsibility to fight injustice and stand with marginalized communities. She spent 13 years with the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks as a community center director\, where she helped launch Girls Play LA\, expanding Title IX protections and access to sports for girls citywide. While working full-time\, she earned her juris doctorate from the People’s College of Law\, a movement-based institution training lawyers for justice. \nIn 2011\, she founded The Ward-Wallace Group\, a coaching and consulting firm that has supported over 1\,000 leaders\, organizations and social enterprises. Her signature programs — Soulful Coaching Academy\, Super Fly Soulful Business and Women’s Night Out — train women and movement leaders to create impact from a place of purpose and power. \nWard-Wallace is a keynote speaker\, author\, correspondent and television host. Her book “A Woman’s Guide to Having It All\,” is a blueprint for leading with authenticity and building a just world. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member\, teaching graduate students and community leaders a curriculum rooted in justice\, resilience and legacy. \nIn 2019\, she and her life partner Joe Ward-Wallace co-founded South LA Cafe. With multiple locations including ones at the Natural History Museum and Hollywood Bowl — the café offers fresh\, healthy and affordable food while serving as a civic and cultural hub. The anti-gentrification effort turned community anchor is built on the Community Centered Business Model™\, which reimagines businesses as a force for justice. They hire locally — including system-impacted individuals — offer above-living wages\, and partner with the South LA Community Foundation to run the Café Academy\, a workforce training program that builds leadership and career pathways. \nBuilding on the success of the café\, the Ward-Wallaces founded the South LA Community Foundation in support of advancing racial equity\, economic justice and climate resilience. In 2020\, the Foundation launched the South LA Grocery Giveaway\, which provides free groceries to over 200 families every Wednesday and has served roughly 300\,000 people to date. The Foundation also mobilized free Covid testing\, vaccinations and health clinics during the pandemic. In 2024\, the Foundation secured funding from Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove to develop South LA Community Resilience Centers — expanding the cafés into hubs for empowerment\, emergency response and self-determination. \nIn response to the 2025 L.A. wildfires\, the Foundation organized and mobilized over 1\,000 volunteers\, distributed air purifiers and core necessities to over 500 families and supported 400 incarcerated firefighters on the front lines. Their work was backed by major funders including the City of Los Angeles\, United Way\, Annenberg Foundation and The California Endowment. \nA proud Bruin\, activist\, mother and freedom dreamer\, Celia Ward-Wallace exemplifies what it means to live a life of legacy and purpose. Through every movement she builds and every space she transforms\, she is not just changing lives — she is cultivating a future rooted in justice\, healing and radical love. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ron Yee\, Bruin story since ’84 \n 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n Ron Yee\, Bruin story since ’84\n 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award Ron Yee ’84 is the recipient of the 2025 UCLA Award for Volunteer of the Year\, representing the true spirit of Bruin generosity. His deep love for UCLA isn’t just reflected in his ever-present Bruin gear or his personalized UCLA license plate — it shines through in the countless hours he has devoted to uplifting the UCLA alumni and parent communities. \nAs the son of immigrants\, Yee has never forgotten the support that helped him attend UCLA\, and he has spent more than 15 years paying that kindness forward. A dedicated leader of the Orange County Alumni Network\, he has created pathways for students\, parents and alumni to connect and succeed. From hosting the Orange County New Bruin Send-offs for over a decade to representing UCLA at Future Bruin college fairs\, Yee has helped bring generations of Bruins into the fold. Whether he’s organizing watch parties\, leading game-day meetups\, or mentoring students and young alumni\, he is a tireless champion of Bruin spirit and community. \nFor Yee\, UCLA is also family — literally. He met his wife\, Peggy Yee ’84 in the Rieber dining hall\, and together\, they have raised three Bruin alumni. His deep involvement with the UCLA Parents’ Council began when their eldest son enrolled\, and for more than a decade\, he has continued to welcome and support Bruin families\, serving as historian\, co-chair and now as an engaged member of the Parents’ Council Emeriti group. \nBeyond UCLA\, Yee’s commitment to service knows no bounds. Whether mentoring students\, championing SPARK campaigns\, or supporting the Wooden Athletic Fund and the Samueli School of Engineering\, he is always looking for ways to give back. His impact extends into his professional life as well — rising to director of IT Innovations at Pacific Life and earning recognition for his forward-thinking leadership. Even in his community\, he continues to make a difference\, co-founding the Mission Viejo Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and receiving honors for his dedication to youth mentorship. \nYee often cites one of his favorite John Wooden quotes: “You can’t live a perfect day until you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” By that measure\, he has had more perfect days than we can count. UCLA is better because of him\, and we are endlessly grateful for the warmth\, enthusiasm and dedication he brings to the Bruin family. Thanks to Ron Yee\, UCLA is a stronger\, more connected and more spirited community. URL:https://alumni.ucla.edu/event/ucla-awards/ CATEGORIES:Leadership ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://assets.alumni.ucla.edu/2026-site/uploads/2026/07/UCLA-Awards-2025-Hon-Hoang-1.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR