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 BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260512T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260512T203000 DTSTAMP:20260808T063318 CREATED:20260724T192832Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T021537Z UID:10000202-1778612400-1778617800@alumni.ucla.edu SUMMARY:My Last Lecture DESCRIPTION:In 1955\, notable UCLA professors were given the chance to put all of their life lessons and advice for students into one “last lecture.” \n\n\n\nIn 2010\, the Alumni Scholars Club (ASC) brought back this tradition through the Marty Sklar My Last Lecture Award. This award was established to honor a UCLA professor who is an inspiration to students. \n\n\n\nThis spring\, ASC and UCLA Residential Life will host an award ceremony where the winning professor will give an inspiring lecture on the question posed to the original lecturers 70 years ago: What would you tell your audience if you had but one lecture to give – your last lecture on this earth? \n\n\n\n2026 award recipient\n\n\n\nCongratulations to Bonnie Goff ʼ11\, M.A. ʼ13\, Ph.D ʼ16\, winner of the 2026 My Last Lecture Award. Goff is a developmental psychologist whose work focuses on the neurobiological effects of early-life adversity. Drawing from both research and lived experience\, her scholarship explores how early environments shape brain development\, long-term health and well-being. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Goff is a triple Bruin\, having earned her B.A.\, M.A. and Ph.D. in psychology from UCLA and has served as a full-time lecturer since 2017. In recognition of her impact in the classroom\, she received the UCLA Psychology Department Distinguished Teaching Award in 2023 and the university-wide UCLA Distinguished Teaching Award in 2025. \n\n\n\nBeyond academia\, Dr. Goff is an advocate for mental health awareness\, inclusive systems of care and a cultural reexamination of how we understand children. As a mother of two boys\, she brings both scientific rigor and deep humanity to her work. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nprevious award winners\n\n\n\n2026 – Bonnie Goff ʼ11\, M.A. ʼ13\, Ph.D ʼ16 \n\n\n\n2025 – Dr. Steve Bennoun \n\n\n\n2024 – Andrea Ghez \n\n\n\n2023 – Shannon Speed \n\n\n\n2022 – Jeffrey Maloy\, Ph.D. ʼ17 \n\n\n\n2021 – Carey Nachenberg ’95\, M.S. ’95 \n\n\n\n2020 – Jukka Keränen\, Ph.D. ’15 \n\n\n\n2019 – Barbara Demman \n\n\n\n2018 – William E. Simon\, Jr. \n\n\n\n2017 – Josh Samani\, M.S. ’11\, Ph.D. ’14 \n\n\n\n2016 – Will Conley\, Ph.D. ’10 \n\n\n\n2015 – Randall R. Rojas ’97\, M.S. ’06\, Ph.D. ’10 \n\n\n\n2014 – Donald Neuen \n\n\n\n2013 – Russell Burgos M.A. ᾿98\, Ph.D. ᾿05 \n\n\n\n2012 – Phil Gussin M.A. ’03\, C.P.H. ’05\, Ph.D. ’07 \n\n\n\n2011 – Richard G. Hovannisian Ph.D. ’66 \n\n\n\n2010 – Dr. Asim Dasgupta URL:https://alumni.ucla.edu/event/my-last-lecture/ LOCATION:WA CATEGORIES:Education ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://assets.alumni.ucla.edu/2026-site/uploads/2026/02/MyLastLecture.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260127T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260127T210000 DTSTAMP:20260808T063318 CREATED:20260724T190355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T212831Z UID:10000201-1769540400-1769547600@alumni.ucla.edu SUMMARY:Entertainment Networking Night DESCRIPTION:Get a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry. Meet with UCLA alumni from various fields in entertainment through small\, casual discussions. Make priceless connections and receive practical advice to see if this industry is right for you. \n\n\n\nFor more information\, contact saa@alumni.ucla.edu. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n Make the most of ENN\n \n \n \n How to network with people you don’t know\n \n\n\n\n \n \n Networking is a great way to open up new opportunities for yourself\, but it is intimidating to talk to people that you don’t know. Here are some tips to help you network with people at Entertainment Networking Night. First of all\, be prepared: before attending ENN\, print out a couple of copies of your resume\, and learn about current events in the industry. Prepare a little elevator pitch about your background\, what you are doing at UCLA\, and where you hope to be in the future. Read our next blog post about how to come up with a good elevator pitch and confidently showcase your skills while networking. Come up with a list of questions that you might want to ask people; we’ve included some below for you. \nThis list of questions has been compiled from a handful of students at UCLA who shared some of the questions they like to ask while networking. Feel free to write these down and take them with you to the event! These great conversation starters allow you to ask more follow-up questions based on their response. \nAsk them questions like: \n\nWhat are the main responsibilities in your role?\nWhat does a typical day (or week) look like for you?\nWhat do you like most about your work?\nWhat do you like least about your work?\nWhat kind of problems do you deal with?\nWhat kind of decisions do you make in your role?\nHow does your position fit within the organization/industry/career field\nHow does your work impact the larger business?\nHow does our job affect your general lifestyle?\nWhat current issues and trends are happening in the field/which should I be aware of?\nWhat kind of accomplishments or qualities are valued and rewarded in this field/position?\nWhat related fields do you think I should consider looking into?\nHow did you become interested in this field? How did you begin your career? Can you tell me about your background?\nHow do most people get into this field? What are common entry-level jobs (or programs)?\nWhat steps would you recommend I take to prepare to enter into this field?\nDo you think my resume would be competent as an aspiring/prospective applicant in this industry?\nHow relevant to your work is your undergraduate major?\nWhat are some things I can do during my time at UCLA to set myself up for future success? What are some things you did?\nWhat kind of education\, training\, or background does your job require?\nWhat skills\, abilities\, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job/this field/this industry?\n\n  \nThese are just a starting point\, just make sure to come up with your own questions that might pop up during your conversation and try to build a conversation that builds on top of itself rather than asking a bunch of disjointed questions. (Otherwise\, it might come off like an interview). \nWhen you’re at the event\, look at the list of alumni attending\, and choose the people who look most interesting to you. Unfortunately\, there may not be enough time to talk to everyone. Remember that networking doesn’t have to be between you and alumni–you can also make friends with other students at the event. Everyone is in the same boat\, and it doesn’t hurt to make a couple of new connections and friends along the way. \n \n \n \n \n How to introduce yourself at a networking event\n \n\n\n\n \n \n Remember that ENN is all about immersing yourself and meeting other Bruins here at UCLA. This isn’t an interview\, and this event is a low-pressure way to expand your network and learn more about what people do in the field of entertainment. When introducing yourself at a networking event\, it is important to be confident\, friendly\, and engaging. If you do not feel this way\, it’s okay to fake it. Before you attend ENN\, it’s an excellent idea to develop an elevator pitch so you can tell others about yourself professionally. An elevator pitch is a short\, concise summary of who you are and what you bring to the table. It mostly consists of four parts. \nFirst\, introduce yourself. Start by mentioning your name\, what you are studying\, and what year you are. Provide a brief overview of your professional experience\, skills\, and achievements\, but also your interests and hobbies. Secondly\, explain why you are unique. Focus on the unique strengths and qualities that you possess that make you\, YOU. Lastly\, show enthusiasm for what you do and what you hope to do in the future. Then wrap up your elevator pitch. Now it’s a good time to ask them about themselves (if they have not already) or dive into some questions. One great way to jump into this is by drawing similarities that you both have. You are both bruins\, for one! Drawing connections can make the conversation feel more comfortable for you and others around you. \nHere are a few examples that a student can use to introduce themselves to someone else at ENN. Feel free to adapt these examples to fit your background. Please note that you do NOT need to be studying an entertainment-related major or need to have detailed work experience. You can still come up with a strong elevator pitch! \nHello\, My name is Josie Bruin and I am a third year student studying Communications. In high school\, I was always creating short films\, and I took this to the next level. When I started interning at ATTN: as a product assistant this past summer. During my job\, I brainstormed ideas and helped film content for our client\, TikTok\, for their #TikTokForGood campaigns. I’ve been able to meet a lot of fantastic TikTok talent and produce professional content for a variety of many large clients. While I’m not working\, I love outdoor activities\, including rock climbing\, hiking\, and crocheting. This summer\, I am trying to expand my skillset and work at a larger production studio in LA\, such as Sony. And in 5 years from now\, I hope to be a senior producer at a company of that size.\n \n \n \n \n How to follow up after ENN\n \n\n\n\n \n \n One crucial thing about networking is ensuring you stay in touch and continue supporting each other in your goals. Since the alumni spent their time volunteering to meet you at ENN\, it would be a good idea to send a follow-up email shortly after thanking them for their time. If you discussed anything specific\, like a job\, resume review\, or anything they wanted to give you\, make sure to mention that so they don’t forget. Send them a LinkedIn connection request and save their email to your contacts so you have it on file in case you need to reach out to them in the future. \nOnce you start to build your network\, it can be challenging to manage multiple connections at once. We recommend creating a tracker document to mark when you last reached out to someone and log a future time you intend to reach out to them. Networking tools like LinkedIn are also helpful for managing many connections. When you find a tool that works for you\, write down who you spoke with\, and what you talked about. \n \nDear \, \nI hope all is well! It was so great to connect with you at Entertainment Networking Night\, and I loved hearing about your . As I finish my years at UCLA\, I would love to stay in touch. . Thanks so much for your time. \nSend a personalized follow-up email to the people you met. Make sure to mention something specific you talked about to personalize the email and show that you were paying attention. Remember to thank them for their time and provide value where you can. Discuss current events with them\, share emerging trends\, and more. Remember that networking is not about connecting business cards; it’s about building relationships. \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nUCLA Alumni Career Closet: If you’re prepping for an interview or getting ready for a networking session\, stop by the UCLA Alumni Career Closet to pick out a new outfit. It’ll be housed in the UCLA James West Alumni Center and you can access it Monday thru Friday\, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by stopping by the front desk. \n\n\n\nFor updates: Student Alumni Association – Instagram URL:https://alumni.ucla.edu/event/entertainment-networking-night/ LOCATION:WA CATEGORIES:Career ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://assets.alumni.ucla.edu/2026-site/uploads/2026/02/ENN.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250523T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250523T210000 DTSTAMP:20260808T063318 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/ LOCATION:WA 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