Lewis Leeburg ’54, M.B.A. ’64, Ph.D. ’71

My freshman Alumni Scholarship was small by today’s standards (I think it was $150), but it meant a lot to me both tangibly and symbolically. I lived at home in West L.A. because we couldn’t afford any other housing arrangement, and I didn’t have a car until I was a junior. However, the real meaning to me was being recognized by UCLA for my achievements at University High School. It changed my perception about what I would do beyond my studies at UCLA. Although I was near the top of my class and was student body president in high school, I had no such ideas for college. Well, I was not so distinguished as a scholar at UCLA, but I was still student body president.

I had a wonderful career at UCLA and have so many great memories, it’s hard to mention just one. I’ll have to start with my interview for a Spring Sing position. I was co-chair with a sensational young lady, also in her sophomore year, who I later married; we’ve been together for 52 years. Other great memories were time spent with Bill Ackerman ’24 and Bill Padgett ’49 in ASUCLA, Johnny Jackson ’27 in the Alumni Association and hosting Jackie and Mrs. Robinson at the Homecoming celebration. Bill introduced me to Jack Kramer ’50, Herb Flan and a Democrat named Ronald Reagan.

The opportunities made available to me by attending UCLA were a host of student government positions, including freshman class president, Spring Sing co-chair, Associated Men student president, and ASUCLA president. I had frequent interactions with students, faculty, campus guests and University administrators. There were also great classes and inspiring teachers. All of that led to a great career with IBM, which enabled me to bring about $20 million of IBM equipment to the campus over the span of 25 years. Also, my desire to stay near UCLA led to my pursuit of an M.B.A. and Ph.D. degree in management, while serving on numerous boards and committees, including the Alumni Association board several times and the UCLA Foundation board for seven years.

I became conscious of the need for service and financial support at a major campus in the UC system. As an undergraduate, I helped defeat an increase in the student incidental fee through meetings with the governor and the Senate Finance Committee. As an alumnus, I have given financially, even while in graduate school, to Pauley Pavilion and the Wooden Center.