Nik Weinberg-Lynn ’06

The Alumni Scholarship and State Finals Weekend is the reason I am now a Bruin. The enthusiasm of the alumni, current UCLA students and all of the friends I made as a high school senior during State Finals weekend really sold me on UCLA. I was blown away by the alumni involvement with the State Finals weekend and couldn't stop thinking, “This must be a really great school if they can keep people excited about it so long after they graduate.”

Of all of the ways I am thankful for my Alumni Scholarship, perhaps the most important to me is that it gave me the opportunity to become a Bruin and enjoy and grow for four wonderful years at this University.

My Alumni Scholarship gave me a tremendous number of opportunities on campus that never would have been available to me otherwise. Through my partnership with a Gold Shield mentor, I explored Los Angeles, picnicked and heard concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, and had my eyes opened to a number of restaurants in Los Angeles. I met Chancellor Al Carnesale on a visit at his residence. Through Alumni Association connections I had the wonderful opportunity to serve on the Gold Shield Faculty Prize Committee and interact with faculty from all around campus.

My Alumni Scholarship and the Alumni Scholars Club (ASC) gave me a number of fantastic chances to grow as an individual through leadership opportunities. Whether it was planning for State Finals, heading up the Campus Partners Project or leading the club as president, I made myself into a better person. Above all was the opportunity to interact with all of the enthusiastic, dedicated and caring Bruins, both alumni and the students and staff of the Alumni Scholars Club.

ASC thrives because of all the terrific scholars. ASC is unique in the variety of activities it offers. The Campus Partners Project provides a vital link between ASC and the University community by organizing a core group of volunteers for campus organizations. This gives Alumni Scholars a chance to see many different facets of UCLA and the UCLA community to see the true mission of Alumni Scholarships. Social events in association with the club are also a tremendous way to get to know fellow Alumni Scholars and explore UCLA and L.A. From broomball and Fun for Finals, to Spring Sing and the Getty Center, there is no better way to spend a day than with Alumni Scholars.

I completed my degree in chemical engineering, and I am thankful for my Alumni Scholarship. It helped me come to UCLA and it helped shape four of the greatest years of my life. I work for Conoco Phillips doing process engineering. I am happy I will still be in Southern California because it will be so easy to stay connected to the Alumni Association.