Rex Black ’90

My Alumni Scholarship was the difference between being able to go to UCLA and not being able to go. The financial help, especially in the first year while I was getting established and finding work, was essential. My parents were concerned about the cost of attending UCLA, and my Alumni Scholarship convinced my parents that I’d made the right choice. Winning that scholarship was a big boost to my confidence.

What I remember most about UCLA was meeting friends that I have kept my entire life, including my wife, Laurel ’89. Additionally, I remember the excellent courses I took as a computer science and engineering major. Although not everything was directly applicable, I don’t think there was a single course I took that didn’t add something to my career.

UCLA provided me with an excellent degree, one that opened doors for me in my work. Since I was already an established professional when I graduated, having worked my way through college as a professional software engineer, the degree really came in handy when I went out on my own as a consultant. A solid degree from a leading institution like UCLA is essential to being seen as a true professional, and I think the UCLA degree distinguishes me from others in my field. UCLA is well known around the world, especially in Asia, so many of my international clients know and respect UCLA.

Laurel and I have given money to the UCLA Alumni Association since we graduated, but we only became scholarship sponsors in the last five or six years. Because my Alumni Scholarship was essential to me coming to UCLA, I considered it an absolute obligation for me to help create that same opportunity for others once our financial situation allowed. I’ve been happy to fund that obligation; it’s a pleasure.