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“How Firm Thy Friendship, O-hi-o” – The Kidney Transplant That Formed a Bruin-Buckeye Bond

As a Bruin, Hernando Marroquin ’74 bleeds blue and gold through and through. But in July 2023, the Ohio State Buckeyes became a vital part of his life.

Literally.

In the summer of 2021, Marroquin began experiencing symptoms of kidney failure. Over the next two years, he made significant lifestyle changes in an effort to protect his health, including adopting a vegan diet. Years earlier, Hernando had also undergone bypass surgery.

After connecting with Dr. Anjay Rastogi, head of nephrology and the CORE Kidney Program at UCLA Health, Marroquin was placed on the transplant waitlist and became a candidate for the program. Not long after learning he would need a new kidney, three individuals stepped forward as potential donors. But after a series of detailed and rigorous screenings, each was ruled out as a match.

Then, on July 20, 2023, came the call.

“I remember it clearly,” Fran Marroquin ’73, Hernando’s wife, said with a smile. “The transplant coordinator from the Connie Frank Transplant Center at UCLA Health called Hernando and said, ‘I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is we found a donor. The bad news is you need to be ready for surgery by next Tuesday.’ Hernando had to stop him — this was anything but bad news.”

Five days later, on July 25, 2023, Hernando underwent a successful kidney transplant. The new kidney functioned immediately.

While the procedure was a success, one question lingered: Who had made this life-saving gift possible?

Because of HIPAA privacy laws, the Marroquins were initially unable to connect directly with the donor. That didn’t stop them from trying.

“The doctors were impressed by how positive he was and how quickly he regained his health,” Fran said. “Hernando was basically back to full health.”

“We sent messages through our transplant coordinator. I gave my name, my phone number, sent letters — the works,” Hernando said. “I was so thankful. I just wanted to express my gratitude.”

Every message made its way to the donor through the transplant network coordinated by the University of Cincinnati. But it wasn’t until a Christmas card in the winter of 2024 that Hernando received a reply from Dave Jessen — a retired mechanical engineer from Wapakoneta, Ohio, and a lifelong Buckeyes fan.

“It wasn’t that I wasn’t appreciative,” Jessen said. “It just took me time to process what had happened and the outpouring of gratitude from Hernando.”

Phone calls followed. A friendship began to take shape. And when the opportunity arose to meet in person, the setting felt almost too fitting.

On Nov. 15, 2025, Marroquin’s Bruins traveled to Columbus to face Jessen’s Buckeyes. Before kickoff, the UCLA Alumni Association hosted a Bruin Bash pregame event at the Schottenstein Center on the campus of Ohio State University.

“We had spoken so many times on the phone that I felt like we already knew each other,” Jessen said. “But it was special to finally meet in person. They’re so focused on giving back to the community — truly wonderful, caring people.”

“When we first met, I gave him a big hug,” Hernando said. “I immediately felt a connection with Dave. He’s one of the most humble people I’ve ever met.”

During the Bruin Bash, Alumni Association staff presented Jessen with a UCLA blanket after Fran shared the story of the transplant and the remarkable bond that followed.

“Even though it was a home game for Ohio State, we were blown away by the kindness and hospitality of the UCLA fans and staff,” Jessen said. “UCLA has some great people. Bruins should be proud.”

The Buckeyes went on to win, 48-10. But by then, the scoreboard felt secondary. The next day, Fran and Hernando Marroquin and Dave and Amy Jessen gathered again for lunch, cementing a friendship that would extend well beyond a single Saturday in November.

Long before experiencing life-saving care at UCLA Health, Fran and Hernando had already built a lifetime of ties to UCLA.

Fran’s father, Rudy Cordova, earned his Ph.D. in education from UCLA in 1970. Fran graduated in 1973 with a degree in sociology, and Hernando followed in 1974. Married since 1978, they later watched their children, Andrew and Amanda, continue the family tradition as Bruins.

“UCLA’s been such a vital part of our family,” Fran said. “We raised our kids as Bruins, took them to games, and now we’re taking our grandkids. Game day is a big deal for us.”

But to the Marroquins, UCLA is more than game days or diplomas on the wall.

Since 1990, they have owned and operated several McDonald’s franchises across the West Coast, employing more than 2,000 people. The family’s management has also been recognized for its excellence by McDonald’s corporate office. Humbly, the Marroquins credit both their UCLA education and their upbringing for shaping their leadership and work ethic.

“UCLA helped us learn how to run a business,” Fran said. “But our parents taught us how to work hard. That’s what we passed on to our kids.”

UCLA’s impact has also been profoundly personal.

“UCLA saved my daughter’s life after a horrific accident the day after her high school graduation,” Fran said. “And, of course, it saved Hernando’s life with his kidney transplant. Its impact runs deep in our family.”

Today, the Marroquins channel that gratitude into action — supporting the Wooden Athletic Fund, the UCLA Alumni Association, the UCLA Latino Alumni Association and UCLA Health. They have given several scholarships through the Latino Alumni Association and are currently establishing a scholarship fund for students in the medical field. They have also been instrumental in the opening and expansion of the Ronald McDonald Westside House near campus, supporting UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital.

“UCLA has impacted our family so much — Fran’s parents, us, our kids and so many others,” Hernando said. “It’s a joy to give back because it has given us so much. We try to impact as many people as possible. That’s always been our goal.”

“We don’t just want to give money and walk away,” he added. “We want to invest in people. With our scholarship fund, I hope a future medical student sees the impact UCLA had on their life and chooses to give back someday. We want them to know we believe in them.”

Since that November meeting in Columbus, the Marroquins and the Jessens have remained in regular contact. Plans are already forming for a reunion when the Buckeyes travel west.

Until then, as Ohio State’s hallowed alma mater “Carmen Ohio” reminds its faithful…

“The seasons pass, the years will roll;

Time and change will surely show.

How firm thy friendship — O-hi-o!”

And thanks to a donated kidney — and a new chapter in conference realignment — that friendship now includes UCLA.

March is National Kidney Month, a time when communities across the country raise awareness about kidney disease. Learn more about UCLA’s groundbreaking work in kidney research and treatments, and discover how to take charge of your health and the many factors that go into managing kidney disease.

Books by Bruins: Love Stories

ebruary is a month for love stories, whether it’s a romance novel, personal tale of love and loss, or a book about self-care. Bruin authors are telling tales of love, and one of the books listed below might be just what your heart needs!

Maybe Someone Like You (2018)

Stacy Wise ’92

Stacy Wise is an award-winning author of the romance novels “Beyond the Stars” and “Maybe Someone Like You.” After a decade working in television casting, she returned to school and received her teaching credential and master's degree from Chapman University. She has taught both kindergarten and third grade. A native of California, she lives with her family and three fluffy dogs in Los Angeles. After writing two successful romance novels, her most recent book, “Lie, Lie Again,” focuses on the ups and downs of female friendships.

Will There Be Wine?: A Novel (2023)

Whitney Cubbison ’98

The fictional books “Will There be Wine?” and its sequel, “Will There Be Love?” were inspired by the author’s experiences as an ex-pat divorcée living in Paris while navigating the cultural minefield of dating in a foreign country. Whitney Cubbison is a dual American and French citizen living in Paris since 2009. She grew up in Texas and California and graduated from UCLA with a degree in French. She started her career in communications working for high-tech PR agencies in San Francisco and 16 years at Microsoft, mostly in the Paris office. She earned her French citizenship in 2022 and left Microsoft that summer to focus on completing her first novel.

Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love (2025)

Mike de la Rocha ’00

“Sacred Lessons” is a deeply moving and inspiring memoir for those seeking self-love and healing. Intensely personal, this memoir delves into the struggle men face in connecting with themselves and others, offering tools for personal growth, and ways to build meaningful and authentic relationships in their lives. Mike de la Rocha is a strategist, artist and voice for change. He’s been named one of GOOD magazine’s top 100 people reshaping our world, received the AFL-CIO’s Justice, Peace and Freedom Award, and has been lauded as a groundbreaking innovator by Stanford Social Innovation Review. A proud alumnus of UCLA, he co-founded Revolve Impact and Tepito Coffee, one of the fastest growing Latinx coffee companies in America. He lives in Los Angeles with his family.

Love in a Time of War: My Years With Robert Fisk (2021)

Lara Marlowe ’78

In this true story of love and war, Lara Marlowe was a young American reporter who would become a renowned journalist in her own right. She met famous war correspondent Robert Fisk in 1983 in Damascus. This book is the story of a remarkable man, war in the Middle East and a moving account of a relationship in dark times. Marlowe studied French at UCLA and the Sorbonne, then international relations at Oxford. She started her career in journalism as an associate producer with CBS's “60 Minutes,” then covered the Arab world from Beirut for the Financial Times and TIME magazine. She joined the Irish Times as Paris correspondent in 1996 and returned to Paris in 2013 after serving as Washington correspondent during the first Obama administration.

Sushi Tuesdays: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Family Resilience (2023)

Charlotte Maya, J.D. ’93

Faced with a shattering loss, Charlotte Maya searches for answers, acceptance and family resilience. Her story offers intimate moments, powerful lessons and practical ways to move forward after loss, not only for suicide survivors but for any of us seeking to live a life of joy and purpose. Widowed at 39, when her children were six and eight, Maya’s writing explores the intersections of grief, parenting and self-care. She received her B.A. from Rice University and her J.D. from UCLA.

Reeling Through Life: How I Learned to Live, Love and Die at the Movies (2015)

Tara Ison ’87

Through 10 personal essays, Tara Ison explores how a lifetime of movie-watching taught her how to grapple with major life choices, for better or worse. She is the author of the romance novel “Rockaway,” an O Magazine 2013 Best Books of Summer and “The List, A Child Out of Alcatraz,” a finalist for The Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Her short fiction and essays have appeared in Tin House, The Kenyon Review, Nerve.com, Publishers Weekly and numerous anthologies. She is the co-author of the cult film "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead."

Getting It Right This Time: Break Free from Your Hidden Blocks to Lasting Love (2025)

Orna Walters ’88, Matthew Walters

Dating is made even more complicated because of the pervasive myth that love will magically happen by accident, like winning the lottery. Or that it will happen when you least expect it. In “Getting It Right This Time,” Orna and Matthew Walters, holistic dating coaches and founders of Creating Love on Purpose, teach readers how to take a conscious approach to relationships. Orna and Matthew didn’t meet until after 40, were married at the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple, live in Los Angeles with their two silly calico cats and grow organic food in a community garden.

My Chicano Heart (2024)

Daniel A Olivas, J.D. ’84

"My Chicano Heart" is a collection of author Daniel A. Olivas's stories that explore the complex, mysterious and occasionally absurd machinations of people who simply want to be appreciated and treasured. Olivas is the grandson of Mexican immigrants, born and raised near downtown Los Angeles. He is an award-winning author of fiction, nonfiction, plays and poetry. Widely anthologized, Olivas has written on culture and literature for The New York Times, Los Angeles Review of Books, BOMB, Jewish Journal, High Country News and The Guardian. He writes regularly for La Bloga, a site dedicated to Latinx literature and the arts. By day, Olivas is an attorney and makes his home in Southern California.

Loathe at First Sigh: A Novel (2020)

Suzanne Park, MBA ’02

In this rom-com romance, a junior video game producer finds herself getting closer and closer to the one person she hates most after a mass troll attack online almost ruins her life. An NPR Best Book of the Year, this workplace story is set in the world of video game design.

Suzanne Park is a Korean American writer who was born and raised in Tennessee. She is also the author of the adult novels “The Do-Over” and “So We Meet Again.” Park currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, female offspring and a sneaky rat that creeps around on her back patio. In her spare time, she procrastinates.

Liquid: A Novel (2025)

Mariam Rahmani, Ph.D. ’19

Mariam Rahmani delivers a modern tale of romance, loss and belonging. This satirical novel tells the story of a young Muslim adjunct professor who decides to give up her career and marry rich, committing herself to 100 dates in the course of a single summer. Mariam Rahmani is a writer and translator. She holds a Ph.D. in comparative literature from UCLA and teaches at Bennington College.

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As our collection of Bruin authors grows, we’re categorizing the books into an online library, and we’ll need your help to make it as comprehensive as possible. If you know of one, please submit a Bruin author. While all these books are written by UCLA alumni, inclusion into the list is not an endorsement.

Books by Bruins Library

Previous articles in the Books by Bruins series

Had the pleasure of visiting Delicious at the Dunbar Hotel during a business meeting with a group of eight, and we were all thoroughly impressed. Our waitress was super nice and incredibly attentive, making sure we were well taken care of from start to finish. I ordered the French toast, and it did not disappoint — buttery, light and generously portioned. The scrambled eggs were fresh and fluffy, and the sausage was packed with flavor. A couple of folks at the table tried the chicken sandwich, which looked amazing and the oxtails plate is a definite must-try — tender and flavorful, served with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. Great service, great food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Chez Foushee

Owner: Whitney Cardozo ʼ87

Location: 2 E. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23219

Phone: 804-648-3225

Email: info@chezfoushee.com

Website: chezfoushee.com

Social: @chezfoushee

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

About:

Chez Foushee is a beloved restaurant located in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia, known for its inviting atmosphere and refined approach to contemporary American cuisine with French influences. Originally opened in 1989, the restaurant has been a local favorite for decades, continuing to deliver exceptional dining experiences that blend classic dishes with creative flair and seasonal ingredients. The elegant yet comfortable setting makes it a popular choice for both casual lunches and special occasions, reflecting the charm and culinary spirit that have defined Chez Foushee for more than 30 years.

Review:

“Ended up here completely by accident on a nice Sunday morning. It was meant to be just a nearby, safe choice, that seemed ok and had decent reviews. However, after coming here, it is probably now my favorite spot in Richmond! This is an extremely fine establishment with exceptional customer service (just the way it should be in a French-style restaurant), high-quality meals and great decor. Additionally, the restaurant staff has a great selection of French music playing, which completes the whole experience. A totally great place that must be visited, whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or just a quick brunch. I wish I could give 10 stars.” - Alex I.

La Fogata Mexican Restuarant

Co-Owner: Vram Alian ʼ05

Location: 5142 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Phone: 818-501-9065

Email: info@vivalafogata.com

Website: vivalafogata.com

Social: @vivalafogata

Yelp Rating: 3.8 stars

About:

La Fogata Mexican Restaurant in Van Nuys brings authentic Mexican flavors to the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Known for its vibrant, colorful atmosphere and warm hospitality, the restaurant offers a diverse range of traditional dishes, including flavorful tacos and enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and fresh seafood. Guests appreciate the bold, rich flavors, generous portions and family-friendly environment, making it a popular spot for both casual dining and special gatherings. With a commitment to quality ingredients and authentic recipes, La Fogata provides a true taste of Mexico right in Van Nuys.

Review:

“I have seen La Fogata many times driving up and down Van Nuys Boulevard, and finally decided to stop and try it out. Before walking in, I was under the assumption that this was a restaurant with waiters and all that. I was pleasantly surprised at the setup; you walk up and order the way you do at most fast-food joints. But let me tell you, La Fogata is no fast food joint! The food is fantastic! I had the carne asada plate, and it was tasty! I believe I found a hidden gem! Awesome! Will definitely be back!” - Sergio P.

Moo Creamery

Owner/Founder: Jessica Pounds ʼ03

Location: 4885 Truxtun Ave., Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Phone: 661-861-1130

Email: info@moocreamery.com

Website: moocreamery.com

Social: @moocreamery

Yelp Rating: 4.1 stars

About:

Moo Creamery is a popular local diner in Bakersfield, California, founded by Jessica Pounds in 2008. Known for its gourmet burgers, hand-cut fries and homemade ice cream, the restaurant features creative menu items like the PB & B Burger, which combines peanut butter and bacon, and unique ice cream flavors such as bacon ice cream. Moo Creamery emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local producers, ensuring flavorful dishes for its patrons. In 2025, the restaurant announced plans to relocate from its original Truxtun Avenue location to downtown Bakersfield, aiming to revitalize the East Chester neighborhood and provide easier access for customers.

Review:

“This is my third time at Moo Creamery and every time it has been what I expected or more! Iʼve been there for breakfast and lunch. This time it was for breakfast, so my husband got the chilaquiles with brisket. I ordered the protein sweet potato waffles and couldnʼt finish it. I got a caramel latte too! Usually itʼs pretty quiet inside, and I love that they have outside seating in case I were to take my kids. The service is perfect; they check on you just enough to make sure you have everything you need, but not too often that you feel rushed out.” - Jillian G.

Christakis Greek Cuisine

Co-Owners: Michael O’Hare Wallace ʼ94 and Sarah Wallace Rasmussen ʼ02

Location: 13011 Newport Ave., Tustin, CA 92780

Phone: 714-731-6600

Website: christakisgreekcuisine.com

Social: @christakisgreekcuisine

Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

About:

Christakis was opened by William and Joanne Christakis Wallace on April 1, 1996. A native of Agios Dimitrios, Greece, it was always Joanne's dream to create a little piece of home in California. With her family, and the two Greek Tzoytzorakos brothers, Joanne saw her dream come to life. Although Joanne lost her battle to cancer only three years after creating Christakis, her spirit lives strong. The recipes are based on home meals, and have been expanded by the family at Christakis. We are blessed with regular customers that have been our cornerstone, and delighted by visitors we hope become family.

Review:

“Came here on a spontaneous date night late in the summer. I believe my partner was easily able to grab a reservation. We were immediately charmed by the live music playing in the patio and the decor indoors. My partner had the chance to travel to Greece last year and has been looking for a Greek restaurant to capture the flavors he had there, and according to him, Christakis was exactly it. The pastitsio was what he was seeking, and I really appreciated the meaty, herby flavors. The lamb chops were the most tender lamb chops I've ever had, and I thought it was a nice touch adding both our entrees on one plate to eat with all the sides to eat family style. I've tried recreating the potatoes since coming here but have to come back soon to have the real deal! I would recommend everything we ate. The trio of dips were delicious and the pita tasted fresh. The villager's salad was refreshing. If they have the tomato soup, it's a must try (spoken as a tomato soup lover!). The baklava was a delicious way to end our meal.” - Kim C.

Stationæry

Co-Owner: Alissa Bell Carnazzo ʼ06

Location: 3 San Carlos St., Carmel, CA 93921

Phone: 831-250-7183

Email: info@thestationaery.com

Website: thestationaery.com

Social: @thestationaery

Yelp Rating: 4.0 stars

About:

Stationæry is a neighborhood restaurant in Carmel, California, operated by Anthony & Alissa Carnazzo. Tucked between San Carlos and Mission Streets in the San Carlos Square, this intimate space is a haven for locals. Offering brunch, dinner, specialty coffee and natural wines, they celebrate comforting flavors with elegant presentation. Led by Chef Amalia Scatena, they primarily source from Monterey and Santa Cruz County farms and ranches, according to what is fresh and in season.

Review:

“Great spot for brunch - there was a nice variety of seating (outdoor, greenhouse or indoor) and the service was attentive. The farmerʼs salad was delicious - nice variety of fresh vegetables (broccolini, green beans, radish, carrots) and paired well with an apple cider vinaigrette that had perfect zing. The steak and eggs were perfectly cooked and seasoned! The tenderloin was tender and the potatoes creamy. The chimichurri and sweet onion complemented the dish very well!” - Caly T.

Mariaʼs Italian Kitchen - West Los Angeles

Owner: Madelyn Alfano ʼ80

Location: 10761 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Phone: 310-441-3663

Email: maria@mariasitaliankitchen.com

Website: mariasitaliankitchen.com

Social: @mariasitaliankitchen

Yelp Rating: 3.7 stars

About:

Mariaʼs Italian Kitchen in West Los Angeles is a family-owned restaurant founded by Madelyn “Maddy” Alfano, whose passion for food was inspired by her mother, Maria Alfano. What began as Maria selling homemade Italian dishes from her garage grew into a beloved neighborhood restaurant known for its warm hospitality and classic Italian comfort food. Under Maddyʼs leadership, Mariaʼs Italian Kitchen has expanded across Los Angeles, keeping the same homemade recipes and family spirit that started it all. Itʼs a local favorite for hearty pastas, pizzas and traditional dishes served with a personal touch.

Review:

“I cannot recommend this place enough for anyone who is gluten-free. The kitchen was very accommodating and made sure everything was not only safe but delicious, too! Iʼm newly gluten-free, so I remember the taste of bread very clearly and Iʼve yet to find any place that has such delicious food I can eat. They have gluten-free bread, pasta and pizza. Seriously, come eat here; it was delicious.” - Kailyn K.

Smoke Queen Barbecue

Owner/Founder: Winne Yee ʼ03

Location: 12941 9th St., Garden Grove, CA 92840

Phone: 714-583-8251

Email: winnie@smokequeenbbq.com

Website: smokequeenbbq.com

Social: @smokequeenbbq

Yelp Rating: 4.4 stars

About:

Smoke Queen Barbecue in Garden Grove, California, is owned and founded by Winnie Yee-Lakhani, a pitmaster known for blending classic Texas-style barbecue with Asian-inspired flavors. What started as a pop-up has grown into a popular restaurant celebrated for its smoky brisket, tender ribs and creative sides that reflect Yee-Lakhaniʼs multicultural background. Her approach to barbecue honors traditional slow-smoking techniques while adding bold twists, making Smoke Queen a standout in Orange Countyʼs food scene and a rising name in modern American barbecue.

Review:

“I literally flew in from Texas to California just to try Smoke Queen Barbecue after hearing so much about it, and it was absolutely worth the trip! The food was phenomenal: the brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender with a perfect smoke ring, the ribs had just the right pull, and the sides (especially the mac & cheese and cornbread) tasted like comfort on a plate. The service staff was top-notch, friendly, attentive and clearly passionate about what they do. Even with a busy line, the staff took time to explain the menu and make sure I got exactly what I wanted. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, with that true barbecue joint feel but elevated with a clean, modern touch. You can tell this is a place built on craft and community. If youʼre anywhere near California (or even if youʼre not), Smoke Queen Barbecue is a destination spot. Iʼd happily fly back again just for another plate!” - Quinton T.

BKLYN Wild

Owner: Ivy Stark ʼ93

Location: 55 Water St., New York, NY 10038

Email: ivy@bklynwild.com

Website: bklynwild.com

Social: @bklynwild

Yelp Rating: 3.4 stars

About:

BKLYN Wild is a plant-forward, vegan restaurant located at 55 Water Street in New York City. The concept, associated with Chef Ivy Stark, focuses on creative, flavorful dishes that highlight vegetables, grains and plant-based proteins. The restaurant emphasizes sustainability and healthy eating while delivering bold, inventive flavors that appeal to both vegans and omnivores alike. With its modern, casual atmosphere, BKLYN Wild has become a go-to spot for those seeking satisfying, eco-conscious meals in the heart of the Financial District.

Review:

“Let me preface by saying Iʼm not a vegan and do not particularly enjoy vegan food. However, I came here with my mom, who is very healthy, and we decided to give it a try. We ordered the Diablo and Feliz bowl, and wow, was it delicious. It was served fresh, and the levels of flavor depth were impressive (it may be the sauce or dressing they added?!). Overall, the service was prompt and fresh and the ambiance was fairly calm but keep in mind we were there when they opened. Iʼd recommend arriving before the lunch rush, so you can have plenty of seating options in the food hall. Pro-tip: bring your food to the rooftop for epic views.” - Mary D.

Chilte

Co-Owner/Founder: Aseret Arroyo ʼ03

Location: 765 Grand Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007

Phone: 602-807-5226

Email: reservations@chiltephx.com

Website: www.chiltephx.com

Social: @chilte_phx

Yelp Rating: 4.4 stars

About:

Chilte is short for Chiltepan, which means strong but mighty. Starting in a 10x10 pop-up tent, we have always aimed to disrupt the industry at every level, whether cooking on the street or in a five-star restaurant. As we lay the groundwork for our first brick and mortar, we are determined to stay focused on the vision of where we are headed, yet never forgetting where we come from. Food is an intimate universal connection to our past, present and future. It allows us to immerse ourselves and experience palatable and multicultural art. We aim to bring our unique and inspired expression to the table while allowing the dishes to tell the stories untold. Join us as we strive to inspire a new culture in the culinary industry by sourcing locally, cooking from the heart, mentoring one another and building our community through food.

Review:

“Loved the vibe when we walked in. It's eclectic and cozy. The music was not too loud. We ordered the pablanito and ponche margaritas. My second round I ordered the white/rose sangria. We started with the plantain and refried beans with crema starter. Then we decided to try the fried yucca. We ended up with the MSG chicken. They had two choices of meat tonight for that dish. The other choice was the pork chop. For dessert hubs ordered a shot of espresso and we tried the elote cheesecake. It was ALL ridiculously good! Our server was attentive and helpful. The menu is pretty vague and you kind of need to ask to see what really comes with the dish. Overall, it was a great date night and I would like to come back.” - Kelly C.

***

To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

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Bruin-Owned Articles

Bruin-Led Businesses: Nonprofits

s a spinoff from the Bruin-owned Business series, we’re highlighting organizations founded or led by UCLA alumni with a mission towards improving the quality of life in our communities. Whether it’s advancing medical science or promoting the arts, protecting the environment or fighting for justice, we owe a debt of gratitude for their work in making this world a better place. On Giving Tuesday (Dec. 2), please consider supporting a business that appeals to your interests.

Westside Music Foundation

Co-Founder and President: Deborah How, M.A. ’92
Westside Music Foundation
Address: 12424 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: 424-581-6400
Email: info@westsidemusicfoundation.org
Website: westsidemusicfoundation.org
Social: @westsidemusicconservatory

About:
The mission of Westside Music Foundation is to provide high-quality, inclusive music education and performance opportunities to students of all ages and backgrounds. They aim to foster a lifelong love of music by offering instruction in theory, ear training and instrumental performance, while also promoting cultural understanding and artistic growth. Through community outreach, concerts, masterclasses and youth programs, the organization works to make music accessible, enriching and integral to the broader community.

With My Own Two Hands Foundation

Founder and CEO: Lindsey Pluimer ’08
With My Own Two Hands Foundation
Address: 1278 Glenneyre St., #433, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone: 949-416-5005
Email: info@withmyown2hands.org
Website: withmyown2hands.org
Social: @withmyown2hands

About:
The founder, Lindsey Pluimer, was an All-American basketball player at UCLA. Inspired by a class discussion, Pluimer pledged to visit Africa and work to address inequality there. When she had the opportunity to travel to South Africa, she recognized the immense lack of basic human rights, but she also saw, first hand, the resilience and hope in the communities she visited.

Motivated to take action, she returned to the States, retired from professional basketball and founded With My Own Two Hands Foundation in 2011 with the commitment to provide children with the basic human rights of water, food and access to education.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice

Founder and Former President/Executive Director: Stewart Kwoh ʼ70, J.D. ʼ74
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
Address: 1620 L Street NW, Suite 1050, Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: 202-296-2300
Email: comrequests@advancingjustice-aajc.org
Website: advancingjustice-aajc.org
Social: @avancingjusticeaajc

About:
Rooted in the dreams of immigrants and inspired by the promise of opportunity, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC advocates for an America in which all Americans can benefit equally from, and contribute to, the American dream. Our mission is to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. We serve as a voice for the Asian American community – the fastest-growing population in the U.S. – fighting for our civil rights through education, litigation and public policy advocacy. We serve to empower our communities by bringing local and national constituencies together and ensuring Asian Americans are able to participate fully in our democracy.

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital

CEO: Elaine Batchlor, M.P.H. ’90
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital
Address: 1680 E 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059
Phone: 424-338-8000
Email: info@mlkch.org
Website: mlkch.org
Social: @yourmlkch

About:
When we opened in 2015, we recognized we had a unique opportunity: to reinvent the way care is delivered in safety-net communities. Our goal is to provide care equal to that found in more affluent areas and that commitment is reflected in everything we do. From our beautiful, state-of-the-art facilities to our best-in-class technology, systems and operations, to our mission-driven providers from the nation’s leading academic centers, we have established an intentional, quality-driven healthcare culture to address South L.A.’s most pressing health problems.

Alliance for a Better Community

CEO and President: Vanessa Aramayo ʼ01
Alliance for a Better Community
Address: 201 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-267-2144
Email: info@afabc.org
Website: afabc.org
Social: @afabc_la

About:
In the mid-1990s, a group of Latina/o civic and business leaders came together regularly and informally to address the many challenges confronting Los Angeles’s Latina/o community. For several years, the group, self-identified as the “Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club,” addressed a variety of regional matters through their personal and organizational networks and resources. While they were successful in redressing many of the various policy challenges they tackled, they ultimately decided that L.A.’s Latina/o policy and advocacy vacuum necessitated the formation of an organization to serve as a voice of Latina/o interests. They created ABC to promote a proactive Latina/o agenda within City Hall, the County, L.A. Unified, the media and other public or influential entities to respond to the needs of the region’s largest and fastest growing population.

SciArtsRUs

Founder and President: Ranjini Ramachander Kaushik, Ph.D. ’04
SciArtsRUs
Location: Los Angeles, California
Phone: 310-892-0794
Email: Info@sciartsrus.com
Website: sciartsrus.com
Social: @sciartsrus

About:
SciArtsRUs is a nonprofit aimed at promoting awareness and sustained interest for science, arts and music via educational opportunities, community outreach programs and events, including accessible and affordable learning modules for children by children.

Los Angeles Inception Orchestra

Founder, President and Artistic Director: Akira Nakano ’94
Los Angeles Inception Orchestra
Address: 2542 Panorama Terrace, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Phone: 213-359-1608
Email: akira@inceptionorchestra.org
Website: inceptionorchestra.org
Social: @inceptionorchestra

About:
TheLos Angeles Inception Orchestra's goal is to bring music composition, drama, dance and arts education to students of all abilities through guided collaboration and creativity. They also aim to shift perceptions of both creators and audiences in the process.

Trickle Up

CEO and President: Lauren Hendricks ’92
Trickle Up
Address: 31 W 34th Street, Suite 7001, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-255 9980
Email: info@trickleup.org
Website: trickleup.org
Social: @trickleuporg

About:
Trickle Up is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping women living in extreme poverty build a better future for themselves and their families. They work by providing seed capital, business training and ongoing coaching to help women start and grow small businesses. The organization partners with local groups and governments in places like Latin America, South Asia and Africa to reach people who are often left out of traditional aid, especially women, people with disabilities and Indigenous populations. Their goal is to help one million women lift themselves out of poverty by 2030, ultimately impacting the lives of about five million people.

Plastic Pollution Coalition

Co-Founder and CEO: Dianna Cohen ’89
Plastic Pollution Coalition
Address: 4401A Connecticut Avenue NW, #143, Washington, D.C. 20008
Phone: 323-936-3010
Email: info@plasticpollutioncoalition.org
Website: plasticpollutioncoalition.org
Social: @plasticpollutes

About:
Plastic Pollution Coalition is a nonprofit communications and advocacy organization that collaborates with an expansive global alliance of organizations, businesses and individuals to create a more just, equitable and regenerative world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts.

CureDuchenne

CEO and President: Debra Miller ’77
CureDuchenne
Address: 100 Bayview Circle, Suite 5600, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: 949-872-2552
Email: info@cureduchenne.org
Website: cureduchenne.org
Social: @cureduchenne

About:
CureDuchenne breaks the traditional charitable mold and balances passion with business acumen. We will fulfill our mission to cure Duchenne muscular dystrophy with our innovative venture philanthropy model that funds groundbreaking research, early diagnosis and treatment access. With pioneering education and support programs, our organization drives real change for those living with the disease and their loved ones.

One Mind

Founder and Chairman: Garen Staglin ’66
One Mind
Location: Rutherford, California
Phone: 707-963-4038
Email: info@onemind.org
Website: onemind.org
Social: @onemindorg

About:
At One Mind, our mission is to advance mental health by harnessing the power of science and the wisdom of lived experience to drive bold research, accelerate innovation and transform societal attitudes and workplace practices.

Hacker Fund

Founder and Executive Director: Justin Brezhnev ’14
Hacker Fund
Address: 3435 Ocean Park Blvd., #107 PMB 124, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Email: team@hacker.fund
Website: hacker.fund
Social: @hackerfund

About:
Hacker Fund empowers technologists to support disadvantaged communities, educate youth and protect the environment. It does this through fiscal sponsorship and by providing resources like event support, educational programming, donated hardware/software, makerspaces and corporate volunteers.

Burnham Center for Community Advancement

CEO and President: Tad Seth Parzen ’82
Burnham Center for Community Advancement
Address: 1100 Market St., Suite 424, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-329-8389
‍Email: together@burnhamcenter.org
Website: burnhamcenter.org
Social: @burnhamcentersd

About:
Established in 2020 by Malin Burnham and Tad Seth Parzen, the Burnham Center for Community Advancement (BCCA) is dedicated to moving our cross-border region forward, recognizing that meaningful impact requires more than just a good idea. We are steadfast in our commitment to taking decisive action to help make the San Diego region a better place to live, work and play for all. We do this by engaging and informing the public through quality civic dialogue and a dedicated Community Advisory function; identifying opportunities to solve challenges and creating a vibrant future; and collaborating, organizing and mobilizing to bring opportunities to life.

United Against Fentanyl

Founder and CEO: Paul Martin ’03
United Against Fentanyl
Location: Newport Beach, California
Website: unitedagainstfentanyl.org
Social: @unitedagainstfentanyl

About:
United Against Fentanyl is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that preserves and protects humanity with a focus on combating the fentanyl/synthetic drug crisis. We focus on three primary areas:

Organizing survivors, organizations and elected officials to bring change
Fighting for comprehensive solutions, from enforcement to education
Creating awareness of common sense bi-partisan legislation

***

To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

All Bruin-Owned Business Articles

Earliest Known Pilipino Bruins at UCLA

Cosmopolitan Club 1922-23

(Note: Pilipino and Filipino are used interchangeably in this article and mean the same thing. Philippine locals use Pilipino because there is no phonetic equivalent to the letter "F" in the Philippine Islands’ indigenous languages.)

n honor of Filipino American History Month, we’re following up on an article published in the October 2023 issue of UCLA Alumni Connect documenting the history and impact of UCLA’s Pilipino community. Our story began with the “Filipino Students Association” in the 1927 UCLA yearbook (then called the University of California, Southern Branch). At that time, the Philippines were an American colony and many of these students were part of the pensionado program, a scholarship program for Pilipinos to attend college in the United States.

After our story was published, we heard from Joshua Dean Abad Valerio, MBA candidate at UCLA Anderson and marketing committee chair for the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Association Board of Directors. He had discovered proof of Pilipino students at UCLA as early as 1921.

As part of the pensionado program, the Bureau of Insular Affairs War Department published a “Directory of Filipino Students in the United States.” The 1922 edition lists three students at the University of California, Southern Branch: Eugene C. Alonzo, Emil (Emilian) D. Menzen and Cesario Cabatingan. Because not all records of the school’s graduates have survived, this list may be incomplete.

Directory of Filipino Students in the United States lists three students attending the Southern Branch. — *Directory of Filipino Students in the United States lists three students attending the Southern Branch*.

Their stories encapsulate the experience of many young men and women who left their homeland and traveled on a nearly month-long journey by ship across the ocean to attend college in America.

Eugene C. Alonzo is listed as part of the Federal Class, a program that provided vocational training and education for injured WWI veterans. According to military records, Alonzo received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Machine-Gun Company, 364th Infantry Regiment, 91st Division, A.E.F., near Eclisfontaine, France, Sept. 27 - Oct. 4, 1918. The 91st was known as the "Wild West" division, since most of the young men came from the western United States.

While attending the Southern Branch, Alonzo lived at 120 North Broadway in downtown L.A. The area was known as "Little Manila," a precursor to today’s Historic Filipinotown, and home to Pilipino-run barber shops, pool halls and restaurants.

Emil (Emilian) D. Menzen is listed in the 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1925 yearbooks as the Sergeant-at-arms for the Agora Club, a political society club dedicated to service and siblinghood; a member of Club Espanol; and, in his senior year, the Pre-Legal Association. He was also a member of the Cosmopolitan Club, founded at the Southern Branch in 1922.

Justo Leano is mentioned in the 1923, ’24, ’25 and ’26 yearbooks as a member of the Cosmopolitan Club as well as the Filipino Club. He can also be found in the San Pedro News Pilot as a graduate of the San Pedro High School class of 1920. During the 1920s, the Los Angeles Harbor area had a large Pilipino community. Many Pilipinos who had served in WWI settled near Navy ports and worked in the shipyards. It appears that after leaving UCLA, Leano may have returned to the Philippines where he was killed during the Japanese occupation of WWII.

The Cosmopolitan Club at the time had a number of Pilipino members and other foreign students. The UCLA chapter of the club hosted social events and was part of a larger international movement known as Cosmopolitan International. Its president at the time, Chinese American Daisy L. Law, invited students to join in the Daily Bruin, "Loyal Californians, come and show your American spirit by supporting the Cosmopolitan Club. Foreign students, come and show your fellow students how proud you are of your own nationalities. Tell us by your words and actions.” Dr. Ernest Moore, director of the Southern Branch, wrote in the same article, “I shall be delighted to have you organize a Cosmopolitan Club. It is most necessary. I hope you will call upon me for any assistance which I can give you."

Cesario Cabatingan also appears in the 1922 directory of Filipinos in the U.S., but he does not appear in the Southern Branch yearbook. However, there is a record of him as the president of the Bogo Redeemers in 1922-23, a group based in Cebu province in the Philippines that works to help local youth overcome the burden of poverty.

Jesus Zafra Valenzuela is in the 1922 directory as a journalism student at USC, yet he appears in the 1923 UCLA yearbook as the Cosmopolitan Club recording secretary. Valenzuela went on to become editor of the Stockton, California, newspaper The Philippine Informer. He became an instructor in English and journalism at the University of the Philippines and wrote the “History of Journalism in the Philippine Islands” in 1933.

By 1924, there were enough Pilipino students to form the Filipino Club, which became the Filipino Student Association. The yearbook lists nine students, though there may have been more, each with their own background and story, and each an integral part of building the history of UCLA.

Books by Bruins: Research

esearch is at the heart of the work of UCLA, advancing knowledge and generating transformative breakthroughs. This month’s books highlight alumni who continue to use research in their chosen field - from science to the humanities, and from the art of dance to the study of the human brain.

Research-Based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning: Insights From Neuroscience and the Classroom (2020)

Judy Willis, M.D. ’75

As a neuroscientist, Judy Willis focused her studies on understanding children and adults with brain function disorders. After practicing neurology for 15 years, Willis went on to a teaching career, using her brain research to inform her teaching practice. She has written six books for educators and parents about applying mind, brain and education research to improve teaching and learning strategies.

Dance Research Methodologies (2023)

Rosemary Candelario, M.A. ’07, Ph.D. ’11

Rosemary Candelario studied dance culture and performance at UCLA. As a scholar-artist, she relies on her expertise in dance and performance to understand the body in staged performance, social movements and popular culture. Her book brings together researchers from around the world to present methodological approaches that can be used to study a variety of dance forms and practices.

Research Methods & Data Analysis for Multicultural Social Work and Human Services (2014)

Siyon Rhee, M.S.W. ’81, Ph.D. ’88

Siyon Rhee studied at the UCLA School of Social Welfare. Rhee’s research focus includes mental health and mental health service utilization patterns in immigrant Asian families. The book gives readers the skills needed to become critical research consumers. She is an advocate for introducing social work students and practitioners to research-informed methodology and includes hands-on examples of how to conduct data analysis.

Generating Middle Range Theory: From Evidence to Practice (2013)

Sister Callista Roy, M.S. ’66, M.A. ’75, Ph.D. ’77

Sister Callista Roy is best known for creating the adaptation model of nursing, which emphasizes how individuals adapt to changes in their environment and how nurses can help them overcome health challenges. Through her research, Roy explored applications of the model in different healthcare settings. Her work bridged the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that her work could be applied to a variety of real-world scenarios.

Choice, Rules and Collective Action: The Ostroms on the Study of Institutions and Governance (2014)

Elinor Ostrom ’54, M.A. ’62, Ph.D. ’65

Vincent Ostrom ’42, M.A ’45, Ph.D. ’50

Elinor Ostrom was a co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for her work showing that groups can learn to share without needing government control, an idea she began exploring as a UCLA student. Vincent Ostrom was one of the originators of Public Choice theory, the idea that economic tools can deal with traditional political science problems. This book brings together their groundbreaking research and analysis.

School Integration Matters: Research-Based Strategies to Advance Equity (2016)

Megan Hopkins, Ph.D. ’11

Megan Hopkins studied education at UCLA, with a specialization in Urban Schooling. Hopkins’ research focuses on policy and leadership for multilingual K-12 students. Her book is the product of numerous applied research projects on the preparation of teachers and the implementation of state policies in bilingual education.

Sustainable Desalination and Water Reuse (2021)

Eric M.V. Hoek, M.S. ’96, Cert. ’14

Eric M.V. Hoek is a professor in UCLA’s Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. His academic work explores innovations that can help build a more sustainable future. His book explores his research into reverse osmosis, an effective desalination and advanced water treatment technology.

Modern Epidemiology (2008)

Sander Greenland, M.S. ’76, Ph.D. ’78

Sander Greenland is a double Bruin who studied epidemiology at UCLA. Epidemiology plays a main role in public health, and Sander’s book highlights associations between exposures and outcomes. The book is a comprehensive look at epidemiologic research methods.

***

As our list of Bruin authors grows, we’re categorizing the books into an online library, but we’ll need your help to make it as comprehensive as possible. If you know of one, please submit to our list of Bruin authors.

While all these books are written by UCLA alumni, inclusion on the list is not an endorsement.

Books by Bruins Library

Previous articles in the Books by Bruins series

UCLA’s Latest Research and Breakthroughs Shaping the Future

World’s First Human Bladder Transplant Restores Hope and Quality of Life

Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center

Summary:
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons at UCLA’s Ronald Reagan Medical Center, led by Dr. Nima Nassiri, successfully performed the first-ever human bladder transplant. The eight-hour procedure replaced a nonfunctioning bladder with a healthy donor organ, restoring urinary function and greatly improving the patient’s quality of life. This pioneering surgery opens the door to a new type of organ transplant, offering hope to patients with severe bladder damage from cancer, congenital conditions or trauma cases that previously had limited treatment options. UCLA’s success marks a global milestone in surgical innovation, setting a new standard for complex procedures.

Breakthrough Alzheimer’s Research Offers Promise for Memory Recovery

UCLA Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Research and Care

Summary:
UCLA researchers under the direction of Drs. Istvan Mody and Varghese John have discovered a promising compound, DDL-920, that restored memory and cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms by boosting the brain’s natural electrical rhythms. Unlike existing Alzheimer’s drugs that only remove harmful plaques, this molecule jumpstarts key neurons to revive gamma oscillations — high-frequency brain signals critical for memory. In lab tests, treated mice remembered maze escape routes as well as healthy mice, with no side effects observed. If proven safe in humans, DDL-920 could not only transform Alzheimer’s treatment but also offer hope for conditions like depression, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder by targeting the brain’s memory circuits from within.

Study Shows Audiences Reward Inclusive Films

UCLA Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE)

Summary:
A UCLA study shows that audiences of color and women are shaping Hollywood’s future, proving that diversity isn’t just right, it’s profitable. Films with 31% to 40% actors of color, such as “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Wonka,” earned the highest box-office returns. Meanwhile, hits like “Barbie” and “The Little Mermaid” thrived, thanks to female viewers, who made up the majority of ticket buyers. The Hollywood Diversity Report found that movies directed by filmmakers of color almost always featured diverse casts, and franchises like “Creed” and “John Wick” saw record earnings when embracing inclusion. Yet despite these gains, women and other underrepresented groups still lag in key industry roles. UCLA researchers emphasize that investing in diversity, both on screen and behind the camera, is now a business imperative, enabling studios to connect with audiences, boost profits and ensure long-term sustainability.

Engineers Develop Zero-Carbon Method to Green Cement Production

UCLA Samueli School of Engineering Institute for Carbon Management

Summary:
UCLA engineers have unveiled “ZeroCAL,” a breakthrough process that could slash nearly all carbon emissions from cement production, a major global source of CO₂. Unlike traditional methods that release nearly a kilogram of CO₂ per kilogram of cement, ZeroCAL uses calcium hydroxide instead of limestone, producing lime without generating greenhouse gases. The approach also creates clean hydrogen and oxygen that could fuel existing kilns, and it integrates seamlessly into current cement plants without requiring costly new infrastructure. Early demonstrations, including a partnership with India’s Ultratech Cement, show the method is scalable and could revolutionize not only cement but potentially steel production, offering a fast, practical path to decarbonize heavy industry.

Next-Gen Bladder Care: Smart Wearable Sensor for Independence

UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Summary:
UCLA investigators are highlighting groundbreaking advances in prostate and bladder cancer, AI-assisted diagnostics and patient-centered care at AUA 2025. Key innovations include 3D modeling that helps surgeons plan robotic prostate cancer surgeries for better nerve-sparing outcomes, cost-effectiveness analysis showing pembrolizumab may be a smarter choice than nivolumab for high-risk bladder cancer, AI-driven prostate cancer mapping, a wearable system for monitoring bladder health after spinal cord injury, and digital tools that improve shared decision-making in kidney stone treatment. These studies, led by researchers from UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, are helping shape more effective, personalized and cost-conscious approaches to urologic care.

Wearable Glove Turns Sign Language into Real-Time Speech

UCLA Samueli School of Engineering

Summary:
UCLA bioengineers have created an innovative, lightweight glove that can translate American Sign Language into spoken English in real time through a smartphone app. Equipped with stretchable sensors along each finger, the glove detects hand movements and, combined with facial sensors, captures the expressions essential to ASL. The signals are sent wirelessly to a small wrist-mounted circuit that converts gestures into speech at about one word per second. Unlike bulky previous devices, this affordable and flexible glove is durable, easy to wear and can recognize hundreds of signs, offering a practical way for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to communicate directly with non-signers — and for anyone to learn sign language more easily.

Wearable AI Patch Lets People Speak Without Vocal Cords

UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior

Summary:
UCLA bioengineers have created a tiny, flexible neck patch that translates the movement of throat muscles into audible speech, offering a non-invasive way for people with voice disorders to communicate. About a square inch in size, the device uses machine-learning technology to recognize specific laryngeal muscle movements and convert them into spoken words with nearly 95% accuracy. Designed to move naturally with the wearer, it adheres to the skin above the vocal cords and could assist patients recovering from laryngeal surgery or living with vocal cord dysfunction. This breakthrough builds on the team’s previous work with wearable devices that translate American Sign Language into speech, opening new possibilities for accessible, real-time communication for people with speech challenges.

Climate Change Is Making California’s Fire Seasons Longer and More Destructive

UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability (IoES)

Summary:
A UCLA study shows that human-driven climate change is pushing California’s wildfire season earlier by an average of one to two days per year, with some areas experiencing fire season starting up to seven weeks sooner than in the early 1990s. Rising temperatures and drier vegetation are creating longer windows for destructive fires, particularly in northern forests and high-elevation mountains. As fire seasons expand, the risks to communities, homes and natural resources grow. The research highlights the urgent need for continued climate science to inform policy and preparedness strategies as California faces increasingly intense and prolonged wildfire seasons.

Ultrasound “Jump-Starts” Brain Activity in Coma Patients

UCLA Brain Research Institute

Summary:
UCLA neuroscientists have used low-intensity focused ultrasound to awaken brain activity in two patients who had been in a minimally conscious state for over a year. The small, saucer-sized device targets the thalamus, the brain’s central hub, to stimulate neurons. Within days of treatment, one patient regained the ability to respond to commands, recognize objects, write and communicate, while the other could identify familiar items and understand speech for the first time in years. Though the changes are small, they represent meaningful reconnections for patients and families. The non-invasive technique shows promise as a future portable therapy to help “wake up” patients from chronic brain injuries.

UCLA Transit To Launch California’s First Wireless Charging Road

UCLA Events and Transportation

Summary:
UCLA research is helping bring a revolutionary vision to life in Westwood: Electric Avenue, a stretch of roadway embedded with wireless charging technology that can power electric vehicles as they drive. Using inductive charging coils beneath the pavement, energy is transferred directly to receivers on EVs, keeping batteries topped up without stopping to plug in. UCLA engineers and transportation experts contributed their expertise to design the system, optimize energy transfer, and plan for real-world deployment. Scheduled to debut ahead of the 2028 Olympics, Electric Avenue will showcase how “charging as you go” can reduce range anxiety, improve fleet efficiency and ease the strain on charging stations, paving the way for scalable, citywide charging infrastructure that could keep cars, buses and delivery vehicles in motion while cutting emissions and congestion.

New Research Unlocks Molecule That Restores Hair Growth

UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center

Summary:
UCLA researchers have discovered a small molecule, PP405, that can “wake up” dormant hair follicles, encouraging full, natural regrowth. In early human trials, a simple nightly topical application produced promising results, far surpassing the thin fuzz typical of current treatments. Developed by UCLA scientists William Lowry, Heather Christofk and Michael Jung, this breakthrough targets follicle stem cells directly, potentially offering a safe and effective way to reverse pattern hair loss, a condition affecting over half of men and a quarter of women by age 50. The team has co-founded Pelage Pharmaceuticals to advance the treatment, backed by $16.4 million in funding, with larger trials underway and FDA approval on the horizon. Full, healthy hair may no longer be just a dream.

Breakthrough Cancer Vaccine Offers New Hope

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Summary:
A novel cancer vaccine, ELI-002 2P, is showing promising results in patients with some of the toughest-to-treat cancers, including pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Developed in part by researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, the vaccine trains the immune system to recognize and attack tumors driven by KRAS mutations, which are common in these cancers. In early trials, most patients generated strong immune responses, some cleared cancer biomarkers entirely and those with higher immune responses stayed cancer-free far longer than expected, sometimes nearly two years. Unlike fully personalized treatments, ELI-002 2P is an “off-the-shelf” vaccine, making it easier to deliver to patients. These encouraging results are fueling a larger Phase 2 trial and the development of next-generation vaccines targeting even more KRAS mutations, offering hope for a new way to fight aggressive cancers.

A Rare Visitor from Beyond Our Solar System

UCLA Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences

Summary:
Astronomers, including UCLA’s David Jewitt, have captured the clearest view yet of 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar comet speeding through our solar system at 130,000 miles per hour, the fastest object from another star ever observed here. Using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3, Jewitt and his team revealed a teardrop-shaped dust plume streaming from the comet’s icy core, while other space- and ground-based telescopes help study its composition and track its journey. Although its exact origin remains a mystery, researchers estimate 3I/ATLAS has been traveling through interstellar space for billions of years. This marks only the third known interstellar object to enter our solar system, following ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. With new observatories like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory scanning the skies, astronomers expect to spot many more interstellar visitors in the coming years, offering unprecedented insights into the universe beyond our solar system.

Smart 3D-Printed Pen Offers Early Detection for Parkinson’s

UCLA Samueli School of Engineering

Summary:
UCLA bioengineers have developed a self-powered, 3D-printed “smart pen” that could help spot Parkinson’s disease early by analyzing handwriting. The pen’s flexible tip and magnetic-ink system capture subtle hand movements and convert them into electrical signals, which AI then analyzes for motor changes linked to Parkinson’s. By detecting these early signs before major neurological damage occurs, the pen could provide a simple, accessible tool for faster diagnosis and intervention, potentially expanding care beyond specialized clinics.

Chemists Break a 100-Year-Old Rule, Opening the Door to New Drug Discoveries

UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Summary:
UCLA researchers have overturned a century-old chemistry rule, proving that molecules once thought impossible to make can exist and be harnessed for drug discovery. Bredt’s rule claimed that certain carbon atoms in complex molecules couldn’t form double bonds due to geometric limits. But a team led by Neil Garg demonstrated a way to create and stabilize these “anti-Bredt olefins,” enabling new chemical reactions and 3D molecular structures that could accelerate pharmaceutical innovation. Published in the journal Science, this breakthrough could rewrite the textbooks and inspire a wave of new possibilities in medicine.

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To learn more about UCLA research and how you can support it, visit https://www.ucla.edu/research. #StandUpforUC

Big Ten Alumni Relations Institute at UCLA

he 2025 Big Ten Alumni Relations Institute (BTARI) was hosted by UCLA from July 21–23, and was a significant moment for the Bruins as UCLA capped its first year in the Big Ten Conference. Held at the James West Alumni Center in Westwood, the three-day gathering brought together alumni relations professionals from across Big Ten institutions for a dynamic blend of idea-sharing, leadership development and community building.

The two-day conference fostered a collaborative and forward-thinking atmosphere focused on strengthening alumni engagement. Sessions explored key themes such as inclusive community building, data-driven strategies, digital outreach and volunteer mobilization. Attendees participated in hands-on workshops, peer-led discussions and networking opportunities that encouraged knowledge sharing and practical takeaways.

Highlights included focused conversations around football fan engagement, the evolving nature of alumni identity, and integrating equity and inclusion as a sustained practice. Informal social gatherings and campus tours rounded out the program, offering space for reflection, relationship building and a renewed commitment to advancing alumni relations in meaningful and innovative ways.

Throughout the conference, speaker insights, peer-led panels and interactive workshops consistently emphasized four key themes: the strategic power of storytelling, the importance of data and measurement, the necessity of equity as a guiding framework, and the value of informal connection in building long-term collaboration.

The energy of UCLA’s inaugural BTARI was both aspirational and pragmatic. It provided attendees with fresh tools, practical case studies and strengthened peer relationships that will help shape the future of alumni engagement across the Big Ten.

UCLA’s hosting of this first-ever BTARI was not just a milestone in the school’s Big Ten debut, but also a meaningful affirmation of the vital role alumni professionals play in sustaining institutional values and amplifying impact. As the conference closed, it left participants energized and equipped to carry forward this momentum at their home campuses.

See the Full Gallery

Get the Answers From College Fairs Volunteers

f the many ways that UCLA alums give back to their alma mater, one of the most rewarding, but, perhaps, least known, is volunteering at college fairs. These events, organized by UCLA Admission, are held at community colleges and highs schools throughout California from August to November each year; 65 such fairs were held in 2024. UCLA Alumni Affairs identifies volunteers from the alumni community to staff them and, despite having to go through an annual three-hour orientation, volunteers keep coming back year after year.

The orientation goes over the kinds of questions that might be asked, and a manual is provided to the volunteers that lists information about the different schools within UCLA, dates and deadlines to be aware of, cost and financial aid information, etc. Volunteers are coached on what to say to prospective students, and what not to say (e.g., they are not to criticize or put down other universities).

“Our alums are not trying to sell UCLA to the students,” said Janette Palacios ’98, M.A. ’01, director of Alumni Communities, who helps identify the volunteer cohort for Alumni Affairs. “They already know about UCLA, and for many, it’s their dream school. We just want to make sure they have the necessary information to help them make their decision and to get through the application process.”

Many fairs are held in places where there are a lot of underrepresented students, some of whom don’t have access to guidance counselors. This places more value on college fair volunteers, with whom prospective students can readily identify, to convey helpful information about their universities.

One alum who has had a long history of this type of outreach is Alfredo Perez Jr. ’92. A political science major, Perez worked in Campbell Hall as an Academic Advancement Program counselor for about five years and served as a vice president of the Beachside Bruins network.

“I’ve always felt like I had a debt to UCLA because 30-some-odd years ago they took a chance on this kid,” Perez said. “And there are very specific people who were responsible that I will always remember. At a New Bruin Send-off event with Beachside Bruins last September, for incoming first-years, a woman came up to me who looked familiar. Turns out that she had worked for UCLA Admission and was the one who called to tell me there were some things I had done wrong in my application that I needed to fix. She even encouraged me to retake the SAT or take the ACT. I told her, ‘I went to UCLA because of you.’

“If I can just do a little bit of what they did for me, that is very rewarding.”

While in his office at Campbell Hall, things came full circle for Perez.

“I remember talking to a family from the Central Valley at an informational event, and they were concerned when they heard about the coed dorms. Would their daughter have a male roommate? I assured them that this wouldn’t be the case and tried to ease their minds about a couple of other concerns. One day when I was in my office, a student knocked on my door and she said, ‘I just want to thank you because I'm here due to that conversation you had with my parents; that made it a lot easier for them to accept my coming to UCLA.’”

Last year, Perez volunteered for his first college fair. He takes a broader view than merely talking about UCLA.

He said, “Some of the students aren’t sure if they should go to college at all, and I talk to them about what continuing their education could mean to them. Many who want to go to UCLA are skeptical about getting in, and I tell them, ‘Give yourself a shot. If you don't get in, then we'll talk about what the alternative is. Maybe try a Cal State or a community college and transfer to UCLA later. Your diploma will still be from the University of California, Los Angeles.’”

Ekeoma Nwadibia ’09, a chemistry major who went on to earn her doctorate at Columbia University, was looking for a way to get more involved with UCLA, so she volunteered at multiple college fairs in Northern California the last two years.

“I had a really great experience during my time at UCLA and I wanted an opportunity to share that with others,” Nwadibia said. “I really enjoy meeting families, meeting students, getting to hear what motivates them, what excites them. To be able to share not only the information that they could find on websites, but my own personal experiences I think is very helpful.

“Sometimes we get first-year (high school) students, and I always find those particularly interesting because they'll be there with their parents and they're already thinking about how they can structure their high school years and the courses they’ll take to maximize their chances of being admitted to UCLA. So that's really some advanced planning.”

Nwadibia, who is a middle school science teacher, said that, while she got lots of questions about areas like engineering and computer science, she also got inquiries about non-academic activities as well.

“I got a lot of questions about sports, and not just football and basketball but lacrosse and hockey,” she said. “I didn't know the details about all of the many intramural activities and club sports that UCLA has to offer, so, as we learned in the trainings, I said, ‘We offer this many activities, so you can either find one that suits you or start your own.’

“The students also ask a lot about housing and I get to share with them that it is guaranteed for four years for incoming first years and for two years for transfer students. The cost of attending is another topic that comes up a lot, so I’m able to give them a pamphlet outlining different scholarships that UCLA offers – and I encourage them to fill out their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.”

Xitlalli Cardenas ’18, a sociology major who is starting law school at the University of Oregon this fall, has always tried to help underrepresented communities and has found volunteering at a fair a great way to do that. She has volunteered at fairs in the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley the last two years – and they weren’t only held at schools.

*Xitlalli Cardenas (right) and student Dulce Ochoa*

“In the Antelope Valley, they did a really big event that they hosted at their fairgrounds,” Cardenas said. “So that was awesome. The UCLA line is always the longest line by far; everyone always wants to talk to the UCLA people, and I'm happy to help and then just stay there and answer everyone's questions.”

Community service and outreach is not new to Cardenas. During her time at UCLA, she did a lot of volunteer work and received the Chancellor's Service Award for her efforts.

She said, “UCLA really was my dream school – is my dream school. I really enjoyed my time there. So, for me, volunteering was really about wanting to share that with other people and wanting other people to have that awesome experience to go to UCLA to become a Bruin and immerse themselves inside of the community.”

She finds it especially rewarding to volunteer at fairs that are attended by members of communities where a personal approach, encouragement and advice is most needed.

“Communities of color are something I’m very passionate about serving,” Cardenas said. “So that was really the forward drive to do that and to go to a lot of these places that don't really see that much outreach. I know how much potential the students there carry, I know how hard they work and I know everything that they can contribute to UCLA as a community.

“One thing that I really highlight when I'm there is that UCLA really likes well-rounded people, and they should tell a story in their personal statement – including extracurriculars and what they're really interested in – to let Admission know who they are. I think that that's a really strong component to their application.”

And, as with so much in the UCLA Alumni volunteer community, the benefits of the interaction flow in both directions.

“Afterwards, you are so happy, so energized because you are having these very organic and authentic interactions with the community and with the students there,” Cardenas said. “And you're sharing your stories of your favorite things to do or things that they don't really know that a lot of students do. It's a great feeling and a great sense of connection that you walk away with.”

Lisa Sison

Lisa Sison ’89, an economics major who went on to earn an MBA and works in corporate finance for the Walt Disney Company, was inspired to reconnect with UCLA and give back to her alma matter when her sons began their college careers.

She said, “When I heard about college fairs, I raised my hand and said, ‘Yeah, that's something that I would do,’ because I wanted to connect with young students – not just high school seniors or juniors looking at colleges, but freshmen or even younger kids who are exploring their options. I wanted to share my passion for UCLA with those students.”

Last year, Sison volunteered at four college fairs in Orange County. The kinds of questions she got from students often focused on the difficulty of being admitted to UCLA, even for accomplished students.

“One of the most common questions that I received was, ‘How do I submit an application that really stands above others so that my application is memorable?’ My response was, ‘Take a variety of courses and challenge yourself, demonstrate that you are able to take on challenges by choice. GPA is not everything; the PIQs (Personal Insight Questions) are where you can really express yourself. I think there's eight to choose from – you get to select which ones to answer. That's your opportunity to demonstrate how you can write, how you think. It's an opportunity to shine, your opportunity to express how you contribute to the community, what you’re involved in and maybe discuss some of the obstacles you’ve faced and how you’ve overcome some challenges in your life. Let the application readers know what you can bring to UCLA, what difference you make. Stay involved during your high school career but be authentic; find something that you are passionate about and really put your heart into it. Maybe you have more opportunities than kids in the less affluent areas; how do you take advantage of those opportunities and use them to further your goals and elevate the community?’”

Sison is planning on participating again this year.

“It was so rewarding,” she said, “to see that joy and the gratitude – they're so appreciative of the volunteers taking their time to share their knowledge and their experience.”

Those interested in volunteering at future college fairs can email FutureBruins@alumni.ucla.edu. For information, visit the https://alumni.ucla.edu/get-involved/college-fairs.

Books by Bruins: Summer Reading

hether you’re sitting by the pool, lounging on the beach or beating the heat indoors, curling up with a good book just might be the perfect summer escape. From memoirs by UCLA athletes to intriguing mysteries and page-turning novels, pick up one of these Bruin books for your reading pleasure.

FICTION

Liquid, A Love Story (2025)

Mariam Rahmani, Ph.D. ’19

Will There Be Wine?: A Novel (2023)

Whitney Cubbison ’98

Whitney Cubbison graduated from UCLA with a degree in French. She worked at Microsoft for 16 years, spending 13 years in the Paris office. During that time, she held various international roles that encompassed public relations, employee communications, executive speechwriting and social media. She left her job after earning her French citizenship to focus on writing her first novel. The story was inspired by her experiences as an ex-pat divorcée navigating life in a foreign country.

MEMOIRS

How to Eat a Small Country: A Family's Pursuit of Happiness, One Meal at a Time (2011)

Amy Finley ’96

After graduating from UCLA, Amy Finley quickly realized that her true passion lay in cooking. When she won the third season of The Next Food Network Star, she thought her dreams had come true. But when the demands of her new career put a strain on her marriage, she decided to make a drastic change. “How to Eat a Small Country: A Family's Pursuit of Happiness, One Meal at a Time” is her tale of moving to rural France to preserve her family.

What Just Happened? Bitter Hollywood Tales from the Front Line (2020)

Art Linson ’64, J.D. ’67

During his third year at UCLA Law, Art Linson was invited to a movie screening at the home of producer Harold Mirisch. That night, he decided he wanted to pursue a career in Hollywood. His film credits include “The Untouchables,” “Heat,” “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Fight Club.” Linson has written two books that give a backstage look at the characters and calamities of making a motion picture.

Back from the Dead (2017)

Bill Walton ’74

Bill Walton played center for John Wooden’s UCLA basketball team for three years, including two undefeated seasons with NCAA championships and an NCAA record 88-game winning streak. After UCLA, he went on to a standout career in the NBA and broadcasting. The beloved athlete’s memoir shares the lessons he learned from Coach Wooden and his love for the music of the Grateful Dead, and how they each helped him through his darkest hours.

My Unusual Life (2023)

Laurie Lewis Havel ’72

High school volleyball standout Laurie Lewis Havel’s chance encounter with athletes returning from the 1964 Olympic games changed her life, leading her to compete at the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City. She joined the UCLA volleyball team in 1969, and led them to their first women's championship in 1972. While at UCLA, she worked at a local magazine and after graduation began a career with Architectural Digest magazine. Her book chronicles the many twists and turns of her unpredictable life story.

HUMOR

In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox (2016)

Carol Burnett (1951-1954)

Comedy legend Carol Burnett shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from her iconic weekly variety series, “The Carol Burnett Show.” She credits her time in UCLA’s Theater Arts Department for changing her plans and setting her on the path to a career in show business. A 1985 recipient of the UCLA Medal, she now shares the talent and creativity that captured hearts and made us laugh.

Why Fantasy Football Matters: (And Our Lives Do Not) (2006)

Max Handelman, MBA ’03

Max Handelman launched Fox Sports' fantasy games division. He is now an independent film producer. In “Why Fantasy Football Matters (And Our Lives Do Not),” he and co-writer Erik Barmack celebrate the eccentric personalities, absurd rituals and hilarious superstitions of one of the most fanatical fantasy leagues on earth.

MYSTERY

Murder Behind the Gates: The Private Investigator Annie Hudson Mystery Series (2024)

Valerie Brandy ʼ11

Private investigator Annie Hudson solves cases with the help of her partner, FBI Agent Ethan Beckett. As the pair unravel mysteries across the country, each case brings them one step closer to a tragedy from the past that ties them together. Valerie Brandy is a Los Angeles-based screenwriter, filmmaker and best-selling author. Brandy graduated from UCLA in three years as a prestigious Alumni Scholarship Recipient. At 20, she sold her first spec script, making her one of the youngest members ever inducted into the Writers Guild of America (WGA).

The Florentine Deception (2015)

Carey Nachenberg ʼ95, M.S. ʼ95

In this action-packed techno-thriller, a routine computer cleanup sets off a quest for a deadly treasure. Carey Nachenberg is a leading security specialist, and he brings that knowledge to enhance the story’s realistic details. Nachenberg pledged 100 percent of the book's profits to charity and has already donated to the Success Academy, KIPP.org, UniCamp, Npower.org and UCLA engineering scholarships for low-income computer science students.

***

While all these books are written by UCLA alumni, inclusion on the list is not an endorsement.

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