Tag Archives: connect
Running It Back
DeShaun Foster’s ’14 career is a highlight reel of standout moments and game-changing accomplishments.
- Pac-10 Champion
- All-American
- NFC Champion
- Sixth longest touchdown run in Super Bowl history
- UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame inductee
- California High School Hall of Fame inductee
His most recent feat: Head Coach for the UCLA Bruins.
On Feb. 12, 2024, Foster was named the 19th head coach of his alma mater, ushering in a new era of UCLA Football. Since then, Foster has been tirelessly preparing the Bruins under the three pillars he lives by.
“If you turn on the T.V., discipline, respect and enthusiasm are things you should see us producing,” said Foster. “If you come around the weight room, that’s what you should be able to see. If you see our guys in classes, that’s what you should see. If you see them in their dorms or apartments, that’s what you should be able to see. You should see discipline, respect and enthusiasm from our kids and staff in all facets.”
Foster, of course, is no stranger to Westwood.
As a student, the Bruin running back capped off his prolific playing career ranked second among UCLA players in touchdowns (44), third in rushing yards (3,194) and fifth in scoring (266 points). In his senior year, Foster led the Pac-10 in rushing with 138.6 yards per game; he helped lead the Bruins to a Pac-10 Championship title in 1998. He was named an All-American in 2001.
In 2002, the Carolina Panthers drafted Foster in the second round of the NFL Draft. Two years later, Foster and the Panthers won the NFC and punched their ticket to Super Bowl XXXVIII where he produced the sixth-longest touchdown run in Super Bowl history. After four seasons with the Panthers, Foster joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2008, where he would go on to conclude his professional playing career.
"At one point, everything in my life was associated with UCLA and Westwood, and now, I get to continue to invest in these players and build a culture of discipline, respect and enthusiasm."
Foster joined the staff of the Bruins’ football program in 2012 as a student assistant. He was named a graduate assistant in 2014 (the same year he came back and finished his bachelor of arts in history degree) and served as the director of player development and high school relations in 2015. He had a brief stint in 2016 with Texas Tech as their running back coach, and returned to Westwood in 2017, where he assumed the team’s running back coach position. Foster was named associate head coach in 2023 and became head coach last February.
Having experienced success on all levels, Foster now looks to invest his knowledge in future generations of Bruins.
“I’ve made it to places where many of these players want to go, and now I can let them know that it's possible to compete on a high level while competing in the classroom at a high academic school,” said Foster. “I’ve sat in these seats. I went to school here. I played sports here. I lived in the Village. Ate in the Village. At one point, everything in my life was associated with UCLA and Westwood, and now, I get to continue to invest in these players and build a culture of discipline, respect and enthusiasm.”
Additionally, Foster is determined to resurrect the Bruins’ rich history of tradition – much of which he experienced as a student.
On April 27, the Bruins held the annual Spring Game at the Rose Bowl, something the program had not done since 2015. Dubbed the “Spring Showcase,” the event gave the crowd of 10,000-plus Bruin faithful a glimpse of the 2024 roster and a chance to collect autographs from current players and coaches afterward. Also, fans were treated to the return of another beloved tradition: the Bruin Walk.
Not to be confused with the main thoroughfare on campus, the Bruin Walk is when UCLA players and coaches get off their buses and enter the Rose Bowl, providing UCLA fans the opportunity to cheer on and support the Bruins before they play.
“The Bruin Walk is a big part of UCLA Football history,” said Foster. “It gets players excited. You see the fans tailgating and turning up for the game and you don’t want to let them down. When I was coming to games back in the early 1990s, I always made sure I was there early enough to see the players enter into the Rose Bowl.”
The coach is also looking to implement new traditions into the program. One new tradition began on April 19 when Foster and his staff held the inaugural Friday Night Lights, a festival-like setting where fans could watch an evening spring football practice and partake in games, food trucks and live performances.
As Foster breathes new life into the program, he believes these efforts will also help attract recruits.
“We’re looking for players that are resilient, don't shy away from hard work and are natural leaders,” said Foster on recruiting. “We're truly looking for good people who just happen to be good at football.”
Confident, but humble, Foster knows that while implementing traditions and pillars is crucial to the success of the program, he ultimately can’t revitalize the program on his own.
“Alumni involvement is critical for our program,” he said. “Like myself, they’ve done it all. They’ve sat here, had midterms and finals, played in games and balanced life, so to have them involved and share their experience and knowledge with our players about life on and off the field is huge. I want to help bridge the gaps.”
One practical way Foster emphasized alumni involvement would be to invest in giving career advice and opportunities to current players.
“Some of these guys have aspirations to be in various business fields, and if there are alumni out there that could help give wisdom and access, that would be great. A lot of our guys don’t have time for internships that a college student would normally take on during the summer due to football practice, so being able to help them get career exposure would help them with life after football.”
Of course, alumni are also welcome to contribute resources for the success of the program.
“NIL is a big part of the game today, and I think we’re moving in the right direction. We’ve been doing a lot with Men of Westwood, which is a great opportunity for alumni and fans to support not just the football team, but all the student-athletes at UCLA.”
But most importantly, Foster wants the Bruin community to support the team by showing up this fall.
“Be around and come out to our games,” said Foster. “Sometimes, showing up to our games, whether at home in the Rose Bowl or wherever we are on the road is more valuable than donating money. I like our team this season and we’re excited to compete.”
“I was always taught to run to the fight. We're not scared of any of the things that come with this change. It’s more exposure for our players and will help them put their best foot forward as more of the nation will be able to see our games.”
This fall, after nearly a century as a member of the conference known today as the Pac-12, the Bruins will compete in their inaugural season as a member of the Big Ten Conference. While this change will feature a brand-new slate of competitors and challenges throughout the country, the new head coach and his team aren’t afraid of the change.
“I like this opportunity,” said Foster. “I was always taught to run to the fight. We're not scared of any of the things that come with this change. It’s more exposure for our players and will help them put their best foot forward as more of the nation will be able to see our games.”
The Bruins will begin the 2024 season on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 4:30 p.m. on the road in Honolulu, Hawaii, against the University of Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors. Two weeks later, the Bruins will compete in their home opener at the Rose Bowl against conference opponent Indiana at 4:30 p.m.
“We have some really good stuff going on over here. We’ll keep getting better and better, and when the fall comes, I think you will see a really good product on the field that you're just going to have no choice but to come out and support.”
Learn more about Coach Foster and UCLA Football here.
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Meet the Prez - Paco Retana
On July 1, 2024, Paco Retana ʼ87, M.S.W. ʼ90, began his two-year term as the president of the UCLA Alumni Association. The son of immigrants, his father from Costa Rica and his mother from Mexico, he grew up in Pico Rivera, California, with a profound respect for education. He followed his dream of working with marginalized young people to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in social welfare from the School of Social Welfare, now the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. He is currently chief program officer for Wellnest Emotional Health and Wellness, empowering children and young adults on the road to success. Retana recounts his journey from struggling academically as a student to now representing more than half a million UCLA alumni.
I remember when my parents dropped me off at UCLA, my mom was emotional and my dad was fighting back tears. As the first in my family to attend college, there was a fear of the unknown. I was vulnerable, just trying to figure it out. I didn’t know then that some of the people I met that day on the third floor of Dykstra would become my tribe. At that time, there weren’t many people on campus that looked like me. I loved the cafeteria and breaking bread with everyone. I also connected with the folks who were serving us food because they looked like my tías y tíos and I could speak Spanish with them.
As a student, I couldn’t understand why some people were so upset with Latinos. My dad was an upholsterer and I would deliver furniture with him. He would tell his clients, “My son is going to UCLA. He's going places.” They would ask about affirmative action, and I would tell them that it was the greatest thing in the world. And they would say, “Those programs take away spots from my kid.” I didn't know what to say. Did I not deserve to go? Luckily, I took a theater class with Romulus Zamora, who became a mentor of mine. He lifted me up, as a human being and as Latinx. He taught the history of Chicano theater, Luis Valdez and Teatro Campesino plays. Overall, I felt different and I was sometimes treated differently. Those were painful moments. But from there came beautiful moments of resilience. There was a stigma associated with affirmative action, but the outcome was success.
I enrolled in graduate school with a specific goal in mind: to develop the skills needed to support vulnerable young people. I was raised in a loving family. Until my dad passed on, my parents would still hold hands. I believe in optimism and hope, and that there will be change for the families I provide services to. Earning my master’s in social welfare showed me I can make an impact by embracing my values and advocating for marginalized communities. UCLA professors like Dr. Terry Roberts, my thesis advisor Dr. Ruth Zambrana, Dr. Rosina Becerra and Professor Rebecca Refuerzo opened my world. I've learned so much from the people and communities I've worked with.
Mentoring is an opportunity to pay it forward and develop meaningful relationships. When I was a student, I struggled academically. A combination of Academic Advancement Program resources, friends and mentors got me through that difficult time. The students I’m mentoring are incredibly smart and gifted. I get as much from them as I hope they get from my guidance. I want them to succeed and be proud of what they do. It's an opportunity to provide support to help them navigate these challenging times. It's the best feeling in the world when you have mentored somebody and they come back to thank you. Does it happen all the time? No, but when it does you're gifted with the knowledge that you fostered growth, and that you made an impact so they continue to forge ahead.
Through my work, I’m helping people reach their full potential. There's a Mayan quote that I love, “In Lak'ech,” which means in Spanish, “Tú eres mi otro yo,” or “You are my other me.” If you're having a great year, I'm celebrating with you. If you've had a tough couple of months, we’re going through it together. This helps break down the stereotypes and prejudices that exist when I'm working with youth. Ever since I graduated from my M.S.W. program, I've done group workshops with 16-17 year olds who are struggling, whether they're in the foster care system or previously incarcerated. We take 100 young men who have never been away from home to camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains. I use the tools and skills I learned at UCLA and from my elders to lift their voices. This is how we're breaking the cycle to build better outcomes for future generations.
There's a myriad of ways alumni can get involved. At UCLA, there are so many opportunities to connect across the lifespan. I recommend choosing what you enjoy doing, and going from there. The online community UCLA ONE is a great place for networking, career advice and access to exclusive resources. The Alumni Mentor Program pairs alumni with current UCLA students. I love Bruin Business 100, which recognizes exceptional alumni entrepreneurs. Dr. Denise Pacheco is doing amazing work in our Diversity Programs, fostering meaningful connections across generations to support a strong and inclusive community. There are programs that invite alumni, faculty and staff to come together and delve into various social issues. There are many creative, welcoming and socially-engaging spaces where alumni can build relationships and community empowerment. There's an abundance of opportunities to get involved in, and it all can be incredibly rewarding.
As president of the Alumni Association, I will lead with gratitude to build a culture of trust, respect and engagement for Bruins around the world. It is important we lift up our community following the events of spring quarter – I will continue conversations with our students, faculty, staff and alumni. I will create space for dialogue, for voices to be really heard – because we are Bruins for life. While our journey may not always be joyful – it is a journey that always inspires us to gather at the university we love. I will always create that space and keep the door open. When I end my term, I hope alumni and students feel that the Alumni Association is here to support them. That we live up to a promise of equity, diversity and inclusion and a sense of belonging. My ancestors, my elders, my family, my network, my fur babies, they make sure that I’m rooted in the community. They believe in me, and they trust me. Overall, I feel a sense of belonging to give back and pay it forward. And with that, we'll get through anything.
Visit the Alumni Association Board of Directors page to learn more.
Recent Articles
Bruin-Owned Beverage Businesses 2
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ho’s ready for a drink? Whether it’s a refreshing craft beer or specialty coffee, a fruity cocktail or full-bodied wine, this sequel to 2021’s Bruin-Owned Beverage Businesses will tempt you to taste UCLA excellence in liquid form. Order online or go out for a good time with friends to quench your summer thirst!
First Draft Taproom and Kitchen
Founders: Carol Pickle '77 and Kevin Slattery '77
Location: 1230 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90015
Phone: 213-536-5267
Website: firstdraftdtla.com
Email: mark@firstdraft.beer
Social: @firstdraftdtla
About:
First Draft LA is located in the South Park area of Downtown Los Angeles while First Draft Denver resides in the RiNo area of Denver. Both establishments provide a location where beer, cider, wine and hard seltzer enthusiasts can meet and socialize, while enjoying high-quality products in an information-based environment. In L.A.'s 70-tap environment, customers use tap card technology to individually manage their drinking and eating experience. First Draft provides a wide-ranging set of food selections, all locally sourced. Located on the northeast corner of Olive and Pico streets, just a few blocks from LA Live, Crypto.com Arena and the Convention Center, First Draft combines the self-serve technologies of Pour Your Own, amazing food selections, a great staff, several different event and party areas, and an awesome heated outdoor patio and atmosphere. First Draft Taproom and Kitchen supports UCLA Athletics.
Review:
“Great food, huge beer selection and cool vibe. Our first time visiting, take a minute to register and get a tap card, use the tap card for whatever beer or beers you want up to 32oz per day. You pay by the ounce at the end of the meal and they can give you a report that shows what you had and how much. It is easy to track what beers you like. The food was great, fresh burger, tasty fried cauliflower, pretzel balls and the mac and cheese were perfect. Kids are welcome, upstairs/downstairs and inside/outside seating choices. Great stop before a game or next time you are downtown!” - Chris W.
The New Bar
Founder: Brianda Gonzalez ’17
Location: 1821 S. Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90291
Phone: 424-781-9962
Website: thenewbar.com
Email: contact@thenewbar.com
Social: @thenewbar
About:
The New Bar is a place for anyone and everyone who wants to drink less. We’re not here to judge you. We’re here to give you products, tools and information to be more mindful, intentional and healthy about the way you drink — whatever that means to you. We’ve spent a lot of time discovering what's out there in the nonalcoholic beverage world, so now when we pick products for our site, we know what we're looking for and have standards every product should meet. We hope that you find this place useful, and that you have a good time using it. And we hope that you discover what we know to be true — that it’s fun to be good to yourself.
Review:
“What a delightful experience! Misha greeted me with a delicious cocktail! She told me about a couple of different non-alcoholic wines. Some I knew and some I didn't. They have a ton of non-alcoholic beers, wines, mocktails, etc. Great prices too.” - Erika S.
TuMe
Co-Founder: Shaina Zaidi ’07
Location: E-Commerce
Phone: 818-237-5105
Website: drinktume.com
Email: info@drinktume.com
Social: @tumewater
About:
Team TuMe is comprised of a family of athletes, doctors and scientists. Together we combine science with ancient Ayurveda medicine, aka “science of life,” to bring a sports water unlike any other sports drink. We were tired of the typical sugary sports drinks, overpriced juices and water with no added benefits, so we set out to create something better and reinvented sports drinks for the modern athlete.
Review:
“I am a doctor and I know about the benefits of turmeric. I drink TuMe to boost my immunity and give me energy for long shifts. It's kid-friendly and mine love it!" - K. W.
Hall Of Fame Spirits
Founder: Jerry Draper ’92
Location: E-Commerce based in Scottsdale, Arizona
Website: halloffamespirits.com
Email: team@hofvodka.com
Social: @HOFVodka
About:
A passion for perfection and the enjoyment of all aspects of the game runs deep in our Hall Of Fame Spirits family. Our mission is twofold. First and foremost is to inspire the world’s best American-made ultra-premium Vodka. Second is to create a distinctive brand that bottles and elicits all the intensity, emotions, valence and fandom that endears us to the game and makes us true sports fans!
Review:
“I was looking to try a different vodka. I like to try different brands and types except flavored (eww). This one tastes good. No bite, no strong alcohol smell. I really like the 90 proof!” - DMT
Moonwake Coffee Roasters
Co-Founder: Mabel Yeung ’13
Location: E-Commerce and Mobile Popup in Cupertino, California
Phone: 408-320-5813
Website: moonwakecoffeeroasters.com
Social: @moonwakecoffeeroasters
About:
Moonwake Coffee Roasters is dedicated to producing specialty coffee that brings you a moment of calm, respite and introspection from the world outside — in whatever circumstance life finds you. We meticulously curate and roast in small batches to present you with an enjoyable, captivating cup. Our name “Moonwake” comes from the reflection of the moon on a body of water — a place where we can forget our troubles, even if only briefly.
Review:
“These folks simply roast delicious coffee! They are very particular as to the quality and have a staff that is really into and enjoys coffee! I'm going back just to trust them and try a suggested drink of some sort I've never had before as I really like coffee as well! Friendly, fun...” - Brian D.
CALI Distillery
Co-Founder: Howard Witkin ’87
Location: 8950 W. Olympic Blvd, Suite 179, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: 424-286-2474
Website: calidistillery.com
Email: info@calidistillery.com
Social: @calidistillery
About:
California is a sun-washed land of dreamers and builders, with a relaxed creativity and natural luxury inspiring the world. CALI whiskeys are a reflection of that warm, welcoming, mellow culture. Rich and smooth with a deep tan and a bit of easy-going complexity, CALI Distillery whiskeys are a California twist on classic American sipping whiskeys. We hope that you will enjoy our spirits and share with your friends. We make every bottle by hand — in our little beach town distilled spirits plant — from all-natural ingredients.
Review:
“I thought this was closer to a traditional whiskey with sweet notes but it’s more like a honey bourbon. It’s good but sweeter than I thought. If you like a honey bourbon this would definitely be one to try.” - K.O.
Couplet Coffee
Founder: Gefen Skolnick ’20
Location: E-Commerce and Multiple Locations
Website: coupletcoffee.com
Email: gefen@coupletcoffee.com
Social: @couplet
About:
Hi. We're Couplet. We’re passionate about specialty coffee, but it’s just sooooo douchey. Queer woman-owned and built for everyone, we created Couplet to make great coffee more fun and approachable. We skip the pretentious tasting notes and gatekeeping and get right to the good part — ridiculously delicious coffee you can prepare however you like.
Review:
“Couplet Coffee totally rocked my world! Being part of the LGBTQ+ family, it's so cool to support this queer-owned spot. The owner's vibes are super welcoming and inclusive. And even though I'm not usually a coffee person, their brews are off the charts, seriously. They're all about diversity and inclusivity, which is so rad. I can't wait to swing by Couplet Coffee again – it's not just about the coffee; it's about the whole awesome vibe they've got going on.” - Walid M.
Aura Bora
Co-Founder: Paul Voge ’16
Location: E-Commerce and Multiple Stores
Website: aurabora.com
Email: hello@aurabora.com
Social: @drinkaurabora
About:
If sparkling water is meant to be delightful and delicious, why do most brands have uninspired flavors, icky ingredients, added sweeteners and bitter aftertastes? We took matters into our own hands. After years of flavor testing, ingredient sourcing and carbonation tweaking, Aura Bora was born! A delicious and flavorful sparkling water made with herbs, fruits and flowers.
Review:
“I love the unique taste of each of the flavors. I tried just about all of them and maybe some are better than others, but I like all of them. At this point, the only problem I’m having is out of stock and currently unavailable. The cans sometimes come slightly damaged but so far none are too damaged to keep me from drinking.” - Vicky W.
Royal Wine & Spirits
Founder: David Green ’90
Location: E-Commerce
Phone: 707-280-1217
Website: royalwinespirit.com
Email: david@royalwinespirit.com
Social: @RoyalPrinceWines
About:
Royal Wine & Spirits is a modern boutique négociant house, committed to sourcing and making American wines that consistently transcend their price points. With over 50,000 cases in production and a growing stable of brands, Royal Wine & Spirits is poised for significant expansion. Our world-class wine-making team upholds the highest quality at every point in the wine-making process. We own our responsibility to produce quality. We touch every price point, creating wines of precision, power, elegance and zero pretentiousness. All of this defines our mission, to democratize deliciousness.
Review:
“Deep-black fruits, generous oak spices and a velvety texture add up to a luscious, drinkable wine with plenty of heft on the palate and a lingering finish. The wine is laced with fine-grained tannins that give it some grip without harshness.” - W.E.
Enelalma
Founder: Melanie Shelby ’95
Location: E-Commerce
Website: enelalmatequila.com
Email: info@enelalmatequila.com
Social: @enelalmatequila
About:
The soul is the foundation of our personality, intellect, will and emotion. It endures the physical to see beyond. Tasting Enelalma epitomizes that experience in every sip. From the passion of our founder Melanie Shelby to the artistry of our master distiller Oscar Vazquez to the rich terroir and beauty of the Highlands; culture, legacy and distinction await your journey of discovery. Enelalma honors the rich legacy, heritage and shared experience of indigenous and African-American cultures through partnership and collaboration.
Review:
“Agave forward, fairly sweet and a nice long finish. Not overly complex. Would be a great choice for someone starting their journey into quality tequila.” - Dustin L.
DrinkLyte
Founder: Victoria Brodsky, MBA ’23
Location: E-Commerce
Phone: 310-905-6755
Website: drinklyte.co
Email: hello@drinklyte.co
Social: @drinklyte
About:
DrinkLyte is a lightning-fast electrolyte rehydration that helps you recover after you've been drinking so you can be healthier and feel your best the next day.
Review:
“I tried DrinkLyte for the first time at an event when I was out in L.A. for a conference. I have to say, it is hands down my favorite rehydration solution on the market. I have tried almost every brand and DrinkLyte is the best tasting and most effective. I live in Colorado and I buy them online religiously. 10/10 recommend.” - Blake M.
Trail Marker Wine Company
Co-Founder: Emily Virgil, MBA ’21
Location: E-Commerce
Website: trailmarkerwineco.com
Email: hello@trailmarkerwineco.com
Social: @trailmarkerwineco
About:
We source fruit from family-owned, responsibly farmed and passionately cared for vineyards from the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mendocino Coast and Lodi. Our minimal intervention winemaking style allows us to make wines that are high acid, and low alcohol — well-balanced expressions of these excellent vineyards. We serve our wines at our table with great pride and think you will too.
Review:
“Yum. Nice nose. Light, but vibrant red fruit. Delicate. Spices, light acidity, long tangy finish. This is a pinot drinker pinot, not a cab drinker looking for robust wine. Reminds me of Rhy’s pinots, which are outstanding. Very good wine, I would definitely buy again and in bulk.” - Jon K.
Saṃsāra
Founder: Aditya Aggarwal ’16
Location: E-Commerce
Phone: 310-402-1717
Website: spacemanspiritslab.com
Email: hello@spacemanandcompany.com
Social: @samsaragin
About:
Saṃsāra is an Indian craft gin that brings people together to celebrate the inherent human passion for self-expression, curiosity and wanderlust. Thoughtfully crafted in a new age India, Saṃsāra bottles the “free spirit” and embodies the very essence of exploration.
Review:
“Warm non-alcoholic pink gin and tonic mixed with Samsāra gin and some ice cubes gives the best flavor and taste. Simple yet the best drink, it's always a pleasure to try some new, wild experiments with this beautiful gin!” - Karan K.
Roots & Vines Wine
Founder: Jennifer White ’97, M.P.P. ’06
Location: E-Commerce
Website: rootsandvineswine.com
Email: info@rootsandvineswine.com
Social: @rootsandvineswine
About:
SISTERcircle honors the legacy of generations of women who labored fruitlessly on vineyards in South Africa through its birth of Roots & Vines Wine. Our wine is exquisitely full-bodied, powerfully sophisticated and distinctively African as its creators. We economically empower Black women and bring exceptional wines from South Africa made by Black women. Without leaving the comfort of your own home, you can immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of Africa.
Review:
“Greenish nose with green bell pepper, grassy herbs with dill and sage, a smoky touch and the usual load of gooseberries with some lemon, grapefruit and passion fruit. Crispy fresh on the palate with lively lime and Granny Smith acidity followed by quite the finish with a bit too much grapefruit bitters that cost a few digits, but still lovely SB!” - Raf D.
Armistice Brewing Company
Co-Founder: Alex Zobel, M.A. ’12, Ph.D. ’16
Locations: 845 Marina Bay Parkway, Suite 1, Richmond, CA 9404 — 510-230-4966
1040 Clinton St., Napa, CA 94559 — 707-320-6321
Website: armisticebrewing.com
Email: contact@armisticebrewing.com
Social: @armisticebeer
About:
As siblings, we know firsthand how beer brings people together. The name Armistice gestures toward Richmond's place in twentieth-century geopolitics, but it also describes what brewing beer did for our relationship as brother and sister. We started brewing together as a way of coping and catching up not long after our mother was diagnosed with cancer. When mom’s health took a turn for the worse, we left Los Angeles, where Gregory was pursuing a career in film and television and Alex was finishing her doctorate and moved to our family’s home in Napa to help care for mom. We continued brewing beer together in our family’s big red barn and after winning several prestigious beer competitions, we started hatching plans to open a commercial operation so we could share our beer with more people. After our mother passed in 2015 the barn was torn down, but we saved the wood to incorporate into the taproom bar in a nod to our family roots.
Review:
“Cute little local brew co. Everyone there is always really nice. They have a food truck outside the brewery so you can get some food while you're there. Nice dog-friendly outdoor patio with a fire pit. The service is really good. The staff is very friendly. I really like the seltzer beer that they have. All of their beers are on draft which is cool and they brew everything themselves. They have a wide variety of different beers. Overall it has a chill vibe and fun atmosphere but is definitely more mellow of a spot (not in a bad way)!” - Makaela S.
Brouwerij West
Co-Founder: Dave Holop, J.D. ’11
Location: 110 E 22nd Street, Warehouse No. 9, San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: 310-833-9330
Website: brouwerijwest.com
Email: email@brouwerijwest.com
Social: @brouwerijwest
About:
As a production brewery, tasting room and beer garden, Brouwerij West encompasses 26,000 sq. ft., including 8,000 sq. ft. devoted to visitor use for our tasting room, and 17,000 sq. ft. as an outdoor courtyard/beer garden. The overall tasting room space hosts a multitude of events, including beer festivals, concerts, weddings, conferences and more. Inspired by the past, we brew our beers using traditional ingredients and methods combined with progressive experimentation to produce our own take on classic Belgian-style ales, pilsners, IPAs and more. Our facility is covered with solar panels and generates more electricity than it uses, and our mash filter-based brewery uses 30% less water than traditional breweries.
Review:
“I spend a good chunk of my disposable income at Brouwerij West LOL. The "choose your own to-go cans" are my usual, but sometimes just sitting down with a fresh pour while enjoying the sunset is what the day calls for! I've also attended many events here as well and am always excited for the next. Whether it's New Year's Eve celebrations, a casual Saturday or a covers concert, BW offers SO much to us in San Pedro! Great location, great ambiance, awesome staff, affordable prices... I will sing their praises forever.” - A.T.
Progress Brewing
Co-Founders: Diego Benitez, MBA ’19 and Kevin Ogilby ’11
Location: 1822 Chico Ave., South El Monte, CA 91733
Phone: 626-552.9603
Website: progress-brewing.com
Email: info@progress-brewing.com
Social: @progressbrewing
About:
Progress Brewing is one of the original breweries in the San Gabriel Valley, serving up a wide variety of craft beer styles in their South El Monte taproom with outdoor patio seating and an exclusive beer club membership.
Review:
“Smooth and tasty! The description next to that one was creamy ale and it definitely satisfied my taste buds! They also allow you to sample the beers on tap so I went ahead and tried the sandia loca which had chamoy instilled inside the beer already! I am a weenie when it comes to spice but for all the spicy lovers I'd recommend that beer. Overall the staff was great and friendly and the service was very fast. I'd recommend this place for a nice smooth Friday night” - Gabby A.
RÄK Spirits
Founder: Karina Saranovic ’09
Location: E-Commerce
Phone: 310-560-9481
Website: rakspirits.com
Email: cheers@rakspirits.com
Social: @rakspirits
About:
A traditional staple of Europe for centuries, rakia is a flavorful, premium spirit made by distilling a variety of fruits and just adding water. It is enjoyed either in its purest form or integrated into endless cocktail recipes. Importantly, it is universally best consumed with good company, family and friends.
Review:
“RÄK is an alcohol that actually tastes great by itself and then gets even better in a cocktail. The apricot and pear are my favorites because their unique fruity flavors seem to go with almost everything.” - A.J.M.
Alfred Coffee
Founder: Josh Zad, MBA ’06
Locations: 8428 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, CA 90069 and more
Phone: 323-870-1100
Website: alfred.la
Email: info@alfredcoffee.com
Social: @alfred
About:
Alfred Coffee was founded by entrepreneur Josh Zad on iconic Melrose Place in early 2013. From the start, Alfred was a cult-favorite brand, building a passionate following through an emphasis on bar-raising drinks, eye-catching designs and top-notch customer service. At Alfred, we go beyond classic coffee drinks, offering specialty beverages like our Lavender Latte, Chagaccino, Matchaga and more. For each new cafe, we draw design inspiration from the surrounding neighborhood, while signature elements like our World Famous Iced Vanilla Latte and trademarked tagline “But First, Coffee.” remain steadfast throughout. Alfred currently boasts over 20 locations across Los Angeles, Austin, San Francisco and the Middle East, with more coming soon!
Review:
“Very cute coffee shop on Melrose. Luckily there was no wait to order and the employees were incredibly friendly. The Lavender Latte was amazing! It was so flavorful and complimented the taste of espresso, loved it. I love the dark aesthetic they go for; it's deliberate and creative. They have a table to sit and quite a few other chairs. Very fast service, we waited less than two minutes for both drinks.” - Citlaly T.
Jiant
Co-Founder: Larry Haertel Jr., MBA ’15
Location: E-Commerce and Available in Multiple Locations
Phone: 424-571-3573
Website: drinkjiant.com
Email: hi@drinkjiant.com
Social: @drinkjiant
About:
Founded in 2019 in Los Angeles by Larry Haertel Jr. and Aaron Telch, Jiant (Spelled Wrong, Tastes Right) stands as a pioneer in the modern alcohol industry, offering flavorful, junk-free beverages. Our gluten-free products, including hard teas, kombuchas and cocktail-inspired drinks, are crafted from sustainably sourced ingredients and available across the U.S. Recently, Jiant became Climate Neutral Certified, reflecting our commitment to sustainability by offsetting and reducing our carbon footprint and eliminating plastic from our production. This underscores our pledge to offer products that align with consumer values and environmental stewardship.
Review:
“Delicious pineapple flavor up front with a kick of jalapeño in the back. Tastes just like a margarita, but I know it’s healthy! This is going to be my go-to drink this summer.” Ashley M.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Founder: Francis Ford Coppola, M.F.A. ’67
Location: 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, CA 95441
Phone: 707-857-1471
Website: francisfordcoppolawinery.com
Email: guestservices@francisfordcoppolawinery.com
Social: @coppolawine
About:
“I’ve always been influenced by the idea of Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, which was the inspiration for ultimately all modern amusements parks. I remember the beautiful theater pavilions with the curtains painted with peacock feathers that had little ballet performances. At Tivoli, there were rides, but more important than the rides were the cafes and the refreshments, and just the sense of being in a children’s garden, a ‘pleasure garden’ for all people to enjoy — which perhaps is the best phrase to describe what we’re creating here. I thought Francis Ford Coppola Winery could become such a park for the family to go and enjoy, where there are things for kids to do, so they can be close to their parents who are sampling wines and foods.” - Francis Ford Coppola
Review:
“The best. If you love movies and wine, what more could you ask for? This place has it all. 1. There's a pool onsite. If you rent a cabine (which is spendy, but worth it at least once), you have a space to comfortably change, shower and store your things safely. It's very small but was nice to not have to carry everything around for a full day at the winery. 2. They have a full bar in addition to their great selection of wines. They even have fun, unique cocktails. Great for a group. 3. They have a mini-museum that's really well-organized, filled with goodies from Coppola films. Super fun to see and makes it more than ‘just a winery’ experience. 4. The service is great — whether in person or chatting with their staff over the phone/email. We tried a wine tasting (one of which is complimentary if you're part of the wine family) and the person helping us was so informative and kind. 5. They have a wonderful restaurant with delicious food. I can’t recommend this place enough! It's a must-stop every visit to this part of California.” Katherine S.
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To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.
All Bruin-Owned Business Articles
- Bruin-Owned Restaurants Part 4
- Bruin-Led Businesses: Nonprofits
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- Books by Bruins - Health and Wellness
- Bruin-Owned Businesses: Tech
- Books by Bruins - Stories About Women
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- Books by Bruins - Vol. II
- Bruin-Owned Beverage Businesses 2
- Bruin-Owned Businesses: Fitness and Wellness 3
- Books by Bruins
- Bruin-Owned Businesses: Gift Ideas 3
- Bruin-Owned Restaurants Part 3
- Bruin-Owned Businesses: Fitness and Wellness 2
- Bruin-Owned Photography Part Two
- Bruin-Owned Businesses: Gift Ideas 2
- Bruin-Owned Photography
- Bruin-Owned Art Galleries and Collectives
- Bruin-Owned Restaurants Part 2
- Bruin-Owned Gift Ideas
- Bruin-Owned Fitness and Wellness Businesses
- Bruin-Owned Event-Planning Businesses
- Bruin-Owned Apparel Businesses
- Bruin-Owned Beverage Businesses
- Bruin-Owned Restaurants
Recent Articles
New Bruin Send-off Celebrations
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t isn’t a UCLA summer without New Bruin Send-offs! As incoming students and families prepare for their big move in the fall, these celebrations are a welcoming experience to help ease nerves, provide information and share excitement for what’s to come. These casual events range from backyard gatherings to a picnics in the park, hosted by regional, affinity and diversity alumni networks in partnership with Alumni Affairs. They take place in California, as well as across the country and around the world, wherever a delegation of incoming Bruins can be found, and are usually attended by current and incoming Bruin families, local alumni and a staff representative. These first-year UCLA students shared their experiences at their New Bruin Send-offs.
Jeremy Estrella (political science) had a lot of questions about UCLA and wanted to learn more, so he attended the Pasadena, California Send-off. When he arrived at a local park, he made a nametag and met a few UCLA families. The event included games, including a scavenger-hunt where he asked other Bruins get-to-know-you questions which encouraged conversation.
Katarina Shroeter (microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics) attended the Atlanta, Georgia Send-off. She said that since she was out of state and unable to go to Bruin Day, the Send-off was a great alternative to learn more about the school. She was happy when she met a few people and learned that others were just as excited as she was to be going to UCLA. “Being out of state, I feel like it’s nice to know people from where you’re from because you have that built-in community once you get there.” Katarina said that it was nice to know that other people were sharing the experience of moving across the country for school and that the Send-off was “a good way to get to know some people before starting school. It definitely made me more excited.”
Ashlyn Ablao (mechanical engineering) attended the San Diego, California Send-off, and she shared a similar sentiment, “Everyone will have different experiences, but the Send-off gives you the chance to meet new people. I met one of my current best friends at my Send-off.” She described how great it was to meet up once on campus with someone she already knew.
Lauren Morr (biology) from Sacramento said that she highly recommends that people attend a Send-off in their area. “You learn more about the school, and it was really nice to see the UCLA network that you have in your hometown.” Estrella agreed, saying that it was nice seeing people on campus that you met at the Send-off and having that shared experience. And Shroeter remarked, “Even if they don’t become your best friends, it’s a familiar face to see around campus.”
Estrella’s favorite part of his send-off was when everyone shared why they were excited to go to UCLA. He said it made it really easy to “find a common interest with his peers” which made him even more excited to start school.
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Learn more about New Bruin Send-offs happening near you.
Don’t see your hometown? Check back soon as more are continuing to be added.
New students can also learn more about the UCLA Alumni Association and its offerings by watching the 2024 Orientation video.
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The Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits: Addressing a Booming Need
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new $8.05 million gift from Lowell Milken, J.D. ’73, has elevated UCLA Law’s Program on Philanthropy and Nonprofits – established in 2021 with a $3.7 million gift from Milken – to the status of research center. It recently launched as the Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits.
The center will provide much-needed education for UCLA Law students as well as nonprofit professionals who would like to acquire better grounding in the legal aspects of running a nonprofit. The center also aims to provide thought leadership and scholarship for the sector.
Much of the motivation for Milken’s gifts comes from understanding a societal shift happening with aging boomers.
“We are at a unique moment in history, where members of the baby boomer generation have accumulated unprecedented wealth. That wealth is spurring revolutionary change in philanthropy and giving,” Milken said. “Ultimately, this generational wealth shift and the infusion of financial capital into the philanthropic community have the potential to create a profoundly positive impact on society.”
Rose Chan Loui, the center’s executive director, added, “In the United States, so many of the social services that we need are provided by nonprofits. The huge transfer of wealth that has started to happen amounts to trillions of dollars. Lowell wants this next generation of philanthropists to have experts working with them so that they can have the most positive social impact possible with their funds.”
Chan Loui is hoping that a large number of these experts will eventually come from the UCLA alumni community. She also invites UCLA alumni in the philanthropic and nonprofit space to reach out to the center. Whether it’s to mentor students, participate in panels, or engage with the center’s educational offerings, Chan Loui says they would like to hear from interested Bruins. “We encourage alumni to join our mailing list and talk to us about how they can be involved.”
In addition to courses for those in the J.D. and LL.M. programs, the center will provide executive education programming, as well as special events and talks.
Lowell wants this next generation of philanthropists to have experts working with them so that they can have the most positive social impact possible with their funds.
“We’ve had a very busy year,” Chan Loui said. “We’ve been focusing on different constituencies within the nonprofit and philanthropic world. For example, we had a large convening of arts nonprofits and funders, featuring the chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, Maria Rosario Jackson, Ph.D. ’96. We held a big conference jointly with Loyola Law School that is targeted at practitioners – mostly lawyers, nonprofit accountants and in-house counsel at nonprofits. Due to the generosity of event sponsors, we were able to provide scholarships to 20 law students from UCLA and Loyola to attend the conference. At the law school, we have been conducting career panels to introduce students to what they can do in the philanthropy and nonprofit world. Finally, we just hosted at the law school a conversation with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on the challenging issue of homelessness. There are many UCLA alumni out there working in the nonprofit world; we would love to bring them together for an event.”
One possibility for such a gathering might be a discussion of the drama that occurred at OpenAI with the ouster and subsequent return of CEO Sam Altman. Chan Loui co-wrote an article with the center’s faculty director Jill Horwitz and senior scholar in residence Ellen Aprill on the intrigue at the ChatGPT company and how it’s nonprofit status played a large role in the drama. Chan Loui also appeared on CNBC’s “Squawkbox” discussing the situation.
“Open AI is actually a nonprofit with a nonprofit mission, something that a lot of people did not recognize; they were saying, ‘Who are these people and what do they know about artificial intelligence? They don’t even have a financial interest in AI’ – but that is exactly why they were placed there to guard the nonprofit mission.”
Many lawyers who have decided the corporate world is not as satisfying as they had hoped have turned to the nonprofit sector as a rewarding way of using their legal education and experience – despite it being potentially less lucrative.
“Students are often concerned that a career in nonprofit law is not financially viable – but that is not true,” Chan Loui said. “There is a world there that they might be able to fit into someday.
“There’s been some good interest at the law graduate studies level – people who are here getting LL.M.s – and I think it’s because they’re farther along in a career or they’re making pivots. What you hear the most is that they’re looking for careers that are fulfilling, and that’s what a nonprofit law career can give you. If you find a cause that you’re interested in, it’s a great space to be in. You’re not going to make the same money as being a partner in big law firm or by being a venture capitalist, but you can have a solid lifestyle and at the same time feel really good about your work.
“Nonprofits always need really good volunteers. So if you want to get your feet wet and have specific expertise to offer, e.g., legal or financial, joining the board of a nonprofit is a really good way to get involved in that nonprofit world, to give back. That’s how I started – it was when I started volunteering on boards that I realized how much I liked being in that sector. So I pivoted from doing corporate tax into nonprofit – and I feel that I’ve found my place.
“The tricky challenge with nonprofit law is there's not this defined path as there is for law firms or even for government work. Most nonprofit lawyers have worked at law firms first, or in government or as public interest lawyers, then gotten themselves trained and then moved into nonprofit law practice or nonprofit management. It's a more circuitous path and you can get there in all kinds of ways. But it helps to know that you can go in that direction. We really appreciate people who want to mentor others who are interested in practicing nonprofit law or being in the nonprofit world.”
Chan Loui says Lowell Milken’s inspiration for funding this center is the transfer of wealth from the baby boomer generation to their children. “We need the next generation of lawyers and experts to be advisers to all the philanthropists we are expecting. Many of us are getting to retirement age and there aren’t a lot of people to continue the work, because we haven’t been training them.”
With the advent of the Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits, UCLA Law is taking a large step toward addressing that situation.
To join the center’s mailing list, please email nonprofits@law.ucla.edu.
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BRUINS IN THE PROS: CHEER AND DANCE EDITION 2
U
CLA has enjoyed a long history of producing professional athletes in a variety of sports. In this sequel to Bruins in the Pros: Cheer and Dance Edition, we’re featuring 12 recent graduates who are currently performing for professional cheerleading and dance teams in both the NFL and NBA.
Claudia Borton ʼ21
UCLA Degree: Dance major, Spanish minor
Professional Teams: Third season with Las Vegas Raiderettes (2022 - Present), Los Angeles Charger Girls (2019-20)
UCLA Activities: Icarus Dance Company (2017), UCLA Dance Team (2018-19), Junior Spirit Squad Coordinator (2018-19), Student Representative at JWAC (2018-21), WACSmash 2020, Spring Sing 2021 (Outspoken), UCLA Snow Team (2020-21), Chi Omega Sorority (2017-21) (Recruitment Chair 2021)
Favorite UCLA Memory:
“During spring quarter of my senior year, we held many Ski Team traditions, some of which honored and recognized the seniors on the team. We spent almost every weekend at Mammoth Mountain, laughing, sharing stories and, most importantly, shredding. My younger sister Sarah, who originally recruited me for the team, is now the president of the Ski Team for her senior year.”
How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?
“UCLA gave me the tools to think critically about how I approach my goals rather than being narrow-minded on how to achieve a certain outcome. The people I met over my four years taught me that the process of growth is much more rewarding than reaching a desired outcome. UCLA continues to help me as I have relationships with my professors and peers that will last a lifetime.”
Ashley Holtz ʼ23
UCLA Degrees: Biochemistry, Biomedical Research minor
Professional Team: Second season with Las Vegas Raiderettes (2023 - Present)
UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team, Icarus Contemporary Dance Team, Undergraduate researcher in Dr. Steven Clarke’s lab, Rivkin EDU, Regenerative Medicine Associated Program, Expressive Movement Initiative, Pi Beta Phi sorority
Favorite UCLA Memory:
“One of my favorite memories was the UCLA vs. LSU football game in 2021. It was so exciting to perform to a stadium full of fans at the Rose Bowl during my first season! I also will always remember graduation weekend. I enjoyed celebrating with my friends and family before moving to Las Vegas!”
How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?
“UCLA allowed me the opportunity to engage in pre-med activities while continuing to dance. In one of my first UCLA classes, I remember thinking I would never be able to read scientific literature. I have come a long way since, and I owe it to my PI and professors at UCLA. Additionally, my UCLA Spirit Squad coaches and teammates prepared me very well to cheer at the professional level. I cannot express enough gratitude for the inspiring peers and mentors I met at UCLA. Go Bruins!”
Maddie Mapes ʼ20
UCLA Degree: Dance major, Food Studies minor
Professional Team: Fifth season with Las Vegas Raiderettes (2020 - Present)
UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team
Favorite UCLA Memory:
“Taking the field for the first time at the Rose Bowl while on the UCLA Dance Team. I always dreamed about cheering for the Bruins and it was such an honor to represent UCLA.”
How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?
“Being on the UCLA Dance Team challenged me to become a stronger dancer and overall shaped me into the person and athlete that I am today. I am grateful for my coaches who helped me pursue my goal of dancing and cheering at the professional level. I am so proud to be a Bruin and will always cherish my memories from UCLA. Go Bruins!”
Mia Robertson ʼ22
UCLA Degree: Dance major, Film, TV, and Digital Media minor
Professional Team: Third season with Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders (2022 - Present)
UCLA Activities: Kappa Kappa Gamma
Favorite UCLA Memory:
“Finally being able to take classes in person because I transferred here during the pandemic.”
How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?
“UCLA helped me achieve my goals because the dance major introduced me to a great community of people with similar goals and aspirations.”
Leah Roga ʼ23
UCLA Degrees: Communications and Film, TV, and Digital Media minor
Professional Teams: Golden State Warriors Dance Team (2023-24)
UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team Captain, UCLA Athletics Marketing Intern and Expressive Movement Initiative Teaching Dance to Children With Special Needs
Favorite UCLA Memory:
“Performing with Gwen Stefani and the L.A. Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl! Dancing to ‘Hollaback Girl’ in front of thousands of people is an experience I will never forget.”
How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?
“UCLA provided a strong foundation in my field and connected me with valuable opportunities for both my professional and dance careers. I am so grateful to be able to work full time as a marketing compliance specialist while also pursuing my lifelong dream of being a professional cheerleader!”
Abby Roque ʼ21
UCLA Degree: Nursing
Professional Team: Second season with Los Angeles Laker Girls (2022 - Present)
UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team
Favorite UCLA Memory:
“The UCLA vs. SDSU game in 2019 was the very first football game [at which] I danced with the Spirit Squad. The Bruin pride that fuels the energy at the Rose Bowl Stadium is unmatched! There is nothing like a first-game experience on the field and court.”
How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?
“As the first nursing student on the UCLA Dance Team, I was able to continue chasing my love for dance while studying at one of the most prestigious nursing schools in the country. I have continued pursuing both of my passions, now practicing as an ICU nurse and professional NBA dancer.”
Ani Rosen ʼ23
UCLA Degrees: World Arts & Culture and Dance major and Entrepreneurship minor
Professional Team: First season with Los Angeles Laker Girls (2023-24)
UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team (Senior Captain), Member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority
Favorite UCLA Memory:
“It is hard to pick just one memory – but some of my favorite memories include stepping out onto the field at the Rose Bowl for the first time, traveling with the UCLA Basketball team during March Madness, and dancing alongside a group of incredibly talented and inspiring teammates and coaches. It was truly an honor getting to represent UCLA!”
How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?
“I will forever cherish the invaluable lessons that I learned throughout my time as a student at UCLA, and it was my experiences in and out of the classroom that set me up for a successful professional career. My time on the UCLA Dance Team inspired me to chase after my dreams of dancing professionally, and it truly is a dream come true getting to represent the Lakers organization as a Laker Girl!”
Sydney Rosen ʼ20
UCLA Degrees: Psychology Communications and Film, TV, and Digital Media minor
Professional Team: First season with Los Angeles Laker Girls (2023-24)
UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team (Captain Senior Year), Member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, Beta Xi Chapter
Favorite UCLA Memory:
“My first football game as a Dance Team member stands out. So much hard work and preparation had gone into that moment, and to feel the excitement of the crowd at the Rose Bowl, and dance in front of tens of thousands of fans for the first time, was an experience I will never forget. I also have fond memories of traveling for Pac-12 and NCAA tournaments, and meeting my forever best friends throughout my involvement on campus.”
How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?
“The education I received at UCLA taught me how to be curious, think critically and thoughtfully, and always be dedicated to and passionate about what I am working on, which has served me in all aspects of life. The experience I gained on the UCLA Dance Team allowed me to accomplish my dream of being a Los Angeles Laker Girl, and I am forever grateful for the connections I made and lessons I learned as a Bruin.”
Jordie Schwerdt ʼ20
UCLA Degrees: Psychobiology
Professional Team: Second season with the Las Vegas Raiderettes (2023 - Present), Los Angeles Laker Girls (2021-22)
UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team, Kappa Alpha Theta, Alumni Affairs Intern, Bruins Fighting Pediatric Cancer Member, Volunteer at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital
Favorite UCLA Memory:
“My favorite UCLA memory is traveling to basketball tournaments with the UCLA Spirit Squad!”
Lauren Shaw ʼ23
UCLA Degrees: Dance
Professional Team: First season with Los Angeles Laker Girls (2023-24)
UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team, Member of the Alpha Phi, Beta Delta Chapter (Vice President of Membership Recruitment)
Favorite UCLA Memory:
“Choosing just one favorite memory from my time at UCLA is difficult. However, a moment I will forever cherish is performing ‘Thunderstruck’ with my teammates at the Rose Bowl during the UCLA vs. USC football game.”
How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?
“Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a professional dancer. My experience with the UCLA Dance Team, dancing at football and basketball games, is where I truly fell in love with performing. This school and program taught me the importance of school spirit, being an ambassador and being a great teammate. It has equipped me with the skills I need today at the professional level. I am incredibly grateful to my coaches and directors for their guidance and mentorship throughout my time at UCLA. I will forever cherish the memories I made, both on and off the field. Go Bruins and Go Lakers!”
Aria Terango ʼ22
UCLA Degree: Dance and Neuroscience
Professional Team: Third season with Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders (2022 - Present)
UCLA Activities: WACSmash, Expressive Movement Initiative, MYUCLA Health Ambassadors, Mortar Board, Medicine and Art, and Pre-med Undergraduate Society
Favorite UCLA Memory:
“At graduation, I spent the whole day going to my favorite spots on campus, from Ackerman to Royce, with my family and best friends! It was the perfect culmination of all my hard work and allowed me to truly appreciate everything UCLA has offered me.”
How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?
“I’m so grateful to UCLA for offering me such a high-quality education and encouraging me to stay curious and pursue my passions. For these reasons, I had the confidence to audition for this life-changing role.”
Mimi Wilson ʼ24
UCLA Degree: Psychology
Professional Team: First season with Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders (2024 - Present)
UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team, Academic Advancement Program (AAP)
Favorite UCLA Memory:
"My favorite memory at UCLA was the basketball games at Pauley Pavilion. I got to dance and cheer for the Bruins on campus and it was a dream come true. There is nothing better than doing what you love, with people you love, for a school you love."
How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?
"Dancing professionally has always been a goal of mine, and the UCLA Dance Team helped me achieve that goal. Along with the irreplaceable memories, I trained with the incredible team and gained experiences that made me a well rounded individual. Being at UCLA in general has taught me the importance of being a good person and a hard worker."
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If we missed any Bruins who are currently cheering or dancing with a professional sports team, please email us at connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.
Recent Articles
Graduation Well Wishes From UCLA Alumni
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lumni were invited to submit well wishes to the graduating class of 2024 and share some pearls of wisdom for the benefit of these new grads. These were some of the responses.
“This is only the beginning – everything you have learned and loved at UCLA will be with you every step of the way. Exciting things are to come. Congratulations on everything you have accomplished and are yet to. Go Bruins!”
- Lizzy Tsuang ʼ21
“Congratulations Class of 2024! Your sacrifice and dedication has led you to this wonderful moment of possibilities. I will share with you some helpful advice that I received which is to stay connected by maintaining a network of peers and mentors who will be there to help you navigate your next path. Enjoy the journey!”
- Sandra Matthews-Sims ʼ91
“Stay in touch with your UCLA friends as you go through life - it’s so much fun to see what direction everyone goes in. I’m going to the 70th birthday party of a friend of mine from UCLA in the late 1970s! Also, cherish those friendships made in your formative years!”
- Karen Letendre ʼ76
“Congrats, grad! You persevered through challenges that have come your way, both personally and globally, so take time to acknowledge this. Your life will undergo so many more changes, so embrace them and the lessons they will teach you. Believe in your powers - your intelligence, your kindness, your curiosity - and be bold. Don't compare your journey to others because it's YOUR journey. You've got this!”
- Brianna Lopez ʼ14
“You will find your path. Be patient with yourself. You are enough and right where you need to be.”
- Lauren Yang ʼ13
“Cherish your relationships in everything you do and take nothing for granted. Life is truly a fast and unpredictable adventure that will delight and humble you. So enjoy the ride, weather the storms, create your story and keep on living!”
- Gil Hoftman ʼ05
“Thank you all for your efforts to transverse this challenge and improve yourself amongst the best in the world. Let others learn and be inspired through your actions. We can't wait to see.”
- Alan Achterberg ʼ89
“Never stop learning new things. It is a lifelong process. Find your passion. Be kind!”
- Bridget D’Aguilar ʼ03
“Soak in every moment of this great accomplishment, then get ready for the next great adventure! And always remember to stay connected to UCLA.”
- Todd Sargent ʼ96
“Dr. Seuss said it best: 'Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.' Live each day being fully present, and with awareness and gratitude. You are a Bruin, so you are destined for great things!”
- Maureen Leavitt ʼ98
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Going B1G Time
N
early 2,500 years ago, ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously stated, “The only thing constant is change.” We hear quotes like that oftentimes, especially when any sort of change happens, whether it’s expected or not.
One change that we can be reasonably sure almost all Bruins (and Trojans across town, for that matter) didn’t expect was the seismic announcement back on June 30, 2022, that UCLA (and USC) would be leaving the Pac-12 Conference and joining the Big Ten Conference on Aug. 2, 2024, once the current Pac-12 television contract expires.
At the very moment when this news broke (thanks to longtime San Jose Mercury News columnist Jon Wilner) that fateful day, I was wrapping up a meeting at the USC Tower in Downtown Los Angeles, marking the end of another fiscal year in my former role as chief alumni relations officer at USC (yes, this Bruin proudly wore cardinal and gold for a couple of decades!).
By the time I got back to my former office on USC’s University Park campus 15 minutes later, the news was everywhere, the Twitterverse (as it was formerly known!) was on fire with every conceivable opinion and my iPhone was blowing up with text messages. And I was not alone, of course…whether a Bruin, Trojan, or anyone connected to any Pac-12 or Big Ten institution, or any casual sports fan for that matter, you couldn’t escape this bombshell news and have some sort of reaction.
To be candid, having been on staff at USC since 2000 (including eight years in USC Athletics before heading over to the USC Alumni Association), I wasn’t entirely surprised that the Trojans were heading to the Big Ten. After all, there had been a “wandering eye” mystique and whispers for decades among the Trojan Family that, as a private institution with a spirited rivalry against Notre Dame – the “golden (dome)” standard of intercollegiate athletics independence – USC should also consider independence, at least in the venerated world of college football, especially as the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference (SEC) continued to pull markedly ahead of the Pac-12 and other “major leagues” (e.g. Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conference) in terms of media rights and exposure.
And to be even more candid, as a degree holder from both institutions (and a former member of the UCLA Spirit Squad in the late ʼ80s and early ʼ90s), I felt that I was more excited than practically anyone I spoke to that day or thereafter, Bruin or Trojan! After all, two of my three alma maters (the other being Tennessee, safely tucked away in the Smoky Mountains as a proud member of the SEC), were suddenly making national news and a bold statement that they were giving college sports yet another shot in the arm by joining what is considered the nation’s most prestigious athletic and academic conference (I’ll break that down later in this piece).
Yet, who could imagine UCLA and USC, the Pac-12’s flagship brands for men’s basketball and football (and yes, Arizona could easily lay claim to being the men’s basketball standard the last couple decades), not being part of the West Coast’s preeminent athletic conference? Not many, I posit…but it wasn’t the Los Angeles schools acting in a vacuum.
In fact, the winds of change had been blowing for quite some time, and many will point to the previous summer, when Texas and Oklahoma shook everything up with the news that they were bolting from the Big 12 to the SEC in 2025 (and since then, with so much else in turmoil, that timeline was accelerated to 2024). This development in 2021 put the wheels in motion for more upheaval, and regardless of any of the backroom dealings and conversations to which very, very few were privy (even top-ranking administrators and fiduciary board members, as it turns out), USC and UCLA were in the proverbial catbird seat with illustrious athletic and academic heritage, and key positioning in the nation’s second largest media market.
And while the rich (e.g. Big Ten and SEC) were getting seemingly richer with each passing year with more lucrative media rights deals, the gaps between those “Power 2” and the rest of the Power 5 (Pac-12, Big 12, ACC) were becoming more profound and putting the latter three at an increasing competitive disadvantage. While we can only continue to speculate as to what conversations could have been happening (other than some of the public speculation and jockeying for a potential Pac-12/Big 12 merger after the summer 2021, news of Texas and Oklahoma heading to the SEC), what we do know is that for the reasons announced on June 30, 2022, UCLA and USC were heading to the Big Ten beginning in the 2024-25 academic year to solidify their respective positions as top-tier athletic and academic juggernauts being a part of the most academically renowned Power 5 conference.
Of the Big Ten’s current 14 members, 13 of them are members of the elite American Association of Universities, a consortium of 71 of the most academically prestigious colleges and universities in North America. The current Pac-12, including UCLA and USC, boasts 9 AAU members, and once UCLA, USC, Oregon and Washington join the Big Ten on Aug. 2, the Big Ten will have 17 of its 18 members as part of AAU, while Nebraska – whose AAU status was revoked in 2014 – is believed to be seeking reinstatement in the AAU at some point in the future.
Remember, UCLA has been deemed the nation’s no. 1 public research university for seven consecutive years, so why shouldn’t UCLA, with its illustrious athletics heritage, be a part of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious athletic conference?
Well, now UCLA (along USC, Oregon and Washington) is heading to the behemoth Big Ten, and along with USC will receive full shares of a new Big Ten media rights deal that’s expected to yield at least $60 million per year for each school (while Oregon and Washington – who opted last summer to join the defection to the Big Ten – will receive 50% shares for the next six years), markedly higher than the $25 - $30 million that a 10-member Pac-12 (sans UCLA and USC) was expected to secure.
What is paramount now, as the Big Ten era quickly approaches, is for the entire UCLA community – alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, friends, donors and fans – to show up, and show up “B1G!”
Even if the Los Angeles schools stayed in the Pac-12, the most optimistic estimates from industry experts only put the Pac-12’s media value at $500 million per year, or $42 million per institution under the Pac-12’s equal shares distribution model. This underwhelming valuation, along with the continued Pac-12 Networks distribution shortcomings – which for more than a decade caused much consternation and headaches for fans since the Network’s launch back in 2012 – was enough reason to strongly consider a new world order for UCLA and USC, especially as the Big Ten Networks were not only generating significantly more cash for their institutions, but also being more accessible to Pac-12 audiences than their own Networks in their own media backyards!
And now, with these four Pac-12 powerhouses joining the Big Ten (or B1G as it’s commonly referred), it will boast the nation’s top four media markets:
NYC metro area – Rutgers
Los Angeles
Chicago – Northwestern and Illinois
Philadelphia – Penn State
Five of the top 10 with the addition of:
D.C. metro area – Maryland
And eight of the top 15 with the addition of:
Detroit – Michigan
Seattle – Washington
Twin Cities – Minnesota
The other Power 2 conference, the SEC, can only claim four of the top 15 media markets.
Of course, the arguments for staying in the Pac-12 were certainly formidable (though not the point of this article), given that concerns were raised about student-athlete welfare considering more extensive travel distances and potential for missed classes, the shirking of decades-long traditions such as annual Bay Area football trips and rivalries such as UCLA-Arizona Men’s Basketball, and UCLA’s intra-system relationship with UC Berkeley (I believe that with their recent rebranding they want to be Berkeley again, even though we’ll refer to them as “Cal” for the purposes of this piece).
And, of course, once the additional wave of defections was announced last summer with Oregon and Washington joining UCLA and USC in the Big Ten, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah heading to the Big 12, and Cal and Stanford heading to the ACC, more doubts arose from Bruins concerned that our move to the Big Ten started the domino effect leading to the Pac-12’s eventual dissolution (even though Oregon State and Washington State are remaining part of the league as it looks to reconstitute or realign itself in the next two years). Whether UCLA alumni – who care so deeply for our alma mater whether we are sports fans or not – agree or disagree with the impending move to the Big Ten (and the unfortunate demise of the Pac-12), the reality is that it is happening, and it’s approaching quickly!
While so much remains to be seen, we can be sure of this much: UCLA’s leadership, thanks to outgoing Chancellor Gene Block and Athletic Director Martin Jarmond, did their homework to assure that being a part of the Big Ten was in the overall best interest of UCLA, the Bruin athletics program and our student-athletes. UCLA Athletics has done extensive research and work to assure that the impact of Big Ten travel, considering a myriad of scheduling models and creative travel matrices, would be more than feasible with enhanced resources (thanks to the Big Ten financial largesse) such as chartered travel and increases in nutritional, physical and mental well-being resources. Let’s also not forget UCLA’s obligation to make $10 million “Calimony” payments each year for the next three years to assist Cal, which will be less resourced in its new ACC home.
What is paramount now, as the Big Ten era quickly approaches, is for the entire UCLA community – alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, friends, donors and fans – to show up, and show up “B1G!” Whether sports fans or not, hopefully Bruins will come together during this unique time, fill the Rose Bowl for UCLA’s historic Big Ten home opener vs. Indiana on Sept. 14 and renew our sense of pride and optimism for this exciting new era of our University. UCLA will have an amplified presence in more regions across the U.S., and will continue to actively program and engage with alumni in former Pac-12 regions such as the Bay Area, Phoenix and Denver, which will continue to be home to tens of thousands of Bruins.
And if you choose to stay on the sidelines for now, hopefully you’ll eventually join the ranks and come out and support UCLA wherever you are, whether that means attending a sporting event, becoming active in the Alumni Association, mentoring our students, volunteering your time, and/or financially supporting UCLA scholarships and other institutional priorities.
But if you want to wait and see, don’t worry…the next media negotiation cycle is scheduled for 2029-30, and as stated at the beginning of this article, the only thing constant is change.
Go Bruins!
For more information and cool facts about UCLA joining the Big Ten, please visit http://uclaxbigten.com.
Save the date for the Alumni Town Hall on Aug. 2, featuring Athletic Director Martin Jarmond.
Patrick E. Auerbach ’92, Ed.D., is a higher education and nonprofit strategy consultant based in Los Angeles. He can be contacted at patrick.e.auerbach@gmail.com.
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UCLA Campus Protests
L
ike many universities across the country and around the world, UCLA is experiencing a period of unrest. The Oct. 7 attack and ensuing conflict in Gaza have led to protests, encampments, violence, vandalism, arrests, remote learning, canceled events and calls for change. The following is a compilation of excerpts from University announcements and AP News alerts addressing these events as they unfolded. Click on the links to read the full statement.
Oct. 9, 2023
Chancellor Gene Block issued a message regarding recent violent attacks abroad and shared a statement from UC President Michael Drake and UC Board of Regents Chair Richard Leib:
“I write to share the below message from University of California President Michael V. Drake and UC Board of Regents Chair Richard Leib about the horrific and heart-wrenching terrorist attacks on Israeli citizens that took place over the weekend. These attacks led to an escalation of violence in the region that has since claimed many additional Israeli and Palestinian lives…”
Oct. 13, 2023
Chancellor Gene Block shared this message about the recent events in Israel and Gaza and the resources available to our community:
“I write to share reflections at the end of a very challenging week for both our UCLA community and the world. Only six days ago, a heinous assault was perpetrated upon Israeli civilians by the terror organization Hamas, a despicable attack that included the killing of children and the elderly as well as the taking of innocent hostages. Earlier this week, I joined UC leadership in condemning this attack, and as new details have emerged, I can only denounce it further: This was a grievous act of malice and hate. It was, I am pained to say, the largest one-day killing of Jews since the end of the Holocaust...”
Oct. 27, 2023
This message was shared with the campus community by vice chancellor for Student Affairs Monroe Gorden Jr. ʼ94, CERT. ʼ09, administrative vice chancellor Michael Beck and interim vice provost for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Mitchell Chang:
“As violence continues in the Middle East, and as events and rallies related to the conflict take place on our campus, we have heard from members of our community who are concerned about their safety. We write today to share some of the actions UCLA is taking to promote security, respect and well-being within our community while ensuring our university remains true to its commitment to freedom of expression...”
Chancellor Gene Block shared this message with the campus community about the importance of tolerance, mutual respect and maintaining a safe environment on campus:
“The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has stirred very deep emotions in many of us. But this does not in the least give anyone in our community — or anyone visiting our campus — license to make our students, staff or faculty feel unsafe.”
Nov. 10, 2023
Chancellor Block shared the following message with the campus community condemning incidents of bigotry, intolerance and intimidation that have taken place on UC campuses, including UCLA, over the past several weeks:
“Periods of conflict in the Middle East have time and again been linked to a global rise in reprehensible acts of Antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate. I am extremely disheartened to say that this has proven true once again, and the UCLA campus has by no means been spared…”
Feb. 21, 2024
UCLA statement on resolutions by the Graduate Student Association and the Undergraduate Students Association Council which have called for divestment from Israel:
“These resolutions run counter to the position of the University of California and UCLA, which, like all nine other UC campuses, has consistently opposed calls for a boycott against and divestment from Israel. This has been the longstanding position of all 10 UC campus chancellors and the UC Office of the President. We stand firm in our conviction that a boycott of this sort poses a direct and serious threat to the academic freedom of our students and faculty and to the unfettered exchange of ideas and perspectives on our campuses…”
March 28, 2024
UCLA issued a statement in response to an appalling and hateful display at a UC Board of Regents meeting:
“We are appalled, offended and deeply frustrated by the ugly antisemitic caricature that was displayed as part of a protest targeting a University of California Board of Regents meeting on our campus in mid-March. The protest ended on March 21 and the display has been removed. Hateful and racist depictions like this are a complete affront to UCLA’s Principles of Community and True Bruin Values, and to the diverse, inclusive academic community we aim to cultivate….”
April 25, 2024
Campus activity update: “Demonstration with encampments formed early this morning in Royce Quad.”
Mary Osako ʼ96, vice chancellor for UCLA Strategic Communications, shared the following statement regarding the demonstration:
“Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of our entire Bruin community. We’re actively monitoring this situation to support a peaceful campus environment that respects our community’s right to free expression while minimizing disruption to our teaching and learning mission...”
April 26, 2024
Mary Osako ʼ96, vice chancellor for UCLA Strategic Communications, shared a statement regarding the encampment:
“Yesterday morning, demonstrators established a physical encampment on a lawn in Royce quad, joining similar groups that have set up presences at universities across the country. UCLA’s approach to the encampment is guided by several equally important principles: the need to support the safety and wellbeing of Bruins, the need to support the free expression rights of our community, and the need to minimize disruption to our teaching and learning mission. These same long-standing principles have allowed UCLA to uphold a history of peaceful protest…”
The University of California shared the following statement:
“The University of California has consistently opposed calls for boycott against and divestment from Israel. While the University affirms the right of our community members to express diverse viewpoints, a boycott of this sort impinges on the academic freedom of our students and faculty and the unfettered exchange of ideas on our campuses…”
April 27, 2024
Campus activity update: “Regular campus activities continue uninterrupted by the encampment demonstration… Safety personnel in Student Affairs Mitigators (SAMs) and Public Safety Aides (PSAs) uniforms are around the encampment site, and CSC security teams are also located throughout campus. While in the area, you may also hear helicopter activity that is associated with the news media covering the demonstration.”
April 28, 2024
Campus activity update: “Regular campus activities continue uninterrupted by the encampment demonstration…UCLA is following University of California systemwide policy guidance, which directs us not to request law enforcement involvement preemptively, and only if absolutely necessary to protect the physical safety of our campus community.”
11:22 a.m.: Mary Osako ʼ96, vice chancellor for UCLA Strategic Communications, shared a statement:
“This morning, a group of demonstrators breached a barrier that the university had established separating two groups of protestors on our campus, resulting in physical altercations. UCLA has a long history of being a place of peaceful protest, and we are heartbroken about the violence that broke out.”
April 29, 2024
Campus activity update: “We are heartbroken to report that yesterday, some physical altercations broke out among demonstrators on Royce Quad. We have since instituted additional security measures and increased the numbers of our safety team members on site, including our uniformed Student Affairs Mitigators (SAMs), Public Safety Aides (PSAs), CSC and campus security.”
April 30, 2024
8 a.m., Campus activity update: “Events and activities are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis and we are working to maintain our regular campus life as much as possible. Event organizers will communicate with participants directly regarding changes, cancellations or alternative access accommodations.”
4:25 p.m., Campus activity update: “Access to Royce Hall is now closed through Friday. Alternate locations are being identified as options for classes taking place in Royce. Instructors will inform students about further information regarding class location. Faculty should reach out to their departments for possible classroom reassignments.”
5 p.m.: Chancellor Gene Block shared a message with the campus affirming UCLA’s support of peaceful protest and condemning incidents of bullying and threatening behavior:
“Many of the demonstrators, as well as counter-demonstrators who have come to the area, have been peaceful in their activism. But the tactics of others have frankly been shocking and shameful. We have seen instances of violence completely at odds with our values as an institution dedicated to respect and mutual understanding. In other cases, students on their way to class have been physically blocked from accessing parts of the campus. In response… we have significantly increased our security presence in the area… we have also engaged law enforcement to investigate the recent acts of violence. The barriers that demonstrators used to block access to buildings have been removed, and we have staff located around Royce Quad to help ensure that they will not go up again… I recognize that the suffering in the Middle East has had a profound impact on our campus, and we continue to hope for a peaceful resolution. While Bruins hold a variety of perspectives on this conflict, we must all protect the wellbeing of our peers and maintain an environment safe for learning. This is a commitment I call on our community to uphold as we navigate the weeks ahead.”
A statement from UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D., on free speech and campus protests:
“The right to protest and demonstrate against policies and practices of governing authorities is among the most important privileges of a democracy. This right is not, however, absolute. We must exercise our rights within the broad confines of the laws and policies we ourselves have established. Earlier today, the UCLA campus sent out a message for those in the UCLA encampment informing them that the encampment is unlawful and violates university policy...”
Officials at UCLA declared the pro-Palestinian encampment illegal for the first time on Tuesday and warned protesters that they faced consequences if they did not leave.
May 1, 2024
12:12 a.m.: Mary Osako ʼ96, vice chancellor for UCLA Strategic Communications, shared a statement about the attack at the encampment on campus:
“Horrific acts of violence occurred at the encampment tonight and we immediately called law enforcement for mutual aid support. The fire department and medical personnel are on the scene. We are sickened by this senseless violence and it must end.”
1:10 a.m., AP News: “Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters clashed in Los Angeles on the campus of UCLA on Wednesday in the latest escalation of demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war that have spread to college campuses nationwide.”
6:59 a.m., AP News: “Police move to separate pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators at UCLA. Police in riot gear moved onto the UCLA campus in Los Angeles amid violence between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters on Wednesday.”
8 a.m.: Campus activity updates: “Due to the distress caused by the violence that took place on Royce Quad late last night and early this morning, all classes are canceled today.”
2:15 p.m.: Chancellor Gene Block shared a message with the campus community about recent violence and restoring a safe learning environment at UCLA:
“Late last night, a group of instigators came to Royce Quad to forcefully attack the encampment that has been established there to advocate for Palestinian rights. Physical violence ensued, and our campus requested support from external law enforcement agencies to help end this appalling assault, quell the fighting and protect our community. However one feels about the encampment, this attack on our students, faculty and community members was utterly unacceptable. It has shaken our campus to its core and — adding to other abhorrent incidents that we have witnessed and that have circulated on social media over the past several days — further damaged our community’s sense of security.”
6:07 p.m., AP News: “Students speak out about overnight violence at UCLA protests… after counter-protesters ‘forcefully’ attacked a pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA early Wednesday.”
6:30 p.m., Campus activity update: “Campus operations will be limited tomorrow and Friday. Please continue to avoid campus and the Royce Quad area… Per Academic Senate guidance on instruction, all in-person classes are authorized and required to pivot to remote tomorrow and Friday.”
8:39 p.m., AP News: “Tension grows on UCLA campus as police order dispersal of large pro-Palestinian gathering… A large crowd of students, alumni and neighbors gathered on campus steps outside the barricaded area of tents, sitting as they listened and applauded various speakers and joined in pro-Palestinian chants. Overheard television cameras showed students in the barricaded area passing out goggles and helmets, as well as setting up medical aid stations.”
May 2, 2024
12:09 a.m., AP News: “Police in riot gear massed on the UCLA campus and ordered a large group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators inside a fortified encampment to leave the area or face arrest late Wednesday.”
2:59 a.m., Bruin ALERT: “AVOID THE AREA of Dickson Plaza due police activity; Police have ordered an evacuation of Dickson Plaza due to an unlawful assembly. DO NOT re-enter the area of Dickson Plaza & follow the direction of public safety personnel. UCLA has modified campus operations.”
7:10 a.m., AP News: “Police and protesters clash at UCLA in tense scene as pro-Palestinian encampment is dismantled. Police removed barricades and have begun dismantling the fortified encampment of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in a chaotic and tense scene at the University of California, Los Angeles.”
9:25 a.m., AP News: “Tense clashes at UCLA between pro-Palestinian protesters and police lead to arrests. Police removed barricades and began dismantling pro-Palestinian demonstrators’ fortified encampment early Thursday at the University of California, Los Angeles, after hundreds of protesters defied orders to leave, some of them forming human chains as police fired flash-bangs to break up the crowds.”
1:41 p.m.: Chancellor Gene Block shared a message with the campus community about the immense toll the events of the past week have taken on Bruins:
“Our community is in deep pain. We are reeling from days of violence and division. And we hope with all our hearts that we can return to a place where our students, faculty and staff feel safe and, one day, connected again… To preserve campus safety and the continuity of our mission, early this morning, we made the decision to direct UCPD and outside law enforcement officers to enter and clear the encampment. Officers followed a plan that had been carefully developed to protect the safety of protesters at the site. Those who remained encamped last night were given several warnings and were offered the opportunity to leave peacefully with their belongings before officers entered the area. Ultimately, about 300 protesters voluntarily left, while more than 200 resisted orders to disperse and were arrested.”
May 3, 2024
Campus activity update: “Campus operations will be limited through the weekend, and are expected to resume in full on Monday. Classes continue remote through the weekend. Work, events and research activities are encouraged to remain remote or be rescheduled wherever possible during that period.”
May 5, 2024
Chancellor Gene Block sent a message to the Bruin community outlining an organizational change which will administer policing and emergency management:
“Effective immediately, I am moving oversight and management of UCLA PD and the Office of Emergency Management from the Office of the Administrative Vice Chancellor to a newly created Office of Campus Safety, whose leader reports directly to me. It is clear that UCLA needs a unit and leader whose sole responsibility is campus safety to guide us through tense times… Leading the Office of Campus Safety as its inaugural associate vice chancellor is Rick Braziel, who brings to the position more than 30 years of public safety service, including five years as chief of police for the City of Sacramento. Braziel has also served as an instructor in community policing and has led reviews of law enforcement agencies and police responses.”
Campus activity update: “The campus will return to regular operations tomorrow, Monday, May 6, and plans to remain this way through the rest of the week.”
May 6, 2024
8:30 a.m., Campus activity update: “Classes and work in Moore Hall will be remote today due to ongoing disruptions.”
10:15 a.m., Campus activity update: “All classes are moving remote today and campus operations are limited due to ongoing disruptions.”
4 p.m., Campus activity update: “Due to ongoing disruption, the campus has returned to limited operational status. Therefore, per Senate guidance (link is external), classes will move remote May 6-10.”
6:38 p.m.: Chancellor Gene Block shared a message with the campus community about an investigation to identify the perpetrators and hold them to account:
“Last Tuesday night, a group of instigators came to Royce Quad and violently attacked students, faculty and staff members who were encamped to advocate for Palestinian rights. This was a truly despicable act, and in my message to the campus the following day, I committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice. This remains an important priority. To that end, inaugural Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Safety Officer Rick Braziel is leading a law enforcement investigation to identify the perpetrators of the violence and hold them to account...”
May 7, 2024
“Today, the University of California announced that 21st Century Policing Solutions (21CP) will lead the independent investigation of the actions that led to violence on the UCLA campus last week. 21CP is a nationally recognized consultant known for expertise…”
May 9, 2024
The University of California Office of the President announced guiding principles for use by UC campuses in determining disciplinary actions:
“UC campuses support and protect nonviolent and lawful protests. We do all we can within the law to facilitate freedom of expression and a vibrant exchange of ideas, while also maintaining a safe environment and access to university facilities for all members of our community… Any member of the university community who is arrested for unlawful behavior or cited for a violation of university policy must go through the applicable review process, such as student code of conduct or employee disciplinary process. UC community members found to violate university policy or campus codes of conduct will be held accountable in a manner appropriate to the situation and consistent with campus processes.”
UCPD Statement Regarding 5-6-24 Incidents:
“On Monday, May 6, 2024, at about 5:50 a.m., a UCLA community member reported a large group of people at Parking Structure 2. UCLA PD officers responded to the location and found a group of approximately 40 individuals inside the structure wearing masks and in possession of metal pipes… At about 6:05 a.m., while the group at Parking Structure 2 was still detained, a group of at least 30 individuals were seen inside Moore Hall. Moore Hall was closed to the public at that time. UCPD learned via social media that a UCLA registered student organization had just posted a statement encouraging people to occupy Moore Hall… After approximately 25 minutes of announcements… a group of about 60 individuals exited the building and left the area.”
AP News: UCLA faculty and staff denounce University’s handling of student Gaza protest. “Some professors at UCLA are demanding that the University stop its plan to punish students recently arrested while protesting the ongoing war in Gaza at a tent encampment on campus.”
May 11, 2024
Campus activity update: “ALL CLEAR - Dickson Plaza (Royce Quad) has reopened to the public. Please follow the direction of facilities & public safety personnel as the affected area(s) reopen. Law enforcement and other security personnel continue to be on campus to help promote safety and actively monitor conditions. The campus has returned to regular operations. - ALL CLEAR.”
May 20, 2024
Chancellor Gene Block shared a message reflecting on several very difficult weeks for our UCLA community:
“The events of the past several weeks have fractured both our sense of community and our sense of security. They have bred anger and mistrust between Bruins, and they have led to marked frustration with how we have administered campus safety at UCLA. I am deeply sorry to see our community in so much pain... This week, I will be testifying before a Congressional committee focused on the topic of antisemitism on college campuses. I will speak honestly, and personally, about the challenges UCLA faces and the impact of this pernicious form of hate. I will continue to insist that antisemitism – as well as Islamophobia, anti-Arab hate and any form of bigotry, hostility or discrimination – is antithetical to our values, corrosive to our community and not to be tolerated... In my final few months as chancellor, I am dedicated to doing all I can to address these challenges and help shepherd the process of rebuilding trust and dialogue within our community. This includes ongoing discussions with student and faculty leaders of all perspectives, with the aim of ensuring our campus can be a place where advocacy does not lead to antagonism.”
As developments unfold, visit the UCLA Newsroom Campus Statements and Bruins Safe Online pages for the latest updates.
Recent Articles
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- International Women of Courage
Bruin-Owned Businesses: Fitness and Wellness 3
I
n celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month and several national fitness observances in May, we present the third edition of our Bruin-owned series showcasing businesses that strengthen, heal and nourish the mind, body and spirit. Be sure to scroll to the bottom to explore previous fitness and wellness Bruin business listings.
Essential Physical Therapy and Wellness
Owner: Mita Patel ’99
Phone: 424-209-7884
Location: 2001 S. Barrington Ave., Suite 119, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Email: info@essentialptwellness.com
Website: essentialptwellness.com
Social: @essentialptwellness_la
About:
Essential Physical Therapy and Wellness envisions a world where people live healthy vibrant lives. Dialogue about pain, injuries and functional limitations will change. People will know they can improve their physical conditions, heal and live life with more ease, regardless of their condition, pain, level of fitness or age. Its mission is to empower our community to be healthier, happier and stronger - to instill and enhance the overall wellness of the individuals in our community.
Review:
“Mita worked wonders for me. I came to her with pain in my left knee. My orthopedist said it could be an old injury, so we did an MRI. He saw scar tissue and suggested I see a therapist. Mita showed me how my muscles were tight and taught me to watch my IT band. She also showed me how my balance was off. She corrected it in just a few sessions and asked me to stretch post-workouts. And here I was stretching before... She is the perfect blend of educator and therapist.” - Anil P.
Core Conditioning
Co-Owners: Allyson Cabot ’88 and Gabrielle Shrier ʼ91
Phone: 818-907-0008 (Studio City) ǀ 818-333-7281 (Burbank)
Locations: 12930 Ventura Blvd., Suite 226A, Studio City, CA 91604
2104 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506
Email: info@coreconditioningpt.com
Website: coreconditioningpt.com
Social: @_core_conditioning_
About:
Core Conditioning is a premier rehabilitation, fitness and wellness center. What makes Core Conditioning different from conventional physical therapy clinics is that we integrate the worlds of medical science, whole body fitness and lifetime wellness. Our staff of passionate professionals brings diverse skills and backgrounds, including sports medicine, orthopedics, women’s health, pediatrics, neurological rehabilitation, osteopathic techniques and dance medicine. We are a team of highly trained physical therapists with only one goal: to strengthen your body and condition your life.
Review:
"THIS is how physical therapy should be done! The entire staff, from the front desk to the PT aides, to the trainers, Pilates instructors, and of course, the physical therapists are incredibly friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. They use evidence-based methods combined with innovative techniques to provide a holistic service. The owners, Ally and Gabrielle, are extraordinary PTs that will check in and follow up with you to make sure you're improving and to adjust their treatments as you progress with your injury. I personally had a neck/shoulder that immediately started feeling better after the first session. This is very much a hands-on clinic, unlike many PTs that sit you in a corner to do exercises alone and then come back to check on you." – Conrad S.
Kenneally Acupuncture & Healing Resource Center
Owner: Kathleen Kenneally ’88
Phone: 661-252-4100
Location: 23542 Lyons Ave., Suite 202, Newhall, CA 91321
Email: acudoctr@sbcglobal.net
Website: kenneallyacupuncture.com
Social: @kenneallyacupuncture
About:
Kenneally Acupuncture is a place of transformation, healing and hope. Here, people are met where they are; we nurture and support our patients on their personal paths of healing and expansion. We embrace our patients with the boundless joy that comes with serving people we love with medicine we love to share. With hearts fully open, we compassionately hold a vision of healing for all who seek it. It is our honor to be part of your journey to wellness.
Review:
“I travel 2 hours for my appointments to see Kathleen - that’s how good she is as an acupuncturist. Kathleen also has a great awareness about her clients and has helped me in numerous positive ways.” - Deanie Z.
4 Sight Academy
Owner: Sean Panado ’20
Phone: 619-800-8382
Location: 7420 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 109, San Diego, CA 92111
Email: 4sightacademy@gmail.com
Website: foursightacademy.com
Social: @4sightAcademy
About:
4sight Academy is where everyone is an athlete. Our state-of-the-art facility offers world-class equipment, training and community to empower your performance and limitless lifestyle. The 4sight Family consists of athletes of different ages, sports and professions. How they impact their communities, teams and organizations differ, but they share the unifying traits of unbreakable integrity, confidence in their self-worth and the ability to uplift others.
Review:
“There is nobody I could recommend more highly in the athletic trainer space than Sean Panado. He takes immense pride in his work, which is evident in the spotless facility and level of detail he puts into making sure each athlete's regimen will ensure their success. Anyone looking to elevate their training and performance is sure to find an incredible coach, mentor and lifelong friend in Sean.” - Jacob Y.
Mission Oaks Counseling & Wellness Center
Owner: Michelle Wonders ’88
Phone: 805-419-0449
Location: 1100 Flynn Road, Suite 201, Camarillo, CA 93012
Email: contact@mocwc.com
Website: mocwc.com
Social: @mocwc
About:
Mission Oaks is an organization for healing that provides the tools for revitalization of the mind, body and spirit. Our treatment philosophy considers all layers of a person to ensure overall wellness and vitality: the psychological, the physical, the spiritual, the social and the intellectual. MOCWC is staffed by professional and licensed practitioners who utilize healing modalities that support a nurturing environment for adults, adolescents, children, couples and families.
Review:
“MOCW is an asset to our community. I came to the center with my youngest child who was dealing with anxiety. Working with Ann, we were able to do some exercises that helped resolve it and continue to address it through the home program. I also love the meditation programs and the variety of classes they offer outside of the counseling programs! I highly recommend the center!" - Maggie R.
Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Health
Co-Founder: Nenita McElroy ’93
Phone: 760-814-8196
Location: 6120 Paseo Del Norte, Suite L-1, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Website: aviaraacupuncture.com
Social: @aviaraacupuncture
About:
Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Health delivers quality, compassionate and superior patient care using a time-tested, holistic healing system. You benefit from receiving a customized treatment plan based on your specific health needs in a caring and professional setting. In addition to acupuncture, we implement herbal therapy and other East Asian modalities such as Tui na therapeutic massage, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.
Review:
“I am so happy I found Nenita. I came to her after years of unresolved symptoms with insatiable hunger. My doctors were unable to treat me successfully, which led me to go to Nenita with a list of strange symptoms that most doctors dismissed as "stress-related." She confidently knew that my condition was treatable, which gave me hope. Her warm and caring manner made me look forward to returning each week. I swear, I've never felt so relaxed! After a handful of sessions, I feel awesome. Just make an appointment. You will not regret it!” - Alisha B.
Weitz Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition
Owner: Dr. Ben Weitz ’83
Phone: 310-395-3111
Location: 1448 15th St., Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Email: patients.weitzchiro@gmail.com
Website: drweitz.com
Social: @weitzchiro
About:
Quality chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sports injuries, elbow pain, wrist pain, hip pain, knee pain, ankle pain, foot pain, whiplash, headache, migraine, soft tissue injuries, muscle injuries and joint injuries. Dr. Weitz has over 27 years of experience as a sports chiropractor, rehabilitation expert and functional medicine nutritionist.
Review:
“Dr. Weitz has been my chiropractor for about three years and I'd highly recommend him! I began working with Dr. Weitz due to my lower back pain. Over the years, he has helped me resolve several issues with his precise diagnoses and adjustments. I feel a surge of energy and a sense of well-being after each session. My entire body feels connected and even my mind is sharper. The atmosphere in the office is peaceful and inviting. His staff is very personable and caring. Dr. Weitz is an excellent chiropractor who also has a great podcast, "Rational Wellness," addressing a variety of topics with top experts in each field.” - Jana H.
Village Health Foundation
CEO/Founder: Jewel Thais-Williams ʼ71
Phone: 323-733-0471
Location: 4077 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019
Email: villagehealthfdn@aol.com
Website: villagehealthfoundation.org
Social: @villagehealthfdn
About:
Our main mission is to provide affordable, accessible and effective professional services in complementary medicine to the community. We originally began as a natural healthcare clinic offering nontoxic treatments for people with HIV/AIDS. Our activities have expanded to include treatments for a wide range of diseases. We treat clients who are at risk for, or who have already developed diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, chronic diseases and have any variety of pain issues.
Review:
“This place is a 'jewel' in the community (no pun intended.) I was treated by Jewel who is thoughtful, patient, warm and kind... not to mention extremely knowledgeable and experienced. If you are interested in beginning or maintaining a holistic health and wellness regime while supporting an amazing community resource without breaking your pockets, the Village Health Foundation is your place!” - Lena H.
The Lunch MOB
Co-Owner: Jonathan Bonuan ’94
Phone: 949-415-9529
Location: 23552 Commerce Center Drive, Suite D, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Email: thelunchmob.co/contact
Website: thelunchmob.co
Social: @thelunchmob
About:
It was 2014 when new dad Jonathan started preparing lunches for his then rambunctious toddlers, Jonah and Liam, to take to daycare. At first, he was happy-go-lucky, but then happy-go-lucky became a boring routine after noticing he was packing the same three to five "vanilla" meals each week. More importantly, he became increasingly concerned about his boys' nutritional needs, leading him to explore a variety of tastier and more health-conscious meals.
Review:
“Thank you, Lunch Mob, for the high quality, interestingly conceived lunches you provide to schools. Our child has not only been enjoying your meals but has also had the opportunity to develop a more adventurous palate due to being less resistant to trying new foods at school than at home. We appreciate the daily variety of options to choose from, the different portion sizes that you make available, the nutritional value of the food and the reasonable cost. Keep up the good work!” - Dan R.
Perfect Body Incorporated
Owner: Shawn Phillips ’98
Phone: 310-720-8125
Location: 11567 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Email: holisticbodytrainer@gmail.com
Website: shawnphillipstraining.com
Social: @shawnphillipstraining
About:
As a personal trainer in the Los Angeles area, I believe that in order to reach your highest achievement in life you must optimize your body so that this optimal state enhances your ability to express all of your gifts, talents, skills, abilities and attributes. Health and wellness is the foundation and platform of all expression and action in life. With an optimized body, you will begin to create and design the life that you want! By using an integrative approach to health, holistic fitness allows you to focus on various aspects of health which can optimize hormonal and neurotransmitter function, allowing you to have more energy, think more clearly, be assertive and look great.
Review:
“Wow! After working with many trainers over the years, Shawn is absolutely unique and the best. He takes a holistic approach to training, not just focusing on pumping iron or cardio till you drop. A tailored nutrition plan and a balanced life are key ingredients. After 4 weeks with Shawn, I've lost 7 pounds and 2 inches in my waist! Amazingly, with less pain and body aches than in my past training experiences. His approach works, I'm lucky to be working with him!” - Robin H.
Balance Chiropractic
Owner: Amy Yang ’00
Phone: 626-357-2222
Location: 120 W. Olive Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016
Email: info@bal-chiropractic.com
Website: bal-chiropractic.com
Social: @bal.chiropractic
About:
At Balance Chiropractic, we are committed to relieving our patients' body pain and improving their overall health and well-being using the principles of chiropractic care. We are results-oriented professionals who provide a step-by-step treatment program to help our patients achieve their goals, whether they are to alleviate pain, optimize mobility and comfort, improve posture, speed up recovery time or increase performance in their daily lives.
Review:
“This place is great! Dr. Amy Yang is kind, courteous and an amazing doctor. My lawyer sent me here after my car accident in February. My neck was feeling sore and painful, but she was able to relieve my pain and discomfort. If you are looking for an awesome chiropractor, look no further. She is a rock star! Thank you very much for such great care.” - Yasmin C.
Imbody Wellness
Founder: Isabella Bablumian ’04
Phone: +55-21-99832-1907
Location: Online
Email: hello@imbodywellness.com
Website: imbodywellness.com
Social: @imbodywellness
About:
Isabella’s passion is helping people find their unique path to vitality and pleasurable wellness. She has a passion for living with the Sensefulness Method for activating body wisdom, self-awareness and embodiment. This unique interdisciplinary approach was born in Brazil, inspired by the Afro-Brazilian traditions that celebrate life on earth as the culmination of our spiritual embodiment, based on the latest research in behavioral change, nutrition and fitness, positive psychology, and neurolinguistic programming. It infuses sexual energy activation practices and other healing modalities from the ancient Taoism.
Review:
“I would like to thank Imbody for the workshops and talks that opened my eyes to new ways of being, bringing quality of life, knowledge and the desire to continue improving. The little droplets of wisdom I learned from the Institute brought big changes to my inner world and my day-to-day. Despite the simple approach of workshops and talks, the experiences I had with Imbody were transformative and memorable, burning wellness directly into my soul's blueprint. As a result, I continue discovering the best version for myself, while the benefits I learned are perpetuated in me and my future generation. My eternal gratitude to Bella.” - Isabella R.
9Round Fitness
Owner: Chris Borgia ’10
Phone: 310-986-3910
Location: 1109 Aviation Blvd., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Website: 9round.com
Social: @9round_hermosabeach_aviation
About:
Get fit and have fun with 9Round Kickboxing Fitness, the premier kickboxing fitness studio in Hermosa Beach. The 30-minute, circuit-style workouts are the perfect solution for busy schedules, with no class times and a new session starting every three minutes.
Review:
“I have been going to 9Round for about three months now and I have never felt better. Chris and Barbara are amazing! They inspire me every time I come to work out harder. In just three months, I have seen results - I am healthier, stronger and happier. I had a hard time finding a safe gym during the COVID pandemic until I found 9Round in Hermosa. I love that you can show up whenever to start your workout and you really get a one-on-one training experience. The workouts also change every day so you never get bored. So happy to be a member of this gym.” - Brenda L.
Artemis Yoga
Co-Founder: Elizabeth Padula, MBA ’99
Phone: 617-393-3590
Location: 639 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472
Email: info@artemisyoga.com
Website: artemisyoga.com
Social: @artemisyoga
About:
Based in Watertown, Massachusetts, Artemis Yoga is an independent yoga studio offering more than 30 classes weekly in studio or online. The schedule is flexible for studio or home practice. Artemis Yoga is known for its welcoming community where anyone can learn and practice yoga to strengthen the body and relax the mind.
Review:
“Can I do 10 stars? I've been practicing Iyengar yoga for nearly 30 years, and Artemis is simply superb, a warm and welcoming studio and a true community. The space is bright and spotless. The teachers are top-flight, attentive and careful, modifying poses to suit individual abilities. The range of classes and educational sessions are impressive. Oh, and they have lovely front-of-house staff plus easy parking. Hats off to owner Liz Padula for creating and nurturing this gem of a yoga studio!” - Cynthia B.
Sculpt Fitness
Owner: David Minishian ’15
Phone: 562-470-6466
Location: 3255 E. South St. Suite K202, Long Beach, CA 90805
Email: longbeach.sculptfitness@gmail.com
Website: sculptfitnessla.com
Social: @sculptfitnessla
About:
We help clients create sustainable lifestyles to build the body they want. We don't push supplements or promote restrictive diets. We believe in finding a flexible approach to your health and fitness. Our training programs include our small group boot camp, semi-private training and personal training. Our coaches specialize in weight management and fat loss, muscle building and strength training, aerobic conditioning, sports performance, mobility and sustainable nutrition coaching. We also provide meal prep and food delivery services with our private chef to make nutrition simple and convenient.
Review:
“I have been part of the Sculpt Fitness family for over 5 years, I have contemplated going elsewhere only to realize Sculpt is my forever home. Sculpt is the only place I have ever felt comfortable. The coaches at Sculpt believe in their clients and will go over and beyond to provide the best experience possible. The atmosphere is clean, safe and definitely worth checking out” - Liz. V.
LA Sports Acupuncture
Founder: Jorga Houy ’93
Phone: 323-739-4333
Location: 5619 N. Figueroa St., Unit 221, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Email: jorga@lasportsacupuncture.com
Website: lasportsacupuncture.com
Social: @lasportsacupuncture
About:
At LA Sports Acupuncture, we specialize in sports medicine: the prevention and treatment of injuries and pain. Acute traumatic injuries require rapid response and are usually resolved rather quickly; old chronic injuries usually take longer to treat. Combining traditional knowledge of acupuncture, acupressure and herbal medicine with orthopedics and sports medicine. Chinese medicine regards the highest class of medicine to be prevention and the pursuit of longevity. By adopting many of the lifestyle choices offered by the philosophy of Chinese medicine, we can live long and healthy lives.
Review:
“It's truly amazing how a single session can address issues you've been grappling with for years. Over the past 15 years, I consistently experienced hip clicking and tight hip flexors on my right side, particularly during exercise. I used to attribute this to my body's natural asymmetry, believing I had to just deal with it. I tried various remedies such as stretches and trigger point balls, but they only offered minimal relief. Then, about five years ago, I began to develop lower back pain on the right side, and I soon realized the connection between my right hip clicking and this discomfort. Following just one session with Jorga, the hip clicking disappeared, and I immediately noticed an improvement in my core strength, as I could perform leg lifts without any clicking. Even my back pain seems to have improved significantly. I can't help but regret not seeing Jorga sooner.” - Sylvia S.
NutriFit
Founder: Jackie Keller, Ext. Cert. ’88
Phone: 310-473-2989
Location: 11692 Gateway Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Email: info@nutrifitonline.com
Website: nutrifitonline.com
Social: @nutrifitonline
About:
NutriFit specializes in crafting fresh, personalized meal plans that are delivered to your doorstep. We also offer full-service nutritional support, biometric testing, wellness coaching and health-related products. Since 1987 we have been providing custom solutions that help our clients achieve optimal health and well-being. It’s our mission to help our clients live longer and healthier lives.
Review:
“I can't recommend Nutrifit enough. From day one my experience has been amazing. I met with Jackie to discuss my weight loss needs due to high blood pressure and pre-diabetes concerns. She put me on a plan that not only helped me lose the weight, but got me off all the medication I was on. In addition to health benefits, she opened my eyes to foods I had never had before. The food is absolutely amazing! I look forward to every delivery to see what 'goodies' I have for the day.” – Tara M.
Wonderwell Creative
Founder and CEO: Kate Bone ’00
Location: Online
Email: hello@wonderwellcreative.com
Website: wonderwellcreative.com
Social: @wonderwell.creative
About:
Creativity is your nature. Everyone and everything is creative, and you were born to create. Here at Wonderwell, we take a holistic and nature-based approach to the creative process. We tend to our projects as if we were tending to a garden. Through our educational programs, community circles and private mentorship, we help creators ground into your body, clarify your vision and develop nourishing structures to bring your dreams into reality. The best part? You don't have to do it alone. We're cultivating a global creative community of multi-passionate creatives to encourage and inspire you every step of the way.
Review:
"This is a space I have been looking for my whole life. The space you've created is conscious, buoyant and extremely loving. I am beyond grateful to share space and learn from you and the beautiful community that has formed." – Hannah B.
Happy Camper Play Therapy
Owner and Founder: Renee Holdo ’86
Phone: 404-731-8621
Location: 707 Whitlock Ave., Building D-34, Marietta, GA 30064
Email: happycamperplaytherapy@gmail.com
Website: happycamperplaytherapy.com
About:
At Happy Camper Play Therapy and Expressive Arts, we specialize in individual, and family play therapy, as well as child-centered play therapy and adolescent counseling. Additionally, we offer group work, workshops and seminars. Our clinicians are available to present on a variety of topics. Throughout the therapeutic process, the client is encouraged to take an active role in his or her treatment with the support of the therapist. Our goal is the client's goal. We utilize a variety of techniques to assist the client in achieving greater self-awareness, more positive relationships while increasing their capacity to experience and express their feelings. Clients of all ages, couples and families can reconnect with their inner values and sense of self-worth enabling them to find their way to move forward. When you play more, you feel better.
LushNature Wellness
Founder: James Aliberti ’87
Phone: 415-999-1554
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Email: jamesalushnature@gmail.com
Website: golushnature.com
About:
LushNature Wellness offers guided forays, bird walks and outdoor team-building exercises to stave off chronic illness and isolation, and improve employee satisfaction and retention, benefitting present and future generations. With deep connections to the transformative properties of nature and the inhabitants of the wilds of the San Francisco Bay Area, sustainably promoting constructive partnerships with local organizations and beyond, we foster change by empowering thousands of participants to pursue interests in science, education and other positive quality of life enhancements.
Review:
"After my LushNature experience, I started looking at my challenges in the lab from more of what you'd call 'a bugs eye-view,' and it helped my project progress profusely. So many of the things the naturalist said super-resonated with me." - Kara P.
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