Highlights from
2023 Class Notes
Class Notes chronicles important events in the lives of UCLA alumni – from changes in employment to accolades for achievement, from new Bruin unions to the passing of our valued UCLA family members. These Bruins are a small subset of the many whose accomplishments and memories we honored in 2023.
Charles E. Young, M.A. '57, Ph.D. '60
Charles E. Young, M.A. '57, Ph.D. '60, who became UCLA chancellor in 1968 at age 36 and is, in the words of Chancellor Gene Block, "Perhaps more than any other individual, the one responsible for UCLA’s remarkable ascent over the course of the last half-century," died of natural causes on Sunday, Oct. 22, at his home in Sonoma, California. He was 91. "Whether or not you were acquainted with him personally," Block wrote, "I am certain that you have felt Chuck’s influence upon our university."
Carolyn Webb de Macias '69, M.A. '72
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced last week that Carolyn Webb de Macias '69, M.A. '72, who, in the fall of 1968, was elected UCLA's first African American homecoming queen, will serve as her chief of staff and senior advisor. "In this role, Webb de Macias will help Mayor Bass deliver on her commitment to move Los Angeles in a new direction by housing more people faster and making Los Angeles safer and more livable for all."
Nathalie Rayes '96, M.P.P. '99
Nathalie Rayes '96, M.P.P. '99, was confirmed as U.S. ambassador to Croatia in a U.S. Senate vote on Dec 6. “I promise to always lead and serve with integrity and in the best interest of our country, while continuing to strengthen our diplomatic relations with the people of Croatia,” Rayes said after her confirmation. President Biden appointed Rayes to the board of the United States Institute of Peace, and she has served on the boards of numerous organizations in the fields of politics, civil rights, education and health.
Laura Ling '98
Laura Ling '98, a multiple award-winning journalist and veteran of local and network television news and documentary production, who since 2021 has served as Hearst Television’s director of programming for its streaming video services group, has been promoted to vice president of Very Local, a division of Hearst Television, overseeing programming for the rapidly growing streaming unit.
Eric G. Juline '69, M.S. '70
Eric G. Juline '69, M.S. '70, passed away after a short illness on May 30. In a brief message announcing Juline's death, his friend and San Diego Alumni Network colleague Mark Stull '70 wrote, "His contributions to UCLA are exemplary over many years, including president of the Alumni Association [2002–2004], a subsequent tour as a UC Regent, and twenty years as a board member of the San Diego Network. The Bruin Community will sorely miss him."
Matea Gold '96
The Washington Post announced that national editor Matea Gold '96 has been named managing editor of the newspaper, effective this September. Gold, Daily Bruin editor in chief, 1994-95, and Courtney Kan Alcantera, Daily Bruin prime art director, 2009, were each editors on multiple projects that were recognized with Pulitzer Prizes on May 8. The Post won three Pulitzers and was a finalist in five categories.
Neera Tanden '92
Neera Tanden '92 will succeed Susan Rice as the White House domestic policy adviser, President Joe Biden announced last week. "While growing up, Neera relied on some of the critical programs that she will oversee as Domestic Policy Advisor, and I know those insights will serve my Administration and the American people well," Biden said. "I look forward to continuing to work closely with Neera in her new role."
William Henry Davis Jr. '75, J.D. ’78
William Henry Davis Jr. ’75, J.D. ’78, passed away quietly at the age of 72 on Aug. 26 at his home in Altadena, California, surrounded by his wife and three children. A political science major as an undergraduate, Davis was active in the UCLA School of Law Moot Court Honors Program, becoming a Distinguished Advocate and a member of the Roger Traynor Team, which took second place in the state tournament. He was elected Chief Justice of the Moot Court and a member of the National Order of the Barristers.
Robert A. Dowd, M.A. '01, Ph.D. '03
Rev. Robert A. Dowd, M.A. '01, Ph.D. '03, C.S.C., has been elected 18th president of the University of Notre Dame, effective July 1, 2024. Dowd currently serves as vice president and associate provost for interdisciplinary initiatives at Notre Dame, a position he has held since 2021. He is also an associate professor of political science and serves as a fellow and trustee of the University and religious superior of the Holy Cross community at Notre Dame.
Lauren Camarillo '10
Lauren Camarillo '10 is one of five educators named 2023 California Teachers of the Year. A linguistics and psychology major as a Bruin, Camarillo is a high school Spanish teacher at Mountain View High School in the Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District, Santa Clara County. Presented by the California Department of Education and supported by the California Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Teachers of the Year Program began in 1972 to honor outstanding teachers and encourage and inspire new teachers to enter the profession.
If you would like your story or that of another Bruin celebrated in a Class Note, please visit our website or email us at classnotes@support.ucla.edu. Please indicate your name and include the subject’s name and class year(s). And, if possible, email us a photo that we can use for the story.
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