Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Gala 2024
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CLA Bruins come together during Black History Month to strengthen bonds and honor the trailblazers and risk takers who have paved the way for future generations. The annual Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Gala, hosted by the UCLA Black Alumni Association (UBAA), is named in honor of a leader who supported countless students to overcome barriers to a college education. Winston C. Doby ’63, M.A. ’72, Ed.D. ’74, built a lasting legacy at UCLA through his unwavering commitment to equity and access.
Born during World War II, Doby excelled at UCLA as a scholar-athlete, and went on to an impactful four-decade career at the University. As UCLA vice chancellor for student affairs, he chaired high-level task forces to revamp admissions, financial aid and student support. He found ways to involve others in community service and established the Academic Advancement Program (AAP), paving the way for thousands of students to achieve success.
UBAA founded the Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Fund in response to the passage of California’s Proposition 209, which had led to a sharp decline in the number of African American students admitted to and enrolling in UCLA. Since then, UBAA has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships to African American students.
This year’s gala, “Celebrate the Power to Inspire,” will pay tribute to Bruin alumni, community members and friends who have achieved historic firsts. The event will take place on March 2, at the Omni Hotel in Los Angeles, and will be an evening of dinner and dancing with a special program. It promises to be a memorable occasion honoring the legacy of Winston C. Doby and celebrating Bruins. Purchase tickets and sponsorships through the UBAA website.
UBAA is committed to empowering UCLA’s Black alumni, faculty and staff and building relationships that will expand educational opportunities for Black students. Bobby Grace ’84, chair of the UCLA Black Alumni Association Board of Directors, is excited to celebrate together with Bruins. He says, “2024 marks the first time that UBAA has been able to hold the Doby Legacy Scholarship Gala in person since 2018. The gala gives UBAA the opportunity to recognize alumni as well as campus and community leaders who are making an impact at UCLA and the world.”
HONOREES
D’Artagnan Scorza ʼ07 Ph.D ʼ13
A community leader and Navy veteran, D’Artagnan Scorza will receive the Tom Bradley Alumnus of the Year Award for his work on behalf of his community. The award is named for the former Los Angeles mayor who paved the way for increased diversity in leadership roles. As the first executive director of Racial Equity for Los Angeles County, Scorza was instrumental in the process to return Bruce’s Beach to the original Black owners. He previously served as the UCLA Alumni Association president and was the founder of the Social Justice Learning Institute, a nonprofit organization that champions community health and educational equity.
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block
UBAA will honor retiring UCLA Chancellor Gene Block with the Chairman’s Award for his leadership and steadfast dedication to UCLA and the broader community. UCLA's chancellor since 2007, Block has been a strong advocate for accessible public higher education. Under his leadership, UCLA has elevated its national and international profile, rose to become the No. 1 public university in the country and excelled in enrolling students from diverse backgrounds. With his expertise in neuroscience, Block’s research focuses on aging in the nervous system. Chancellor Block announced his decision to step down in 2024 after 17 years of service.
Dr. Jessie Sherrod, M.P.H. ʼ80
A physician and public health advocate, Dr. Jessie Sherrod will receive the UBAA Jackie Robinson Trailblazer Award, named for the UCLA athlete who became a champion of civil rights. Dr. Sherrod began her advocacy journey in the eighth grade, when she and SNCC members integrated a cafe in Hollandale, Mississippi. As the first Tougaloo College graduate to attend Harvard Medical School, Dr. Sherrod has been a dedicated public health advocate and mentor. She holds the distinction of being the founding member of the Association of Black Women Physicians.
Youlonda Copeland-Morgan
Youlonda Copeland-Morgan is a national leader in the field of college admissions. As the former vice provost for enrollment management at UCLA, she held an unwavering dedication to broadening access to a UCLA education. Her steadfast commitment to equity and excellence made a lasting impact on increasing access to a world-class education. UBAA is honoring Copeland-Morgan with the President’s Award.
Benny Blaydes ʼ78
Benny Blaydes will be the recipient of the Arthur Ashe Community Service Award for his commitment to mentoring and guiding generations of students. The award is named for the UCLA tennis player remembered for his efforts to promote civil rights and social justice. As an academic counselor for Santa Monica College and a longtime member of the UBAA Board of Directors, Blaydes has made a positive and significant impact through the Benny C. Blaydes UBAA Alumni Centennial Scholars Fund, which supports scholarships to undergraduate transfer students through the UCLA Alumni Scholarships Program in partnership with UBAA.
UCLA Afro Latin X Connection
The student-run Afro-Latinx Connection de UCLA will receive the Maddie Norman Award for their effort to build unity on campus, named for the woman who taught the first African American studies course in UCLA's history. Afro-Latinx Connection was founded in 2018 to bridge the gap between communities, and hosts regular events to share their experience and exemplify the pillars of community, culture and political education. Club president, Isaiah Clark exp. ʼ24 will accept the award on their behalf. UCLA students are the change agents of tomorrow, blazing a path into the future.
Chase Griffin ’21, M.Ed. ’23
Chase Griffin will receive the UBAA Florence Griffith Joyner award for his leadership and commitment to helping others. The award is named in honor of the UCLA athlete and fastest woman ever recorded. The UCLA quarterback is not only an athlete, but a scholar, entrepreneur and philanthropist. A two-time national Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Male Athlete of the Year award-winner, he has expanded its use as a platform to raise awareness for social justice issues. He launched the Chase Griffin Foundation to help combat food insecurity, especially among young people. Incorporating his jersey number into his signature hashtag, "BE11EVE," he is a role model on and off the field.
Monique Matthews ’92, M.A. ’96, M.F.A. ’01
Monique N. Matthews, a filmmaker who is dedicated to creating narratives that contribute to greater diversity in Hollywood, will receive UBAA’s Beverly Robinson Award, named for the renowned champion of multiculturalism. Matthews received a NAACP Image Award nomination for outstanding feature writing for the film, “A Holiday in Harlem,” which she wrote for the Hallmark Channel. She directed and co-wrote the documentary film "Birthing Justice," looking into the high mortality rates among Black mothers.
Kamilah Moore ʼ14
Kamilah Moore is this year’s recipient of the Bruin Spirit Award. As an attorney and chairperson of the California Reparations Task Force, she is committed to rectifying historical injustices. As a law student, Moore contributed to the development of human rights reports focused on domestic and international human rights issues. She has carried the spirit of social justice into her law practice, where she shines a light on these issues.
UBAA is excited to bring the community together to celebrate leaders and raise support for future Bruins. Bobby Grace says, “All of our honorees have demonstrated their great ability to inspire the world around them. We are grateful to be able to celebrate the power of their inspiration.”
Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Gala
March 2, 2024
Omni Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
6 p.m. Reception, 7 p.m. Dinner and Gala Program
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