:: UCLA TODAY Home

©2004
The Regents of the University of California
 

what's on my mind

To the faculty of UCLA

On behalf of the alumni of UCLA, I want to convey our collective and considerable appreciation for all that you have done, are doing and will do for UCLA students and alumni.

As you well know, UCLA is facing the most difficult financial challenge in its history. UCLA alumni are taking action to support you. You already know about the record-breaking results of the UCLA Campaign and the important role alumni have played in that success.

You may not know that recently thousands of alumni sent messages encouraging support for UCLA to elected officials in Sacramento. These concerned alumni are sending a strong message that the University of California is critical to the well-being of the state and of each and every Californian. No doubt they played a key role in Gov. Schwarzenegger choosing to make public his commitment to UC funding on May 11. In addition, thousands of Bruins also are volunteering their time and energy to countless UCLA programs and projects. Whether it is through providing educational opportunity, new developments that drive the state economy or exciting advances in fields that improve quality of life, UCLA faculty members contribute each and every day of the year.

I thank you for the many ways in which you help alumni cultivate a lifelong relationship with UCLA. Faculty are giving back to UCLA and its alumni through presentations that bring alumni back in touch with the university; participation in “Dinners for 12 Strangers,” which brings faculty, students and alumni together in a unique and special way; sponsorship of student organizations; and messages to students and alumni that convey the means to become a part of the exciting advances in knowledge that occur at UCLA.

At the Alumni Association’s UCLA Awards Dinner on May 22, we recognized five outstanding faculty members for their many and diverse contributions to UCLA. These are the winners of this year’s Distinguished Teaching Award: David B. Kaplan, professor of philosophy; Kathryn A. Morgan, associate professor of classics; Mark Morris, professor of physics and astronomy; Jesus Torrecilla, professor of Spanish and Portuguese; and Joan Waugh, associate professor of history.

Once again, I thank you for all that you do on behalf of UCLA. I want you to know that you are deeply and hugely appreciated.

Eric G. Juline ’69, M.S. ’70
President, UCLA Alumni Association
eric.juline@UCLAlumni.net