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Photo by Todd Cheney & don liebig/UCLA PHOTO
Longtime UCLA supporters Bob and Marion Wilson wear UCLA Medals presented to them by Chancellor Albert Carnesale |
Celebrating a legacy of giving
By Carolyn Schmitt and Hallie Masler
UCLA Today
At two landmark campus events last month, UCLA feted the dedicated philanthropists who made Campaign UCLA the most successful fund-raising effort in the history of higher education.
The festivities, which brought the $3-billion campaign to its conclusion, began on Friday evening, April 21, when more than 250 of UCLA’s most generous donors attended the Legacy Ball in Wilson Plaza. Guests gathered at the base of Janss Steps to join Chancellor Albert Carnesale as he dedicated the UCLA Court of Philanthropy. Carved into the Gascone limestone of the newly built donor wall are the names of philanthropists who have given
$1 million or more since UCLA’s founding in 1919.
“This monument will be a reminder to all those who walk this extraordinary campus of how UCLA has been able to achieve its lasting margin of excellence,” the chancellor said. “We salute these donors and the legacies they have created at UCLA, and we underscore our determination to continue building on the foundations they have laid.”
Following the dedication, guests were treated to an evening of dining and dancing. The chancellor took the occasion to bestow the UCLA Medal on surprised recipients Marion and Bob Wilson, both of whom are UCLA alumni, for their decades of outstanding philanthropic leadership. Bob Wilson served as chairman of Campaign UCLA, and Marion Wilson most recently served as president of Women & Philanthropy at UCLA. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, class of 1977, joined the celebration when he took the stage to toast Carnesale on his successful tenure.
The festivities continued on Saturday, April 22, at “Celebrate UCLA,” a memorable afternoon and evening of gratitude to a broader family of Campaign UCLA donors. The energy was high, the spirit blue and gold as nearly 400 alumni and friends explored the impact of philanthropy across campus.
During the day, each guest attended one of six cross-disciplinary presentations and performances by faculty and students held at Campaign-funded facilities such as La Kretz Hall and Glorya Kaufman Hall. Each session during “Experience UCLA” showcased an innovative academic area supported by private gifts. As the sun set, guests reconvened at Wilson Plaza for a carnival-themed party, inspired by the Fowler Museum’s “¡Carnaval!” exhibit.
How important were these events for the UCLA campus? Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Michael C. Eicher summed it up: “The relationships we strengthened and the emotional connections we forged that weekend will benefit this institution long into the future.”
Those sentiments were echoed at Saturday’s festivities by guests Andrew Hyman, class of 1975, and his wife Helen Hyman, class of 1977, who became donors when their love of UCLA was rejuvenated through their children, currently Bruin students. Now the couple are giving back to the campus that Helen called “a jewel in our own backyard.” Added Andrew: “Our connection to UCLA has broadened our horizons.”
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