School of Public Health celebrates new name, history-making gift

With glasses of champagne and bubbly apple cider, about 200 faculty, staff and students at UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health on Thursday toasted their new benefactors, Dr. Jonathan and Karin Fielding, whose $50 million gift is the largest in the school's history. Wearing a hat emblazoned with the school's new name, the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Jonathan Fielding, a faculty member of 33 years and founding director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, expressed his love for the school, where he continues to teach, do research and mentor students — all without salary. Joining him and his wife at the celebration were their sons, Andrew and Preston, and Dean Linda Rosenstock. Wearing similar hats, the crowd of celebrants burst into applause and cheers when Fieldings entered. An official dedication will take place on March 22.