In Their Own Words
What makes UCLA stand out? And why do so many choose to support it? Philanthropic gifts to UCLA inspire creative thinking; advance research, teaching and service; and help address some of the world’s most challenging issues.
Read on to see what motivates our donors.
Inquiring Minds
“Somewhere at UCLA there is a young man or woman whose interest in engineering has been sparked and who, with the right encouragement, will become an innovator, a leader, a world changer.”
–Henry Samueli ’75, MS ’76, PhD ’80
The Power of Art
“As a long-standing supporter of the Center for the Art of Performance, I am thrilled to help provide UCLA with a long-awaited state-of-the-art theater.”
–Susan Bay Nimoy
Health and Healing
“Our family sees an opportunity to make both an immediate and long-term difference in responding to the growing need for high-quality geriatric care. We strongly believe our society must elevate the elderly and value their wisdom and love. They should be cherished and not forgotten.”
–Mark Attanasio
Supporting Students
“I was the first in my family to go to college, and UCLA means a lot to me. My husband and I were lucky to get the education we did. As an elementary teacher in Title 1 schools, I worked with many kids who didn’t have the opportunities we had. So we wanted to make a difference for them, not just early on but all the way through a top university like UCLA.”
–Maxine Halem ’66
Community Engagement
“Tribal law is a cornerstone of Native Americans’ quest for equality and inclusion within the U.S. justice system, UCLA’s commitment to educating and preparing the next generation of tribal legal advocates is personally known to me, as an alumnus and former UCLA professor. We hope this gift will begin the drive for equality for our people in our native land.”
–Greg Sarris ’78
Opportunity for All
“I give because the Academic Advancement Program is one of the jewels of UCLA. It sees the promise in students from challenging backgrounds — first generation, low income, students of color, foster youth — and allows us as a campus to help them fulfill their potential.”
–Tyrone C. Howard, Professor of Education, Associate Dean of Equity and Inclusion, Director, UCLA Black Male Institute, School of Education & Information Studies
Excellence on Many Fields
“My time at UCLA helped mold me into the person I am, and I want the Bruin student-athletes that come after me to have the same opportunities to achieve their dreams. I will always be a Bruin.”
–Troy Aikman ’08