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Carol Block, Philanthropist

Woman with short strawberry blonde hair and glasses sits at banquet table and smiles toward someone on her right; a yellow floral centerpiece is to the left
Women & Philanthropy at UCLA celebrated the organization’s 30th year and honored Carol Block for 17 years of diverse and devoted service and philanthropy.

As the Associate of Chancellor Emeritus Gene Block, Carol Block gracefully found her footing at UCLA and left her mark on multiple facets of campus life.

If you attended any home meet of the UCLA Women’s Gymnastics team in the past 17 years, you would have been almost guaranteed to see Carol. She was a fixture in the stands, enraptured by their skills.

Each year of the Blocks’ tenure, Bruin staff awaited the coming of spring and, with it, a series of invitations from Carol — who trained as a classical pianist — to gather in the Chancellor’s Residence to enjoy musical performances by talented students.

Once a month, Carol helped train UCLA medical technologists in mycology — the study of fungi — which had been her professional focus at the University of Virginia Health System for 29 years.

Weekly, you could find Carol at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, volunteering to help ensure patients were safe and comfortable during their hospital stays.

You may know Carol, the aficionada of music and women’s sports. Carol, the hospital volunteer and mycologist. However, during the Blocks’ time at the helm of UCLA, did you get to know Carol Block, the philanthropist?

Women & Philanthropy

Gene and Carol Block stepped down from their roles as campus leaders in the summer of 2024. In the fall of 2024, Women & Philanthropy at UCLA honored Carol, a member since 2008 and a board member since 2014, at a luncheon in celebration of its 30th anniversary.

One of the longest-standing university-based women’s philanthropy programs in the country, the group was founded in 1994 to encourage, acknowledge and honor women donors in the UCLA community. The group also advocates for more women in leadership positions across campus.

Women & Philanthropy is credited with helping to drive millions in giving to UCLA each year, and its members currently hold hundreds of positions on boards and committees throughout the university.

In recognizing Carol, members of the group acknowledged her not only as a fellow board member, champion and volunteer, but also as a thoughtful and generous donor to UCLA.

The Blocks supported scholarships — and so much more

Together, Gene and Carol Block have made more than 200 gifts to the university. Their philanthropy has uplifted the campus in nearly every sphere of activity, from the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture, the UCLA College, and the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering to UCLA Athletics, the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, the Fowler Museum at UCLA and UCLA Health Sciences.

Through it all, the cause closest to their hearts has been student support. In 2009, the Blocks established the Gene and Carol Block Family Fund to create undergraduate scholarships for students with financial need. Already, their generosity has assisted 11 students, providing nearly $70,000 toward their college expenses.

An endowed scholarship named for Carol Block

There is perhaps no better way to pay tribute to Carol’s philanthropy than through another act of giving, and so Women & Philanthropy created a new scholarship to help cement her legacy: the Carol K. Block Endowed Scholarship at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.

Carol has been a steadfast, engaged Women & Philanthropy member, bringing her sense of enjoyment and authenticity to everything in which she has participated,” said Bea Mandel ’61, a founding member and past president of Women & Philanthropy. “Her countless campus efforts were the true embodiment of our values.”

Beginning with academic year 2025–26, the scholarship will be awarded annually to one or two California students majoring in music to help cover their educational costs in their junior and senior years.

“The new scholarship is both a fitting and humbling way to end this chapter at UCLA,” said Carol. “I have always loved music and one of my favorite activities as Associate of the Chancellor was hosting student music recitals at the residence. It provided a moment for staff to connect with their colleagues outside of work and students to showcase their incredible talents. I hope this scholarship will help even more brilliant students pursue their musical ambitions.”

A legacy and a future

According to Women & Philanthropy President Judith Angel, for three decades, the organization has illuminated the impact that women have, through philanthropy and volunteer board service, across the university.

“We are delighted to play a role in encouraging women from all backgrounds and with an interest in UCLA in becoming philanthropists and leaders,” she said. “And we look forward to doing so for the next 30 years — and beyond.”

To join Women & Philanthropy in funding the Carol K. Block Endowed Scholarship, give online or send a check made out to “The UCLA Foundation” to Women & Philanthropy at UCLA, 10889 Wilshire Boulevard, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90024-6502.

To join Carol and Gene Block in supporting Bruin undergraduates, make a gift to the UCLA Affordability Initiative or connect with Executive Director of Development Brittany Schoof about endowing your own scholarship with a gift starting at $100,000.

Woman with short strawberry blonde hair and glasses speaks at podium bearing "UCLA Women & Philanthropy" sign

For the first time, the members of Women & Philanthropy at UCLA have given collectively to UCLA in honor of another member; Carol Block was thus recognized. Photo credit: Reed Hutchinson/UCLA

Four women--three younger, one older--stand in a group and talk at a reception

Carol’s time serving campus will be remembered by the Carol K. Block Endowed Scholarship. Here, she talks with students at a UCLA event promoting women’s leadership. Photo credit: Ricky Horne/UCLA

Two women, one with long dark hair and one with short strawberry hair and glasses, smile to camera in a selfie

Vanessa Zamarripa ’13, recently inducted into the UCLA Hall of Fame for Gymnastics, snapped a photo with honoree Carol Block at the Women & Philanthropy at UCLA 30th Anniversary Celebration. Photo credit: Vanessa Zamarripa

Uniformed members of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band perform at a luncheon while women at tables take photos and videos on smartphones.

More than 200 hundred people gathered at the UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center for the joyful event, which included a rousing performance by the UCLA Bruin Marching Band. Photo credit: Reed Hutchinson/UCLA

A group of women stand in two rows and smile to camera; a large umbrella shades the portion of the group on the left.

Women & Philanthropy at UCLA welcomes women from all backgrounds and supports all areas of the university.

More Stories: Arts & culture, Students, Herb Alpert School of Music, Students & campus, UCLA & community