On a Mission
UCLA is a local and global catalyst for discovery, innovation, and opportunity. A public university, it holds high its public mission of education, research, and service that began when UCLA was founded in 1919 as a teaching college.
Launched in 2014 to celebrate the university’s remarkable first century and help continue that mission, the Centennial Campaign for UCLA encouraged donors to contribute to schools, departments, and programs across campus, promoting their passions along with the three campaign pillars:
- Transforming the educational experience
- Empowering new discoveries and creativity
- Advancing human welfare and the public good
Support for scholarships remains among UCLA’s highest priorities. Record numbers of students from diverse backgrounds apply to UCLA, and the thousands who become Bruins often face financial barriers to attending, graduating, and going on to promote progress through their careers and in their communities. Higher education is the most important producer of upward mobility.
Messages from Centennial Campaign Leaders
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and the co-chairs for the campaign speak to its significance.
“When we launched the Centennial Campaign for UCLA in 2014, our goal was to celebrate the university’s 100th year and generate a level of support that will carry this influential institution into its second century. We knew Bruins and friends the world over would respond with passion and enthusiasm, but we couldn’t have imagined how successful it would be. Know that we will devote ourselves to achieving even more for the greater good in the years ahead.”
— Chancellor Gene Block
“We started the Centennial Campaign for UCLA by reminding people how much the university accomplished to make the world a better place in its first 100 years. With that strong foundation to build on, donors stepped up, and their amazing philanthropy is steering UCLA into a second century of being one of California’s — and the world’s — most valuable resources.”
— Anthony Pritzker, Co-Chair
“My wife, Shari, and I wanted to be involved with the Centennial Campaign for UCLA because of the important work the university does in so many fields. In particular, I so admire UCLA’s programs to address mental health issues, including the Depression Grand Challenge, a model initiative. No matter where you look on UCLA’s campus, you discover excellence, and the campaign will fuel more of it.”
— Garen Staglin ’66, P ’01, Co-Chair
Let There Be a
Bright Future
The Centennial Campaign was an unprecedented effort and, at the time of its launch, the most ambitious fundraising goal ever initiated by a U.S. public university. This historic initiative is positioning UCLA and the communities it serves for success in its second century.
Generous donors have enabled UCLA to make a difference for students and society, preserving its public mission with private support.
I know my Centennial Campaign contributions are being put to good use supporting work and providing opportunities that will benefit us all.
– Steve Tisch, philanthropist
I give to UCLA and am happy to have advanced the Centennial Campaign because UCLA and I share a mission: We wish to shape a better society.
– Elaine Krown Klein,* visual artist and philanthropist
Philanthropic partnerships like those inspired by the Centennial Campaign are critical to the success of our medical school and healthcare enterprise.
– Kelsey C. Martin, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Dean
Marking Milestones
May 2014
After two years of initial gifts in its quiet phase, the Centennial Campaign officially launches on May 15, 2014.
Mar 2017
Following the campaign’s calendar midpoint, UCLA notches $3 billion and builds momentum.
Jun 2018
Thanks to a record-breaking fiscal year, UCLA reaches the $4.2 billion campaign goal 18 months early.
Dec 2019
After topping $5 billion down the stretch, the campaign closes on December 31, 2019.
Leading the Way
The Centennial Campaign could not have achieved and surpassed its goals without the visionary leadership of alumni and friends, who contributed their time and talent on regional, campus, and campaign committees and boards. UCLA is grateful for their extraordinary support.
Executive Committee
Chancellor Gene Block
Anthony Pritzker, Co-Chair
Garen Staglin ’66, P ’01, Co-Chair
Marion Anderson, P ’77, ’88*
James Collins ’50, P ’86, ’92, Chair Emeritus
Eric Esrailian, MPH ’06
Jonathan Fielding
Steven Gordon
Jordan Kaplan, MBA ’86
Meyer Luskin ’49
John Mapes ’90, P ’20
Henry Samueli ’75, MS ’76, PhD ’80
Jane Semel
Shirley Wang ’90
Casey Wasserman ’96
Robert Wilson ’53, Chair Emeritus
UCLA Campaign Leaders
Rhea Turteltaub, Vice Chancellor, External Affairs
Laura Lavado Parker, Associate Vice Chancellor, Development
Amy Carpenter, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Donor Engagement
James Gallo, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Professional Schools Development
Megan Kissinger, Assistant Vice Chancellor, The College
Lindsey Williams, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences Development
*In memoriam. With gratitude for their loyalty, generosity, and service.