In the Market for Excellence

When it comes to business, few know it like UCLA alumnus Bernard (“Bernie”) Briskin ’49. After serving in WWII in the Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945, Briskin graduated from what is now UCLA Anderson School of Management with a BS in business administration. He went on to grow Gelson’s Markets into one of the most prestigious grocery store chains in Southern California.

Expanding Opportunities

Now he and his wife, Judy, who also attended UCLA, want to ensure that talented marketing students at UCLA Anderson are recognized and supported for their excellence. Their generous gift establishes the Judy and Bernard Briskin Marketing Specialization Program Fund. This endowed fund provides fellowships to Anderson students specializing in marketing; it also establishes the “Briskin Marketing Student of the Year” award in the MBA and fully employed MBA programs. In addition, the gift will bring marketing field leaders — “Briskin Distinguished Visitors” — to speak at special UCLA seminars and go toward state-of-the-art technology and other high-priority needs.

Ensuring Future Progress

“The economic health of our country depends on our future leaders of commerce,” Briskin says. “We want to ensure those students have the best possible chance to make a difference.”

To recognize this significant donation, UCLA will rename the existing spacious Anderson Plaza the Judy and Bernard Briskin Family Plaza.

Published March 2016

Students brainstorm business solutions.

UCLA Anderson School of Management