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True-Blue Bruin

Transformation Story: Arts & culture, Research, Nation, world, & society
Woman in kimono plays a classical stringed Japanese instrument.
Alumnus and faculty Dr. Paul Terasaki and his wife add support for community programs at the UCLA Paul I. and Hisako Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies.

When it comes to UCLA, Paul Terasaki’s ’50, MA ’52, PhD ’56 allegiant generosity is as storied as his accomplishments. And that is saying a lot. The world-renowned scientist, who was the first to develop a tissue-typing method to assess compatibility among organ donors and recipients, is one of the university’s most accomplished graduates and faculty members.

A Gift to Expand Engagement

Terasaki is also one of UCLA’s most loyal benefactors. And he stepped up again this summer with a $1 million gift to the UCLA Paul I. and Hisako Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies. The center, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, is one of the country’s leading centers for the study of Japan.

The gift is earmarked for program endowment. “The funds will be used to promote new initiatives,” says Terasaki, “especially those that focus on community engagement.” The new gift also will help sustain the center’s annual Global Japan Forum, an ongoing examination of Japan and Japanese culture in a global context.

Invaluable Investment

This latest gift from Terasaki and his wife brings their total monetary giving to the Terasaki Center to $6 million, and to UCLA to nearly $60 million. What Terasaki has provided in the way of loyalty, leadership, and influence is unquantifiable.

Published September 2015

Two men speak in front of a staircase.

Paul Terasaki’s generosity will promote new initiatives to engage the community through the UCLA Paul I. and Hisako Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies.

Man speaks in front of an image projected at film screening.

Paul Terasaki’s generosity will promote new initiatives to engage the community through the UCLA Paul I. and Hisako Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies.

Table rows of forum presentation attendees view a website projected on a screen as a presenter speaks at the podium.

Paul Terasaki’s generosity will promote new initiatives to engage the community through the UCLA Paul I. and Hisako Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies.

Row of forum attendees applaud a participant.

Paul Terasaki’s generosity will promote new initiatives to engage the community through the UCLA Paul I. and Hisako Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies.

Three men stand talking.

Paul Terasaki’s generosity will promote new initiatives to engage the community through the UCLA Paul I. and Hisako Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies.

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