In almost every academic field, members of the UCLA Chancellor’s society help to accelerate discovery that has the potential to make a worldwide impact. This article, we are thrilled to feature Randy and Jan Kessler ’75, chair emeritus of the UCLA Chancellor’s Society, and their philanthropy to help realize a brighter future for patients facing Alzheimer’s disease.

Jan and Randy have been longtime loyal Bruins and members of the Chancellor’s Society, a campuswide leadership annual giving program that recognizes donors who give $1,000 or more per fiscal year. Jan dreamed of going to UCLA since she was a child and graduated with a degree in sociology in 1975. She started volunteering with the Chancellor’s Society in 2008 when the couple’s son Drew began attending UCLA in 2007. During this time, she and Randy learned a tremendous amount about Jan’s treasured alma mater and became familiar with UCLA’s Alzheimer’s disease research and Dr. Carmichael’s work through their involvement. As part of the Centennial Campaign, they made their first multiyear pledge to support the department’s leading-edge efforts.

Earlier this year, the Kesslers donated $1 million to further Alzheimer’s disease research in the UCLA Department of Neurology. Their gift provides key resources to Drs. S. Thomas Carmichael, department chair, and Jason Hinman, co-director of the Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Care at UCLA. The funding will enable a multidisciplinary team of faculty with expertise in neurology, computational genetics, and stem cell biology to conduct investigations to determine the gene interactions that underlie differences in disease onset and disease progression in Alzheimer’s. While Randy and Jan have given generously to UCLA for many years, this contribution is particularly meaningful.

“We are proud to support Alzheimer’s research at UCLA,” said Jan. “Our commitment is driven by the groundbreaking science conducted at UCLA and a deeply personal connection: my mother battled Alzheimer’s for 18 years, and our cherished memories of her fuel our dedication to this cause. We believe that UCLA’s innovative research will create advancements that can change countless lives.”

Not only does the Kesslers’ gift stand as a tribute to Jan’s beloved mother, but it will also help to increase health equity in Los Angeles. Randy and Jan realized that underserved populations often lack access to high-quality, evidence-based medical care. To address this, funds from their donation will help make advanced therapies for Alzheimer’s and clinical trial opportunities available at UCLA Health’s public clinics.

“We are hopeful that our gift to UCLA will help find treatments and maybe even a cure for this devastating disease,” said Jan.

Along with their special interest in neuroscience, Randy and Jan are avid fans of the Bruins, having held season tickets to men’s basketball and football. Their success in law and real estate has enabled them to give to areas across campus, with an emphasis on ensuring that students and student-athletes at UCLA can thrive.

Randy and Jan serve UCLA in numerous capacities, including volunteer positions with the Chancellor’s Society, The UCLA Foundation Board of Directors, the Alumni Association, and UCLA Women and Philanthropy. Together, this couple exemplifies university values and are celebrated members of the community.

Many thanks to Randy, Jan, and all of our Chancellor’s Society donors, near and far, who support UCLA in its mission.