CHAIR’S LETTER
As we look forward to building upon the successes of UCLA’s recently closed Centennial Campaign, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation for your continued commitment to this university. While we can’t be sure what the future has in store, I am inspired by the unwavering Bruin optimism I see embodied by all Chancellor’s Society members, and by the news that UCLA has once again been voted the nation’s number one public university.
While our Chancellor’s Society events this year will look quite different than they have in the past, we have already hosted some exciting salons, lectures, and socials over new virtual platforms—engaging members no longer limited by their proximity to campus. I am excited at the prospect of meeting so many new faces and encourage you all to attend if you are able to do so.
Physical distancing has reminded many of us that community is so vital so our sense of wellbeing, and that community can be found in so many ways. I hope you find comfort in your UCLA community—your Bruin family—as I have during this period of change and uncertainty.
Wishing you good health, and hoping to see you soon!
Chau Le ’88
Chair, UCLA Chancellor’s Society
CAMPUS SPOTLIGHT: DEPRESSION GRAND CHALLENGE NEWS
In 2015, UCLA announced the Depression Grand Challenge with a goal by 2050 to cut in half the global burden of depression on health and well-being. The approach to addressing this ambitious goal focuses on understanding the underlying causes and trajectories of depression, the biology of depression, developing and disseminating new and existing evidence-based treatments, and eliminating the stigma and discrimination.
The team has been especially busy since the pandemic began. In response to COVID-19, in spring, with the generous support of Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD and Jack Dorsey’s Start Small fund, the team created a free online COVID-19 care package. In August, the Depression Grand Challenge team, in collaboration with Apple, launched a major study that may provide insights into how we diagnose and treat anxiety and depression. Using the iPhone, Apple Watch and a sleep monitor, the research team obtains objective measures of factors like sleep, physical activity, heart rate and daily routines to illuminate the relationship between these factors and symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study is being conducted remotely.
This joint effort has the very real potential to transform behavioral health research and clinical care by enabling health care providers to note warning signs before severe mental health crises occur. The study is also an important step toward greater understanding of the different types of depression, and which treatments work best for each. These activities are examples of UCLA’s innovation and commitment to make lives better.
To read more about the Depression Grand Challenge, click here.
CAMPUS SPOTLIGHT: L.A. SOUNDS NOW
This fall, The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music offers the L.A. Sounds Now Virtual Event Series, a suite of conversations with their Inaugural Board of Advisors discussing current questions, issues, and practices in the global music industry.
This lecture series, led by the Herb Alpert School of Music’s inaugural dean, Eileen Strempel, is a part of UCLA’s Fiat Lux program, which offers up to 200 seminars to freshman. These intimate seminars encourage young Bruins to engage in meaningful conversations with professionals and faculty members from across campus.
The Herb Alpert School of Music invites the Chancellor’s Society community to attend these engaging conversations with the members of their inaugural board who serve as both leaders for UCLA and across the music industry. Speakers include Co-Chairman and COO of Warner Records Tom Corson and Award Winning Film Composer James Newton Howard.
A Conversation with Tom Corson, Co-Chairman and COO of Warner Records
Tuesday, October 6, 2020 – 6:00 p.m. PT
A Conversation with Susan Genco, Co-President of the Azoff Group
Tuesday, October 13, 2020 – 6:00 p.m. PT
A Conversation with Jeff Harleston, General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for Universal Music Group
Tuesday, October 20, 2020 – 6:00 p.m. PT
A Conversation with Industry Executive and Artist Manager, Michael Ostin
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 – 6:00 p.m. PT
For additional dates, please visit the L.A. Sounds Now series website, here.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: DAVID LUND AND MARILYN SILVA LUND
Our connections to campus, and to each other, have become essential parts of who we are. While we are missing campus, we hope to maintain our connections through the sharing of news, virtual events, and stories. Two Chancellor’s Society members in particular have a history of meaningful involvement on campus, from athletics to medical research and so much more – David Lund, BA ’56, JD ’59, and Marilyn Silva Lund have roots at UCLA that run deep and strong, and they, along with friends and colleagues they’ve met along the way, truly understand the value of remaining connected.
David and Marilyn started their UCLA journeys separately: David, as an undergrad in 1952 aided in the creation of Project India—a program formed to bring global communities together, which later aided in the creation of the Peace Corps—and Marilyn, in the construction of the Strauss Stadium with then-husband William Silva. A common thread in both of their early experiences is the importance of community. “I made some dear and wonderful friends from early associations with the Chancellor’s Society through Athletics,” remarks Marilyn, “These relationships became philanthropic influences that really illustrated to me how community engagement enables continued giving.”
What initiated many of their subsequent collaborations with UCLA is simple: people. The campus networks they find themselves a part of facilitate much of their continued work, and the couple are now involved with a number of programs at UCLA. Most notably, David and Marilyn generously give to the Wasserman Football Center, contribute to and volunteer at the Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and a have made planned gift of their home to UCLA.
Marilyn and David note that amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to keep in touch with each other. In addressing all of their Chancellor’s Society colleagues, they say: “Because of necessary isolation it is easy to become unengaged. Get creative! The more you can do right now to help your fellow human, the more everyone will be able to accomplish in the future. You can’t take the money with you, people!”
Many thanks to Marilyn and David, and all our Chancellor’s Society donors, near and far, who support UCLA in its mission. For more information on staying connected with UCLA in your region, please contact your regional director.