CHAIR’S LETTER
Barely eight weeks old, 2025 has already been an unprecedented year. Between the wildfires, the global political climate, the price of eggs, and the Oscar race, the theme that emerges is one of uncertainty. So much uncertainty, so many distractions, seemingly so much need: it can be hard to stay focused and hard to know how to have an impact.
But right alongside the uncertainty, the theme of community is everywhere. Stories of people helping other people, groups coming together to provide safety, care, comfort, and support. Small acts of kindness, adding up to a significant impact. The Chancellor’s Society is such an important community at UCLA and beyond. We bring the power of commitment, of resilience, of ambassadorship, and of connection. The work that we do each day, connecting with UCLA alumni and friends, building relationships, forging bonds – it’s needed now, more than ever. Our newsletter features many opportunities to expand and strengthen our community. Please join us!
If you’ve been impacted by the wildfires, please let us know how we can help. If you are able, UCLA has many different avenues to volunteer. I’m grateful that you’re part of the UCLA Chancellor’s Society, and hope to see you at an upcoming event!
Paula Judge ’89
Chair, UCLA Chancellor’s Society
UCLA CHANCELLOR’S SOCIETY: CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS
The UCLA Chancellor’s Society wishes to extend our deepest concern toward everyone that suffered devasting loss due to the catastrophic wildfires. As we ushered in a brand-new year and academic quarter, we also welcomed in our new chancellor, Dr. Julio Frenk. Chancellor Frenk says UCLA is the high point, and he feels honored and invigorated to work hand in hand with the Bruin community to lead the nation’s No. 1-ranked public university into its second century of excellence. In his first full week as chancellor, the worst fire disaster in the history of Los Angeles began. Chancellor Frenk was no stranger to public emergencies: As one of the world’s foremost public health experts and a higher education leader, he’s been on the front lines to many public emergencies. Now more than ever, staying connected is key. We share with you how UCLA’s chancellor plans to accomplish this and how you can support Bruins during this challenging time, along with several announcements:
Developing a Collective Vision for UCLA’s Future
A New Chancellor, A New Era
Support Bruin Wildfire Relief
To keep up with UCLA in the news, please visit the UCLA Newsroom.
UCLA Chancellor’s Society: Events
Chancellor’s Society events are carefully and thoughtfully planned to uplift and bring together our fellow UCLA Alumni, parents, and friends. We wish nothing more but to thank and celebrate your support to UCLA and that is why we are looking forward to all we have planned this quarter. In the upcoming months, Chancellor’s Society will be traveling to San Diego and Sacramento to meet Bruins in their region for our exclusive On the Road events. We are excited to host our upcoming Cabinet Celebration, Campus Happening at UCLA’s Mathias Botanical Garden, Chancellor’s Society Weekend at Lake Arrowhead Lodge, and our annual Chancellor’s Society Celebration. We encourage you all to watch your email for our next event!
STUDENT HIGHLIGHT
“This scholarship means everything to me,” she shares. “It’s not just about easing the financial burden—it’s about opportunity, empowerment, and honoring the sacrifices my family has made.”
For Darissa Z., a second-year neuroscience student at UCLA, the journey to becoming a Bruin was one of resilience, ambition, and the unwavering pursuit of knowledge. Arriving in the U.S. at age 14 with little understanding of the education system, she faced the daunting challenge of learning English while navigating the path to higher education. With determination and the support of scholarships, her dream of attending UCLA has become a reality.
Now a proud Bruin, Darissa is immersing herself in the world of neuroscience, combining her passion for science with the desire to make a difference in people’s lives. She aspires to become a neurosurgeon, hoping to give back to her community through her medical expertise by providing care and support to those in need.
However, achieving this dream would not have been possible without the support of scholarships. Coming from a low-income family, Darissa knew that the financial burden of college could stand in the way of her goals. But thanks to the generosity of donors, she can focus on her education without the constant worry of financial constraints. “This scholarship means everything to me,” she shares. “It’s not just about easing the financial burden—it’s about opportunity, empowerment, and honoring the sacrifices my family has made.”
Beyond academics, Darissa is eager to grow as a leader and inspire others to pursue their dreams. With the support of scholarships, she is embracing every opportunity at UCLA to learn, lead, and give back. As she works toward her goal of becoming a neurosurgeon, she remains committed to using her education and experiences to uplift her community—turning the generosity she has received into a lifelong legacy of impact.
If you would like to learn more about how you can continue to support our current and future Bruins through Financial Aid & Scholarships, please reach out to our Office of Scholarships & Student Support Initiatives at uclascholarships@support.ucla.edu.
AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHT
Ron Yee is a passionate leadership coach, IT expert, and community advocate dedicated to helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential. As a Partner at Wooden’s Wisdom, he inspires corporate leaders and educators through seminars on the Pyramid of Success, demonstrating how teamwork, integrity, and resilience create lasting success. His experiences have shaped his belief that strong leadership and a growth mindset are key to meaningful progress.
Beyond his professional work, Ron is deeply committed to education and mentorship. A UCLA graduate with a B.A. in Mathematics/Applied Science, he has served in leadership roles with the UCLA Alumni Association, Parents’ Council, and various nonprofit organizations. He is a dedicated and exemplary representative of the UCLA Chancellor’s Society through his service as a volunteer Ambassador. Whether coaching executives, guiding young professionals, or championing diversity and inclusion, his mission remains the same: helping others grow, lead, and thrive.
Ron answered a few questions to give insight on his coaching journey:
What inspired you to begin coaching with Wooden’s Wisdom?
I met Craig Impelman, husband to John Wooden’s granddaughter Christy and co-founder of Wooden’s Wisdom, at a UCLA Nachos and Brew gathering. Craig had presented parts of John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” at the event. Afterwards, I chatted with Craig about how I was working with teens on Mission Viejo’s Community of Character Committee. He offered to present Wooden’s Wisdom to teens and their families pro bono in Mission Viejo. I used my videography experience to provide Craig with some footage of his work. Craig graciously asked me to work with him. Over time, he and I have collaborated on ways to improve the organization and content of Wooden’s Wisdom presentations. Every day we learn more about Coach Wooden’s thought processes and why he chose specific words in the definitions for each of the blocks of the “Pyramid of Success”. The “Pyramid of Success” is truly marvelous with both its simplicity and intricacies! We coach to uphold Coach’s legacy and to enrich other people’s lives, not to gain wealth.
Can you share a personal experience that shaped your coaching journey?
I’ll share two experiences. A senior VP once asked me what I would like my legacy to show. I decided I wanted to coach others to be great teammates and leaders. In addition to doing so in my career, I’ve also worked with youth groups at many schools and the city of Mission Viejo. From Brene Brown, I learned that communication is only effective when the receiver of information understands its usage as you intended. From that I learned to be a better listener and to ask questions to determine whether I’d been effective or not.
What are some common challenges your clients face?
Clients often focus on outcomes rather than processes. They strive for what they think are nice profits rather than being sure their teams are working at their full potential and allocating time to learn to expand that potential on a daily basis. They rely on the capabilities of a few superstars rather than drawing out the capabilities of the entire team. What is your favorite Coach Wooden quote or lesson? Favorite Quote: “You can’t live a perfect day until you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” Favorite Lesson: comes from a poem by Reverend Claude Wisdom White, Sr. Coach loved, “A Little Fellow Follows Me”. It applies to our children and really anyone who might consider us to be a role model.
JOIN THE TEAM!
Become a Chancellor’s Society Ambassador! The UCLA Chancellor’s Society Ambassador program is available to any active Chancellor’s Society-level donor. There are several volunteer subcommittees that you can join to be an Ambassador. Activities can include making phone calls, writing letters, attending events, and taking part in call-a-thons. Ambassadors work with Chancellor’s Society staff and partner with campus groups (including professional schools, Alumni Association, Athletics and more) to support events and initiatives across campus and provide peer to peer engagement with donors.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lucy Tseng, Director, at chancellorssociety@support.ucla.edu.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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