To honor 100 years of UCLA, Bruins all around the world are participating in celebrations and contemplating how the next century will shape this great institution. In his forward to the commemorative chronicle UCLA: The First Century, Chancellor Gene D. Block remarks that from its establishment in 1919 UCLA has transformed from a small junior college to a world-class, public research university. It’s a remarkable achievement, one that was accomplished gradually, overcoming challenges as they arose, and continually evolving to meet changing demands.
UCLA Administration has played a significant role in UCLA’s success and ranking as the number one public institution in the country. It’s exhilarating to dream of what opportunities and meaningful legacy we are building today for UCLA and for its staff, faculty, and students. Each of us, in our individual role, has an opportunity to inspire a student, a fellow employee, or a guest. This can be as simple as just saying hello or smiling to people we meet, being part of developing a new building, or suggesting an innovative way to improve a campus service. We all contribute to what makes UCLA such a special place and an exceptional institution.
Seeking excellence requires a commitment to continuous improvement. Achieving excellence sometimes means daring to take steps to venture into something new and unfamiliar. It takes courage and faith to forge a transformative path. It is exciting to think that we are not just dreaming of what UCLA could become over the next 100 years, but we are actually engaged in that effort now. Think about what contributions you are making today that people will look back on after the next 100 years and see your fingerprints.
I am proud of our UCLA Administration team and all that you have and will accomplish. As we venture into the future, I encourage each of you to find inspiration, to dream, and to explore opportunities for change—increase your skills, improve department processes, and succeed.
All the best,
Michael Beck
Administrative Vice Chancellor
How UCLA came into being 100 years ago
More about how UCLA has been lighting the way for 100 years
