“There’s so much to celebrate at UCLA Engineering, and we found that our alumni were looking for new ways to stay connected with the school,” said Jayathi Murthy, the Ronald and Valerie Sugar Dean. “We’ve planned a weekend that should appeal to everyone interested in learning about what’s new at the school, rekindling old friendships and creating new memories.”
The inaugural UCLA Engineering Reunion invites graduates from classes celebrating first-year and five-year milestones, including those from the Classes of 2016, 2012, 2007, 2002, 1997, 1992, 1987, 1982, 1977, 1972, 1967. All alumni from classes earlier than 1967 are also invited.
As part of the Reunion Class Gift challenge, popular student group mentor Bill Goodin MS ’71, ME ’82, PhD ’75 has thrown his weight behind the younger classes. If the classes of 2016, 2012, 2007 and 2002 reach their Reunion class giving goals, Goodin will commit additional funds to be applied to the class giving goal.
“Giving back to your alma mater is an important part of staying connected to your school community, but that can be difficult for students still early in their careers,” Goodin said. “Hopefully this challenge will encourage young alumni to make contributions at whatever level they feel comfortable and still help meet their class goals.”
The weekend kicks off Friday evening with a Pre-Reunion Celebration Alumni Social at the Luskin Center’s Plateia Lounge. In addition to the main Reunion Gala that night, Saturday provides the opportunity to engage with world-renowned UCLA Engineering faculty during a series of TED-style talks and panel discussions. Sunday brunch at the new Luskin Center sends everyone off in style.
“I’m sure for some of our alumni who haven’t been back for a while, it will seem like a lot has changed,” Murthy said. “At the same time, what hasn’t changed is the sense of community and that special feeling of being on campus, in a friendly environment, with some of the best minds in the world.”
General information, programming and registration for the 2017 UCLA Engineering Reunion can be found here. Class giving information can be found here.