Univesity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA has produced an extraordinary array of alumni whose accomplishments span academia, science, politics, entertainment, and sports—demonstrating the university’s impact on the world stage.

In academia, UCLA graduates have gone on to lead and inspire in higher education and scholarship. Notably, Vartan Gregorian, a distinguished historian and scholar, served as president of Brown University and later the Carnegie Corporation, advancing global educational initiatives. Robert M. Gates, who earned his doctorate at UCLA, not only served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense but also led Texas A&M University as president. Across disciplines, UCLA alumni have become respected professors, deans, and thought leaders at prestigious institutions around the world.

UCLA’s contributions to science and innovation are equally impressive. Andrea Ghez, a professor of physics and astronomy at UCLA, won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics for her groundbreaking work on black holes at the center of the Milky Way. Another trailblazer, Leonard Kleinrock, was instrumental in the birth of the internet, transmitting one of the first ARPANET messages from a UCLA lab in 1969. Dr. Paul Terasaki, a pioneer in organ transplantation, revolutionized tissue typing, helping to save countless lives through improved transplant compatibility.

In the realm of politics and public service, UCLA alumni have held powerful and influential roles. Beyond Robert Gates, the university has educated numerous diplomats, judges, and civic leaders. Tom Bradley, a UCLA graduate, became the first African American mayor of Los Angeles, transforming the city during his two-decade tenure and paving the way for future leaders of color in urban governance.

Entertainment is deeply embedded in UCLA’s identity, with its proximity to Hollywood nurturing a pipeline of creative talent. The university counts among its alumni celebrated actors like James Franco, Gabrielle Union, and Jack Black, as well as Oscar-winning filmmakers such as Francis Ford Coppola and Alexander Payne. The School of Theater, Film and Television remains one of the most respected programs of its kind, cultivating new generations of writers, directors, and performers who shape global culture.

UCLA’s legacy in sports is legendary. Jackie Robinson, who shattered Major League Baseball’s color barrier, was a multi-sport athlete at UCLA and a symbol of courage and excellence. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer for decades, dominated college basketball as a Bruin and became an advocate for social justice. More recent stars like Russell Westbrook and Katelyn Ohashi continue UCLA’s tradition of athletic excellence. The university has also produced dozens of Olympians, including track icon Florence Griffith Joyner and gold-medal decathlete Rafer Johnson.