Sherry Lansing. UCLA, Unabashed.
Sherry Lansing is vice chair-elect of the Regents of the University of California, former CEO of Paramount Pictures and founder of The Sherry Lansing Foundation, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for cancer research.
“Forty-nine years ago, the president of the University of California introduced an idealistic, untested and truly immodest plan to build the finest public higher education system in the nation.
Too many Californians think that the state government fully funds the UC budget.
“Happily, Dr. Kerr’s Master Plan succeeded, but there was an unforeseen consequence: it over–performed.
“Today, California’s public universities (including one that’s not even 100 years old and is in L.A., of all places) rank among the most highly regarded universities public or private, in the nation or the world. Period.
“That freshman you just passed on Bruin Walk may be the next Bill Gates, the next Picasso, or the next Jackie Joyner–Kersee. The professor over there could create an unforgettable piece of music, a cure for a deadly disease, 10,000 new high–tech jobs or a math program for failing schools that actually works.
Private money is a small fraction of the overall university budget. But when you need to get from good to great, it can be the fast–forward button.
“So, how can UCLA maintain that momentum, that excellence? How do we nourish this priceless community asset, this spectacular economic engine that enriches us all?
“Start with this reality check:
“California state government funding for the university system has gone from 42% a generation ago to 16% today. And that money’s not coming back.
I’m not sure I could get into UCLA. That’s not the point. I can’t play with the Philharmonic either.
“Which brings us back to us, the citizen/owners. Not just alumni. Not just the university family. We need every business, large and small; every member of the leadership community — anyone who benefits from this university. That would very likely be everyone one of us.
“One last thought: the future has been around for a long time. It will be there tomorrow. But now is now. The momentum, the excellence, the need is now.”
UCLA, Unabashed.
Eli Broad Brad Delson Diane Watson Julia Gouw Betsy Knapp
Moctesuma Esparza Paul Boyer Richard Ziman Warren Furutani Karen Bass
- Spotlights published by UCLA Marketing & Communications
- © 2009 UC Regents