GOLD SHIELD, ALUMNAE OF UCLA
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In 1936, twelve UCLA alumnae became the founding members of Gold Shield. Their purpose was "to foster good will and friendliness" between the young Westwood campus and the "town." Originally, members assisted with university functions and presented salons to introduce outstanding faculty to the community.
In 1939, Gold Shield responded to the Alumni Association's need for assistance with its new Scholarship Program. Since that time, the organization has funded not only hundreds of scholarship awards, but also many other projects for UCLA.
Gold Shield commissioned the writing and publication of a 50th anniversary campus history, UCLA on the Move, and published a souvenir UCLA pictorial booklet. The group originated the often emulated Dinners for Twelve Strangers Program and donated to the campaigns to construct the John R. Wooden Center, Pauley Pavilion, and the James West Alumni Center.
To mark Gold Shield's own fiftieth anniversary in 1986, the members established a $250,000 endowment for the Gold Shield Faculty Prize, An Award for Academic Excellence. This endowment has since grown to more than $500,000. The Prize is awarded biennially to a UCLA Faculty member in mid-career who has demonstrated extraordinary accomplishments in teaching and in reseach or creative activity and who has made a significant contribution to undergraduate education.
Gold Shield members number about 150. Membership is by invitation. Members are selected for their loyalty to UCLA and outstanding achievements professionally and in their communities. Since there is no paid staff, the esprit de corps of Gold Shield grows with each challenge. This is the spirit that was instilled at its founding and continues to this day.
