FWC SCHOLARSHIPS: Then and Now (during the COVID-19 Pandemics)

ORAL HISTORY LEGACY PROJECT

UCLA's Faculty Women's Club Compiles Rich Legacy Through ORAL HISTORY PROJECT It was documented in Daily Bruin (March 14, 2013) under "Reliving the Past." Zorana Ercegovac, then President of the Faculty Women's Club, wanted to record the FWC, founded in 1918, through personal stories, anecdotes, photographs, and voices of our members. If you would like to be included in the FWC Oral History Legacy Project, please contact Zorana (zercegov@gmail.com). 

FWC FOURTH General Meeting, March 16th, 2021 featured Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz https://bnatterson-horowitz.com who will discuss her latest book: Wildhood: The Astounding Connections between Animal and Human Adolescents. Dr Barbara Natterson-Horowitz has been investigating various vulnerabilities among adolescent humans and animals, across risk taking, mental health, and exploitation. Her research results are published widely! Her work uses the lenses of evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and animal behavior to understand the species-spanning challenges of growing up. 

Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, MD, the featured speaker at the FWC
FOURTH General Meeting, March 16, 2021

Dr. Natterson-Horowitz was invited as the FWC speaker for our iconic General Meetings. 

Dr. Natterson-Horowitz (left) with Bowers, at the October 2012 FWC General Meeting.
B. N. Horowitz discussed her book Zoobiquity (NY Times bestselling, 2012) 

FWC's THIRD GENERAL WEBINAR celebrated twelve outstanding UCLA students. The UPDATE (v.31 no. 3) featured the main speaker, California senator Ben Allen, and brief biographies of the FWC 2021 Scholars. There is no need to repeat here their remarkable achievements. 

However, for the first in the history of FWC Scholarship Award Ceremony, we witnessed students' presentations on the screen rather than in person. Details are recorded and a full presentation of the February 2021 General Meeting is here.

Here is that one single screen which captured 11 successful undergraduate students and one Ph.D. candidate, Marta Bornstein, who won this year's FWC SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS.

Last year, February 2020, was the last celebratory program and event when we could meet in-person with the FWC Scholars. The group photo below captures their smiles -- from the UCLA's Faculty Center.

FWC SECTIONS thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic era

In just ten months after the FWC Scholarship General Meeting (February 2020) at the Faculty Center (see photos below), the world had entirely changed. Currently more than 435,000 people in the US have died from COVID-19 (Johns Hopkins University). FDA issues emergency authorization for first rapid at-home COVID-19 test. New York City's public school system, the nation's largest, will close as COVID-19 cases rise in the area. As I write this post, I am including a graphic depiction of the devastation the epidemic has had on our daily lives.

We face challenges related to social isolation, economic devastation,
and COVID-19 cases at the rate of more than 435,000 infections daily

 

No one could have predicted just 10 months ago, that we would be preparing to celebrate the 2020 Thanksgiving Holidays without family members in near lockdown. UCLA classes have been online since Fall 2020 quarter, and so are FWC's General Meetings. See a few photos from our 2nd General Meeting Webinar.

Lori Bettison-Varga (top row, first from left), President and Director of the
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMS OF Los Angeles County

 

Detailed information about her and her presentation is published in our Nov/Dec 2020 UPDATE. She over-sees The Natural History Museum in Exposition Park, La Brea Part Pits and Museum in Hancock Park, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall.

Dr. Bettison-Varga spoke about her goals: advancing the outreach and education around urban nature and community science, as well as re-imagining of the popular La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. 

On a positive side, 2020 academic year brought another Nobel Prize to UCLA. UCLA's Lauren B. Leichtman and Arthur E. Levine Professor of Astrophysics, Andrea Ghez, was awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in physics.

Prof. Andrea Ghez (left) and Zorana Ercegovac, who nominated Prof. Ghez
for the 2016 FWC Woman of Distinction

I am very proud to have nominated Prof. Ghez for the FWC Woman of Distinction. She spoke enthusiastically about her research at the Spring General Meeting, and brought along several copies of her book YOU CAN BE A WOMAN ASTRONOMER.

Prof. Andrea Ghez displaying her book (co-authored withJ. Love Cohen)
"captures the excitement of discovery and combines it with the
awesome nature of the universe itself. Prof. Ghez autographed the copies which
were distributed to the attendees. 

 

There are special events as well. Virginia Shabaik was honored with a special tea party, hosted by Marianne (second in the top row from left).

Virginia Shabaik (right), who has been with the UCLA's FWC since 1968
One of her daughters was with her (left). Marianne arranged a beautiful 
background with roses each placed in a uniquely displayed tea cup
The event was well attended, with numerous stories and anecdotes :-)
THANK YOU, VIRGINIA 

Our sections are active via zoom such as Play-reading, Music in Cultural Contexts, and Book Discussion.

 

  Our December 2020 Music in Cultural Contexts Section was a very successful event and program. 

We invited our sister section members including "bookies" and play readers to participate in the Digital  HOLIDAY ALBUM 2020. We all (see above) cheered for a healthy and happy New Year 2021.

Book Section members discuss their November book
All for Nothing by Walter Kempowski. Zorana Ercegovac leads the discussion
From top left: Marjorie (zoom host), Zorana; middle: Jarka and Amelita;
bottom row: Rochelle and Joy. Participated but not in the photo: Bette, Barbara R., & Norma
Notice different backgrounds behind each participant. 

This is how IT USED TO BE, or during the pre-COVID-19 era
photo, by Zorana

... and during the COVID-19 era
Marjorie Friedlander hosts the zoom session
"Bookies" are discussing works to be considered during 2020-2021

The cast in the Play-reading section, chaired by Rochelle Caballero
We are presenting Anton Chekhov's play THE SEAGULL

This photo shows HOW IT USED TO BE in one of our
Music in Cultural Contexts Section, Chaired by Zorana Ercegovac
Debby presents Stephen C. Foster --"the father of American music"

)

Music in Cultural Contexts (Chaired by Zorana Ercegovac) introduced our Holiday Sing-Along gathering
We have traditionally invited our sister section members, Play-readers

Music Section October 2020 presentation via zoom
Zorana Ercegovac, Presenter 
Rochelle Caballero, zoom hostess

FWC 3rd General Meeting welcomed our impressive FWC Scholars.

We hosted stellar undergraduate scholars and Kelsi Rutledge -- first year PhD student in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Here is the group photo of the 2019-2020 FWC Scholarship recipients.

From left: Ryan Chapman, Natalie Sarafian, Rosie Zhou, Amanda Hagen, Emma Leshan,
Nikola Samardzic, Kelsi Rutledge, Darren Liou, and Lilia Diaz
Photo credit: Zorana Ercegovac

Each recipient briefly summarized his/her area of research, describing their current work and future plans. For example, Natalie plans to become a neurosurgeon; she is majoring in biology and studying ancient Near East and Egyptology. Emma is majoring in microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics, with a minor in biomedical research. Guadalupe Martinez, not in the group photo above, investigates the role of immune cells in age-related cardiovascular disease. She has volunteered at UCLA, Cedars, and Kaiser Medical centers. Her professional goal is to become a pediatrician. Kelsi's PhD focuses on chemoreception and the hydrodynamics of fish olfaction and diversity in shape of fish noses.

Photo credit: Zorana Ercegovac

Each recipient was hosted by an assigned FWC member, and here are a few photos pairing a recipient with his.her hostess.

Professor Claudia Kernan hosted Darren Liou.

Darren plays clarinet and piano, aiming to perform, educate, and inspire new generations in the art of classical music.

Rosie, below, is hosted by Diane Homsher.

Rosie is majoring in bioengineering, planning to obtain her PhD in biomedical engineering.

Photo credit: Zorana Ercegovac

Photo credit: Zorana Ercegovac

Lilia Diaz was hosted by Melissa Ward.

Lilia's interest is in improving fitness through diet and exercise. She plans to develop an online training program, and establish a physical therapy clinic with an associated gym and nutritional restaurant.

Nikola Samardzic, below, is senior undergraduate student in the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science. Nikola is majoring in Computer Science and Math.

He works as a National Science Foundation undergraduate researcher, studying computational limits of hardware accelerators. He plans to become a professor, researching computational theory of machine learning.

Photo credit: Zorana Ercegovac

Photo credit: Zorana Ercegovac

Ryan Chapman was hosted by Sandy Spolsky.

Ryan is third year in the College of Letter and Science.
He plans to attain a PhD in economics and work in data science.

                The 2019-2020 FWC Scholarship
                committee:

                Jaroslava Wilcox, Chair
                Barbara Crandal
                Zorana Ercegovac
                Joy Frank
                Shirley Ho
                Mary Territo

UCLA Emeriti/Retirees Relations Center 50th Celebration: "Fabulous at First, Fantastic at Fifty"

Chancellor Charles E. Young inspired the creation of the ERRC in 1969, not only building an interconnected space for retired campus personnel, but also establishing a model for academic institutions across the country.

There is a vibrant intersection between programs and activities among UCLA's Faculty Women Club, UCLA ERRC, the Faculty Center, and the entire UCLA community.

This was evident yesterday when the UCLA ERRC held its 50th Annual Celebration in the dining hall of the Faculty Center.

I took a few photos during the program and the delicious luncheon menu prepared by the Faculty Center.

Many of our FWC members were in the attendance. I am posting a few of these photographs to document the event.

Ms. Toshi Ashikaga who celebrates her 102nd birthday was present everywhere

Jo Knopoff, Helen Nefkens, and Claudia Hinnebusch enjoying the ERRC 50th Anniversary

Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Emily Carter

Special remarks were presented from Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Emily A. Carter.
She was joined by:

Keynote Speaker, Vice Chancellor Emeritus of Planning, Adrian Harris

Distinguished Research Professor of Law, Carole Goldberg

Vice Chancellor of Academic Personnel, Michael Levine

Emeriti Association President, Ronald Mellor
Retiree Association President, Susan Abeles

Eddie Murphy with Zorana Ercegovac

Eddie Murphy provided leadership for more than 16 years to the retired UCLA personnel.

Simone King with Toshi Ashikaga, her son Mr. Ashikaga, and Zorana Ercegovac:
Enjoying the DOUBLE TOAST
Toshi's 102nd birthday on December 29, 2019
ERRC's 50th Anniversary

Our Oral History Legacy Project has been enriched by the newest FWC story by Ms. Toshi Ashikaga. Details about the beginnings of the Project are published in Daily Bruin, March 4, 2013 "Faculty Womens Club Compiles Rich History Through Oral Project."

https://dailybruin.com/2013/03/04/faculty-womens-club-compiles-rich-history-through-oral-project

Ercegovac, who started the Project in 2012-2013, interviewed Ms. Ashikaga on May 2019. A full transcript was published in UPDATE, March-April issue of 2020.

Getting Ready to The New FWC 2019-2020 Season

The UCLA's Faculty Women's Club Board members, Ad Hoc & Off Board & Coordinators met on August 6th at the UCLA's Faculty Center, Cypress Room. This is the first meeting in the 2019-2020 Academic Year.

The following FWC members participated in the meeting, and here's the group photograph.

Seated from left: Debby Wagger, Helene Des Ruisseaux, Shirley Ho (President), Bette Billet, and Barbara Lippe
Standing from left: Zorana Ercegovac, Dagmar Lestrel, Patti Nagy, Sandy Spolsky, Estellaleigh Franenberg, Jarka Wilcox, June Bulkacz, Rochelle Caballero, and Geraldine Walter

Photo credits: Jasmine Dade, The Faculty Center

The group addressed all pertinent issues, laid out in the meeting agenda, by Shirley Ho.
The group consists of 8 past presidents and recruited new Board Members, including
June Bulkacz, Estellaleigh Franenberg, and Helene Des Ruisseaux.

From another "working" angle of the FWC members
Photo credits: Jasmine Dade

Geraldine Walter, Past President (2018-2019) on the right with
Barbara Lippe (President 2017-2018)

Photo credits: Zorana Ercegovac

2019 LUNCHEON STARTS the 2nd CENTURY of The UCLA Faculty Women's Club

At the May 21st 2019 Sixth General Meeting, we gathered to honor several important events.

Firstoff, we celebrated the start of the second century of the Faculty Women's Club.

We honored our incoming 2019-2020 FWC President, Shirley Ho. I interviewed Shirley in the Spring of 2013 for our Centennial Oral Legacy Project. Shirley joined the FWC, inspired by the Scholarship Program in 1997, when their son Dean was awarded a FWC Scholarship in 1997. Shirley is our Music Section soprano soloist, and the Music Section member for the inception.

Dianne Homsher is our 2018-2019 FWC Outstanding Member. Dianne was also interviewed in the Spring of 2013 for the Centennial Oral Legacy Project. Jo Knopoff and Penny Hutchinson, whom I also interviewed for the Legacy Project, summarized numerous Dianne's achievement for us. I am using the photo below, which tells us all we need to know about the wonderful vibes of General Meeting Program. All four outstanding ladies have been with the UCLA's FWC from our beginnings. I personally have been fortunate to have interviewed them all in that Spring 2013!

Janet Pregler, MD looking at Shirley Ho, Dianne Homsher, Penny Hutchinson, and Jo Knopoff

We welcomed our guest speaker, Janet Pregler, MD, Director of the Iris Cantor UCLA Women's Health Center.

Dr. Pregler has served as an advocate and educator on women's health.

Her primary academic interests are breast cancer survivorship and menopause.

Dr. Pregler's topic, as the slide shows:

"Requiem for the 70 kg Man:
A short history of women's health and
academic medicine."

Finally, we celebrated PAST PRESIDENTS with traditional roses:

Zorana Ercegovac, President 2012-2013

Spring Luncheons are well attended, and the 2019 General Meeting was no exception.

Patti Nagy, Marianne Afifi, Rochelle Caballero, Dagmar Lestrel

Helen Nefkens, Simone, King, Glorya Dixon, Virginia Shabaik

FWC CENTENNIAL Closing FEST, March 19th 2019

To close the Centennial Celebration of the UCLA's Faculty Women's Club, founded in mid March od 1918, we will gather to honor our organization, to celebrate Women's History Month, and to learn about the iconic Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000). Professor Danijela Cabric of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at UCLA will illuminate on Lamarr's passion for scientific discovery in secure communication systems.

Our story begins with a teachers' training program, founded in 1862 as the California State Normal School in San Francisco. In 1881 a southern branch was added--the Los Angeles State Normal School (LASNS), which eventually moved to a site on Vermont Avenue. In 1887, LASNS became independent of the parent school under the leadership of Dr. E. C. Moore. Desiring to transform the 2-year college into a 4-year institution that would be part of the University of California (UC), Dr. Moore met with Southern California Regent E.A. Dickson to discuss putting in place a plan that let to the founding of today's UCLA.

LASNS Prof. Mary Burney Porter led the advocacy for the transformation which she felt would support equal opportunities for all. On March 15, 1918, she and about 45 faculty members created the Faculty Women's Club of LASNS for the purpose to place a measure for a 4-year school before the Women's Legislative Council of California. It represented about 80,000 women voters "interested in the welfare of women and children." Prof. Burney became president of the Club.

Promoting good fellowship among the faculty, their spouses, and the entire UCLA community, through educational and social activities and to assist UCLA students through a scholarship program remains the three-pronged mission we honor today.

THE CENTENNIAL CAKE
Debby Wagger, Joyce Glantz, Michaelyn Duboff, Sunny Harris, Jarka Wilcox,
Zorana Ercegovac (Program Chair), Danijela Cabric (keynote speaker)
Geraldine Walter (FWC president), Heidi Crooks, Virginia Shabaik, Bette Billet

At our Centennial closingFest on March 19th, we had a highest attendance ever, celebrated with bubblies, delicious chantilly triple berry cake, greetings from Carole Goldberg, and Julie Sina. They all praised the healthy longevity and the significance of the UCLA's Faculty Women's Club.

Carole Goldberg reminds us that while one hundred years (for UCLA) is indeed a long time, it is not compared with founding of other major higher education institutions.

Zorana Ercegovac, left, Centennial co-chair, introduces the keynote speaker Professor Danijela Cabric.

The banner at the podium reads:
UCLA FWC The Second Century.

Prof. Danijela Cabric:
"A CLOSER LOOK AT WOMEN IN ENGINEERING:
THE Hedy Lamarr STORY"

The Centennial Gala had more than 80 attendees, and many arrived to listen to the keynote presentation and sample a delicious triple berry birthday cake. I will keep adding photos, but here's for the start:

Glorya Dixon enjoys the Centennial event, along with our FWC members:

Roma King (red top)
Simone King
Helen Nefkens
Penny Hutchinson
Helene Des Ruisseaux

If I have missed to name you, please let me know your name(s), THANKS!

From left: Sandy Spolsky, Marianne Afifi, Kate Geller

Jo Knopoff reminded me to make photos of the attendees, yet another of my
Centennial Gala responsibilities
from left: Jo Knopoff, Penny Hutchinson, Pat Moore, Roma, and Simone

FWC Scholarship Dinner 2019

The Faculty Women's Club started off our new season with The 2019 Centennial Scholarship Dinner. We celebrated six undergraduate students. Their wide academic interests range from Arts and Architecture, African American Studies, and Cell biology, to political science and physiology.

Mary Territo introduced us to six Undergraduate UCLA students:
from left: Dani Williams-Jones, Betty Markarian, Cameron Vernali, Jessica Huang,
Joyce Li, and Salman Mubashir Azfar

Professional interests of our four graduate recipients of the FWC Scholarship were in Clinical Psychology, Asian American Studies, Public Affairs, and Film & Television.

From lefty: Brenda Tully, Tiffany Tran, Caroline Diehl, and Jacqueline Barnes

Each recipient introduced us in their area of research interest.

The Scholarship Program 2019 Acknowledged
THE "SONNY" and ADRIAN HARRIS FACULTY WOMEN'S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

Sonny Harris, our FWC Outstanding Member, admires the design of
The BIRTHDAY CAKE, all un Bruin blue and gold colors

Special time, as always, was the time spent with our students recipients, chatting about their aspirations, interests, and hobbies.

Betty Markarian with her hostess, Zorana Ercegovac, during the Scholarship reception.

Great time to catch up with friends and the recipients.

"HYPE: Medical Myths, Exaggerated Claims, and Bad Advice," was the title of Dr. Shapiro's talk. It is based on her recently published book on the subject.