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Bruins, show us your
True Blue and Pure Gold
At UCLA, blue and gold are more than just our school colors — they represent the spirit and values that propel our community forward. True Blue is the grit that drives championship wins and inspires mentorship that lasts a lifetime. Pure Gold is the brilliance behind fresh ideas, transformative research and engineering breakthroughs that make a global mark.
The Blue & Gold Challenge is the manifestation of this legacy. From November 2 to 9, Bruins from all walks of life — alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends — come together to support the university’s mission of innovation, discovery and student success. During this special week of giving, every gift counts. No matter the size, your contribution helps provide essential resources that empower UCLA students to thrive, fund cutting-edge research, enhance campus facilities and create opportunities that shape the future.
This year, the Challenge features a True Bruin Challenger who has pledged a generous six-figure gift. Once our community reaches the collective giving goal of 4,500 donations, this special gift will be unlocked, multiplying the impact of every donation and fueling UCLA’s pursuit of excellence.
The Blue & Gold Challenge is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. It’s about showing up for each other, investing in the Bruins of today and tomorrow and proving that when we unite, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
For one week only, join this celebration of community, generosity and Bruin Pride. The countdown is on!
Are you ready to take on the Challenge?
Make an Impact
A donation of any amount brings us one step closer to meeting our Challenge goal of 4,500 gifts before the clock runs out on November 9. Step up to the Challenge now and support the campus department, program or cause that’s most meaningful to you!
- Support the Bruin Research FundGive NowHelp ensure that innovation never fades by providing flexible, immediate support for research initiatives led by faculty and students alike.
- UCLA HealthGive NowUCLA Health doctors and scientists are pioneering work in a wide range of disciplines, bringing the latest discoveries to virtually every field of medicine.
- The UCLA Institute of American CulturesGive NowThe UCLA Institute of American Cultures (IAC) is the administrative hub for our four ethnic studies research centers.
- Show Your True Blue & Pure Gold SpiritGive NowEvery gift counts, and together, we can make a difference that’s true blue and pure gold!
- Support the Chancellor's Greatest Needs FundGive NowYour gift supports high-impact priorities across campus, from advancing equity and sustainability to providing emergency aid and enhancing student programs.
- UCLA Library: Advancing Knowledge and InnovationGive NowSupport UCLA Library in the Blue and Gold Challenge — your gift fuels student discovery, learning, and access to collections that spark research and creativity.
Meet Our Challenger
UCLA is among the nation’s top-ranked public universities because of True Blue leaders who value the importance of giving back. Alumnus Mark Kalmansohn has pledged a generous six-figure gift in support of our students to be unlocked if we meet the Challenge goal. The stakes have been raised — let’s join together to make it happen. Go Bruins!
Mark E. Kalmansohn, Double Bruin
For proud alumnus Mark E. Kalmansohn, UCLA will always be a defining part of his life’s journey. After earning both his bachelor’s in political science and a law degree at UCLA, Mark went on to serve in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (Criminal Division) in Los Angeles before establishing his own entertainment firm. He credits his time at UCLA for helping shape his values, fueling his intellectual curiosity and inspiring his commitment to justice and community.
Mark’s philanthropy reflects a lifelong commitment to making the world a more just and equitable place. Through his support of global non-profits focused on women’s rights, equal rights, voter access, climate action, anti-poverty and pro-democracy advocacy, as well as several UCLA initiatives, he continues to champion opportunity, empathy and excellence.
“UCLA has helped to shape who I am by reaffirming the value of perseverance, intellectual curiosity and community. Giving back through scholarship funds and program support is my way of paying forward, so that every student can have a similar transformative experience. The Blue & Gold Challenge is a chance for us all to do that together: open doors, empower students and keep the Bruin spirit thriving for generations to come. Our present challenges only make me more determined to assist in promoting the timeless values UCLA represents and embraces.”
Mark’s holistic support of UCLA spans several student scholarship funds including Bruin Guardian Scholars, the Blue & Gold Scholarship, the Academic Achievement Scholarship and the Affordability Initiative Scholarship. He generously donates to 13 UCLA athletics programs (11 women’s and two men’s sports) and has entered into more than 20 NIL contracts supporting student-athletes. Moreover, Mark contributes to the UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, the Fowler Museum and the UCLA African American Studies and Political Science departments.
This year, Mark invites the UCLA community to join him in the Blue & Gold Challenge to create a meaningful, lasting impact that ensures all Bruins have the same opportunity to learn, grow and lead the global community by example. In doing so, he shares these inspirational words by President John F. Kennedy: “I do not shrink from this responsibility. I welcome it.”
Get In It To Pin It
Your generosity is truly pin-spirational! As a special thank you for supporting this year’s Blue & Gold Challenge, we’re gifting you our Limited Collector’s Edition Enamel Pin Set. This commemorative series includes three brand new designs for 2025 that capture the many facets of Bruin fandom!
Every donation of $25 or more* to the fund of your choice gets you an exclusive three-pin set. Hurry — quantities limited while supplies last!
Limit one set per gift transaction of $25 or more.
*Your donation includes $5 in non-deductible benefits. All gifts to an existing fund are subject to the terms and conditions of that fund.