Letter From Outgoing Chancellor Norman Abrams

by BruinFan1 on Aug 1, 2007 12:25 PM PDT

Just received this in my e-mail box today:

To the UCLA Campus Community:

As my time as chancellor of UCLA comes to a close, I want you to know that it has been a joy for me to work with so many of you as we have met the challenges that confronted us over the course of the year. For me, this period has been an opportunity to further serve the institution that I have loved for almost 50 years. It has been a year that has enriched my life.

I always knew that UCLA was made up of the best and brightest, but I have been struck by the talent we have here and the willingness of everyone to step forward on behalf of the university and its mission. I have gotten too much credit for many things that actually have reflected the efforts of dozens of people. The support of the campus at large has been crucial, too, for the measure of success that we have had. I am deeply grateful to all of you for the help you have given me.

Although we have faced some tough issues this year, there have also been important triumphs. I hope you share my sense of pride in our accomplishments. We have moved the campus forward and, if anything, have gained, rather than lost, momentum.

I am now passing the baton (at full speed, without breaking stride) to Gene Block, confident that rapid progress will continue under his leadership. UCLA is very fortunate to have found him and lured him to the West Coast. I know that all of you join me in wishing him and his wife, Carol, great success as Chancellor and First Lady of UCLA.

Go Bruins!

Sincerely,

Norman Abrams
Acting Chancellor

I'm sure people on here have an opinion of him here. I really don't have one except I HIGHLY disagree with his stance in regards to an on-campus pub. Regardless, I wish him the best.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

Tweet Comment 6 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

On campus pub

What was his position? Have one, don't have one? 3.2 alcohol levels???

BillSouthBay

by Mensgym on Aug 1, 2007 3:57 PM PDT reply actions

From My Understanding

He is the only reason why UCLA doesn't have an on-campus pub. Again, from what I understand, a pub has been approved at all levels but Mr. Abrams never wanted to sign on.

I hear tell the in-coming chancellor is a little more open to the idea. I guess we'll find out in the fall.

by BruinFan1 on Aug 1, 2007 4:34 PM PDT reply actions

Far more institutional obstruction

Remember that Abrams was appointed only an interm (caretaker) chancellor, in place for a few months. While he may have been opposed to the pub (I've lost track of who is in favor/opposed since graduation - as a law professor, I doubt he really cared much as a prof.), he would not have had much influence over the pub debate before taking the interm post.

For what its worth (having spent 2 years @ UVa under the new chancellor), UVa does not have an on-campus pub or late-night spot. However, the area immediately surrounding the university is much more student friendly than Westwood; that plus a reasonable alcohol policy regarding student events = there was never any push for a pub in Charlottesville. I guess that means that it is hard to divine Block's feelings one way or the other, but I don't think he would be strongly opposed coming straight out the gate.

by bruinhoo on Aug 1, 2007 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions

maybe

a pub and a stun gun trigger happy ucpd isn't a good mix?

by bruin95 on Aug 1, 2007 10:42 PM PDT reply actions

Zing!

Not to mention all those hard-working policemen diligently handing out tickets for jaywalking.

by tasser10 on Aug 2, 2007 7:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Just so everyone knows...

That Pub story run by the Daily Bruin was in fact bogus. They apparently printed a retraction the next day saying that the writer assumed that by remodeling the coop and giving it a "Pub-like atmosphere" then beer would be served. The Daily Bruin staff is not doing to well as of late it seems. ASUCLA does NOT want a pub partly due to liability and similar issues. Oh well.

by isodore on Aug 2, 2007 4:57 PM PDT reply actions