UCLA Honoring Rachel Robinson Today (For "UCLA Day")

Bumped. The celebration is today. GO BRUINS. - N

From Cynthia Lee at UCLA Today:

For her dedication to the cause of education, social activism and professional achievements, Robinson will return to campus on May 9, UCLA Day, to receive the university’s highest honor, the UCLA Medal, from Chancellor Gene Block and Athletic Director Dan Guerrero.

"Among our many accomplished alumni, perhaps none is more committed to empowering others to live better lives than Rachel Robinson," Chancellor Gene Block said. "We are especially grateful for her tireless dedication to provide scholarships and leadership training, which has enabled so many deserving students to pursue their dreams at UCLA and other leading universities."

Calling from New York, where the L.A. native now lives, Robinson said, "Getting the UCLA Medal is such a stunning tribute. I would never, ever have anticipated it. To receive this from the university that I love and respect so much is very, very exciting and uplifting to me."

Mrs. Robinson is coming back to campus tomorrow. She had lot stories to share with Cynthia in that article linked above including how she met Jackie on campus:

Robinson held jobs throughout college, including working as a riveter on the night shift at Lockheed. "I didn’t have time to go out to many places to socialize," she recalled. But she had gone to a couple of football games where she noticed one particular player.

"I thought he was arrogant because of the way he stood in the backfield with his hands on his hips. That’s the one trait that I just can’t stand in an individual. So I was very surprised at how he presented himself when I actually met him," she said.

They met in Kerckhoff Hall, where African-American students hung out during their free time. Jackie Robinson, already a Big Man On Campus for being the first Bruin to letter in four sports in a single year, was a senior and three years older than she when they were introduced by a mutual friend, fellow football player Ray Bartlett.

"Jack was quiet, confident, friendly and had a beautiful smile, just the opposite of what I had anticipated," she remembered of their first encounter. "I was just so relieved to see that he was a human being that I could admire."

You have to read rest of the story here which ended with this note on "UCLA Day"

"I have never lost contact with the campus," said Robinson, who said she is eagerly anticipating taking part in UCLA Day. "I have always felt very close to the university. It’s really the place where I grew up."

Well, I know if I lived in Southern California (or in California) I'd make every effort to get to Westwood for this. For full details check out the fanpost from UCLA Championships Made Here.

GO BRUINS.