Host a Dinner.
Share a Meal.
Spark a Connection.

Since 1968, Dinners for 12 Strangers (D12) has been a cherished UCLA tradition rooted in warmth, curiosity, and the joy of bringing people together. Each year, Bruins host dinners at their homes or gather in their communities to share a meal, spark conversations, and create memories that span generations.

What makes D12 special isn’t just the menu or the setting; it’s the moment when Bruins realize how much they have in common. Whether through shared interests, identities, life stories, or Bruin pride, a simple dinner becomes a bridge linking the past and present. It’s where nervous introductions turn into laughter, silence turns into community, and strangers become part of your UCLA story, and you become part of theirs.

If you live within 10 miles of UCLA, we encourage you to invite students to a welcoming evening that fosters their sense of belonging and supports them throughout their UCLA journey.

If you live more than 10 miles away, anywhere in the US or around the world, we invite you to host fellow alumni, from new graduates finding their footing to longtime Bruins reconnecting with the community, or those eager to build friendships in their city. Hosting can be simple: a home-cooked meal, a reservation at your favorite spot, or even a pizza night or potluck.

And to our returning hosts, thank you. You already understand the magic of a D12 table. You’ve seen how stories resonate across generations and how a single dinner can spark lasting friendships. Your openhearted hospitality keeps this tradition alive, and we would be honored to have you host again.

Wherever you are, your dinner table becomes a place where Bruins arrive as strangers and leave feeling connected, seen, and part of something bigger. No formalities. No need for perfection, just your willingness to share the UCLA that shaped who you are. Sign up quickly so we can let Bruins in your area know about your invitation.

Dinners for 12 Strangers is a tradition passed down one plate, one story, one shared moment at a time.

With gratitude,
The UCLA Student Alumni Association