We recognize the great loss that we as a community experienced in 2020 — and continue to experience as the pandemic lingers. Being physically distant has made it more difficult to grieve and find comfort in each other. We hope that this issue can be a tribute to those Bruins we have lost and the more than 400,000 people lost due to COVID-19 in the U.S.
To bring voice to the loss and to celebrate loved ones, here are two tributes from our readers:
Maria Flavia Fiorentino Wilcox '86
dedicated 35 years at UCLA in support of students pursuing their dreams of higher education. She leaves behind an extensive legacy across the University of California as well as middle schools and high schools throughout the state. In addition to her leadership as the associate director of UCLA’s Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP), Maria shared her talents with UCLA Admissions, Student Affairs, UCLA College: Making It Happen initiative as an initial member, and statewide projects for the University of California Office of the President.
LaDonna Lewis
graduated from L.A. High School and was excited to join the Bruin family. She attended UCLA from 1972 to 1975 as a proud political science major. She dreamed of becoming the governor of California. Losing her father at a young age propelled her life in a different direction — into a longtime career in corporate finance and executive level leadership with Toyota/Lexus Financial Services. So full of life, LaDonna enjoyed taking pictures (so many selfies too), sending cards and thoughtful tokens of love to friends and family. To know LaDonna is to love her. She collected lions (a true Leo), sunflowers and hummingbirds. LaDonna was a devoted daughter, a dedicated mother to two beautiful children (Britanny and Ray), a phenomenal sister to eight siblings, a true-blue friend and confidant. Above all, LaDonna’s foundation and faith in the Lord carried her through. There is no gap that can fill the loss of her physical presence, but we find peace and joy in cherishing all of the wonderful memories we have shared together. With Forever Love, Britanny Lewis-Porchia (UCLA Staff since 2007)
We thank all our readers who shared their stories with us. This week's offerings offer resilience and compassion for Bruins in difficult times.
Coping Through COVID-19
UCLA's STAND Together During COVID-19, a partnership with Beyoncé's BeyGOOD and the Start Small fund, is a website designed to help you cope and offer the support you may need throughout the pandemic.
As always, we thank you for all your love and support. Please let us know if there is a topic you are interested in by submitting ideas to diversity@alumni.ucla.edu.