February 23, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

David Geffen Adds $46M to UCLA Medical Scholarships Program

Total among donated by Geffen to UCLA nearly half-a-billion

By Sam Catanzaro

UCLA has received an additional $46 million gift from longtime supporter and entertainment visionary David Geffen, a donation that brings the amount of the David Geffen Medical Scholarship Fund to $146 million and the total Geffen has donated to UCLA to nearly half a billion dollars.

According to UCLA, this latest contribution will allow an additional 120 at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA to benefit from the fund, bringing the total number of students estimated to receive awards to 414 over a decade-long period.

The full-ride scholarships, consisting of full tuition and a living stipend, have allowed UCLA bring in a broader range of top-tier medical school candidates, says UCLA. Between 2013 and 2018, the number of applications increased over 50 percent and nearly a quarter of U.S. medical school applicants apply to UCLA.

“Mr. Geffen’s groundbreaking contributions have inspired others across the nation to assist more students with the cost of their medical education,” UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said. “His support has made it possible for UCLA to lead the way.”

According to UCLA, 73 percent of 2019 Geffen Scholar graduates are pursuing residency training in California, and 63 percent of all Geffen Scholar graduates are training in California.

“That is significant in California, where physician shortages are a growing challenge,” UCLA said in a press release.

Dr. Allen Rodriguez graduated as a Geffen Scholar in 2018 and is now a second-year family medicine resident at Scripps Mercy Chula Vista Family Medicine program, which provides integrated health care, just north of the San Diego–Tijuana border.

“Without looming debt from medical education, I was able to choose to go into family medicine, a field I find to be extremely challenging but one that positions me to provide care for the greatest number of people with the greatest number of issues — and pursue it in a location where my work is very much needed,” Rodriguez told UCLA News.

Geffen launched the scholarship fund in 2012 with a $100 million donation. The reinvestment brings his total contributions to UCLA to over $450 million.

“The Geffen Scholars program is life-altering for our students and their future patients,” said Dr. Kelsey Martin, dean of the Geffen School of Medicine. “Mr. Geffen’s generosity has remarkable ripple effects.”

Related Posts

Breaking News: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Removes Fire Chief, Appoints Interim Leader

February 21, 2025

February 21, 2025

Breaking News: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Removes Fire Chief, Appoints Interim Leader Mayor Karen Bass removed Los Angeles Fire Chief...

(Video) Rifkin Raanan Dentistry Uses Expertise and Artistry to Give Patients Their Dream Smiles

February 21, 2025

February 21, 2025

For More Info, Go To https://rodneyraanan.com/ For More Info, Go To https://t.co/fqr4Rm1iyi pic.twitter.com/zlNmLvqamj — CCNewsLA (@CCWNNews) February 21, 2025

Celebrate National Margarita Day With Specials on the Westside This Saturday

February 20, 2025

February 20, 2025

Weho, Venice, and Santa Monica Bars Serve Up Creative Margaritas For those looking to shake off the start-of-the-year blues, National...

Broxton Plaza Grand Opening Brings Free Entertainment, Skating & More to Westwood

February 20, 2025

February 20, 2025

Celebrate LA’s Largest Pedestrian Plaza With Music, Activities, and a Ribbon-Cutting Broxton Plaza, the largest pedestrian plaza in Los Angeles,...

New Initiative Aims to Revive Local Businesses in West Hollywood

February 20, 2025

February 20, 2025

With Revenues Down up to 50%, “Weho Gives Back” Launches Local businesses in West Hollywood have reported revenue declines of...

Oscar Nominee Spotlights at the Academy Museum: Exclusive Screenings & Panels

February 20, 2025

February 20, 2025

Get an Inside Look at the 2025 Academy Award-Nominated Films With Special Series The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will...

Film Review: The Monkey 

February 20, 2025

February 20, 2025

By Dolores Quintana Writer and director Osgood Perkins’ follow-up to his acclaimed 2024 film Longlegs is another animal entirely. The...

(Video) Crowns and Hops’ Teo Hunter Talks About What Makes Their Beer Special

February 20, 2025

February 20, 2025

At a pop-up tasting at Hi-Lo Liquor in Culver City, He talks about the beer called The Dopest Hazy IPA,...

(Video) Newly Opened Flour Pizzeria in Brentwood

February 20, 2025

February 20, 2025

The restaurant is reborn after they lost their Pacific Palisades shop in the fire. Flavorful Brooklyn-style pies and slices available...

UCLA Alum Chris Kluwe Arrested After Anti-MAGA Protest at City Council Meeting

February 19, 2025

February 19, 2025

Former Vikings PunterArrested After Pro-Trans/Anti-Trump Speech Chris Kluwe, a former professional NFL punter with the Vikings and graduate of UCLA,...

Santa Monica Pier Hosts Locals’ Night with Black History Month Celebration, Drone Show, and Wildfire Relief

February 19, 2025

February 19, 2025

Enjoy live music, wine tastings, food pop-ups, and a special tribute to Black culture on Feb. 20. The Santa Monica...

Celebrate Black History Month With Cultural Events in Westwood This Week

February 18, 2025

February 18, 2025

From High-Energy West African Dance To Powerful Black LGBTQ+ History Westwood will host three vibrant cultural events in February, showcasing...

Free Legal and Recovery Workshops for Los Angeles Residents Affected By Wildfires

February 18, 2025

February 18, 2025

Public Counsel Offers Expert Guidance on Rebuilding, Avoiding Scams, Trauma Public Counsel, a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to...

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s LA Home Burglarized on Valentine’s Day

February 18, 2025

February 18, 2025

Burglary Part of a Growing Trend of High-Profile Crimes in Los Angeles The Los Angeles home of actress Nicole Kidman...

UCLA Students Protest Suspension of Pro-Palestinian Groups On Campus

February 18, 2025

February 18, 2025

Demonstrators March After University Suspends Student Organizations Groups of students gathered on the UCLA campus Tuesday afternoon to protest the...