A visionary public health and higher education leader, Chancellor Frenk brings to UCLA a deep commitment to public service and to our university’s mission.
At his inauguration, he shared a collective vision — shaped by insights from the UCLA Connects: Listening Exercise with faculty, staff, students and community members — that will guide the university’s future.
The ceremony on June 5, 2025 brought together Bruins past and present alongside distinguished delegates from around the world to celebrate connections and community.
Inauguration Highlights
The inauguration of Chancellor Julio Frenk was a momentous occasion for UCLA — one that honored our past, celebrated our present and looked boldly to the future.
Academic Procession
Faculty, staff, students and delegates from institutions around the world marched in a colorful display of regalia, signifying the breadth and depth of higher education and honoring the global community of scholars and UCLA’s place within it.
Land Acknowledgement
The ceremony opened with a land acknowledgment, paying tribute to the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the original caretakers of the land on which UCLA now stands. This solemn recognition is more than a tradition; it is a commitment to truth, equity and a deeper understanding of our shared history.
Musical Performances
Throughout the ceremony, musical performances by the Bruin community provided both inspiration and reflection. Performers included the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s brass ensemble, Music and Dance of Ghana ensemble, African American Music Ensemble, Music of Thailand Ensemble, Opera UCLA, Chamber Singers Ensemble, and Mariachi de Uclatlán alongside members of local group Mariachi Los Camperos.
Greetings from the Community
University leaders, civic partners and student representatives offered words of welcome, reflecting the collaborative spirit that will define Chancellor Frenk’s tenure.
The Investiture
The formal conferral of the office — marked by the presentation of the Chancellor’s Medal — signifies the passing of leadership. With this gesture, Chancellor Frenk was officially entrusted with UCLA’s mission of education, research and service.
Chancellor Frenk shared our community’s shared aspirations for UCLA’s future. Lea el discurso de el rector aquí.
UCLA Connects: Bruin Talks
The day before Chancellor Frenk’s inauguration, six of UCLA’s most prominent scholars and artists presented their work at an academic symposium marking the occasion.
His talents and passion for service have already brought him to the pinnacle of government and academia internationally. Now, Julio Frenk prepares to steer UCLA into the future.
The strength of our connections will fortify us for whatever comes next.
Guestbook Messages
Welcome to our Bruin family, Chancellor Frenk, and warmest wishes for a productive and meaningful time as our leader.
Dolores McManus Rogers’57
Chancellor Frenk,
Congratulations to you and your family on your Inauguration Day! Thank you for your listening exercises, your passion for the entire UCLA Community and for bringing us together as one (we are One UCLA). We are so fortunate to have you as our Chancellor.
Sheryl Jacobson
Distinguido Chancellor,
Lo felicito y espero que todo va bien.
Rafael Ochoa
Warmest congratulations on your inauguration as Chancellor.
As someone who proudly served UCLA for nearly 20 years—helping launch the first fully online program in the UC system as Assistant Director—I’ve seen firsthand the power of visionary leadership in shaping the future of higher education. Your appointment marks a promising new chapter for the university, and I am confident your leadership will inspire innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence. Wishing you every success as you guide the institution forward!
Shanna L. Revoner
Dear Chancellor Frenk,
On this momentous occasion of your inauguration, I extend my sincerest congratulations. As an international student graduating from the Fielding School of Public Health with a deep focus on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and public well-being, I am profoundly inspired by your distinguished career and your visionary leadership in global health.
It is an honor to be a Bruin as you embark on this new chapter. I wish you a very successful and impactful tenure as Chancellor of UCLA.
Ruidong Zhang
Felicitaciones al Canciller Julio Frenk
Extendemos nuestras más cálidas felicitaciones al Dr. Julio Frenk por su nombramiento como Canciller. Su liderazgo, dedicación y visión sin duda inspirarán y guiarán a la comunidad universitaria hacia la excelencia continua. Esperamos el impacto positivo de su gestión y le deseamos mucho éxito en esta nueva etapa.
While my time at UCLA seems to have been long ago, my enthusiasm for the importance of a university is only increasing in light of the current political climate. May your tenure be a strong anchor to maintaining the socially significant importance of higher education.
John Engle’72
Congratulations on the inauguration of UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk.
And on behalf of the UCLA Korean Alumni Association, I congratulate you with all my heart.
Bae Byung-Kil
In your strength rests ours Yishar Koach
Judea Pearl
A fan of UCLA even before I arrived as a student and now an Alumni, I am proud to be a part of an institution that thrives in collaboration, innovation and humanity. Chancellor Julio Frenk will lift us through our values to more greatness. Congratulations! We indeed are one!
Denise Villanueva
As parents of Noah Massabki, a sophomore in the theater program, we welcome Chancellor Frenk to UCLA and look forward to his tenure. His speech and vision of the future struck the right note at this challenging time. Leadership with boldness and kindness, excellence and diversity as a hand in hand approach to the future is what gives us hope for the future.
Raffi and Mona Massabki
Chancellor Frenk,
Welcome to the UCLA family. I’m inspired by your words and look forward to your exceptional leadership in advancing the university’s mission, expanding its global presence, and strengthening its lasting legacy. This is an exciting time, and we’re fortunate to have you at the helm.
Pardeep “Japa” Kullar ‘01
Photo Gallery
UCLA: An Extraordinary University at an Extraordinary Time
