Celebrating a New Era of Boldness
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 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.
Music Program Notes
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music celebrated the inauguration of UCLA’s seventh chancellor, Julio Frenk, with a curated series of music performances that highlighted our global community. Featuring UCLA student performers, along with several local artists and ensembles, the varied sounds traversed four continents (Africa, Asia, Europe and North America). The performers and practices spoke to the cultural vibrancy and pluralism of the school of music and of Los Angeles, which is home to more diasporic communities than virtually any other city in the world. We also paid homage to the role music has played in Chancellor Frenk’s life and upbringing. His personal love of opera harmonizes with our school’s commitment to advancing the art form through Opera UCLA, our ongoing collaboration with the School of Theater, Film and Television. We were honored today to showcase the immense and diverse talent of the students and faculty of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, the only independent school of music in the University of California system.
Robert Fink, Interim Dean
Brass Ensemble and Music and Dance of Ghana Ensemble Performers
Brass: Samuel Adam, Jason Bernhard, Emma Breen, Saúl Gutierrez, Ryan Heisinger, Nathan Jones, Remy Ohara, Aziel Ressler, Andrew Smith, Sebastian Martinez
Drums: Francis Kofi Akotuah, director of the Music and Dance of Ghana Ensemble and lecturer in the department of ethnomusicology; Elana Akotuah; Kelese Bryant; Samuel Kredich; Catie Kucynski; Haru Sakurai
Conducted by Travis J. Cross, director of bands and professor in the department of music
African American Music Ensemble Performers
Singers: Shannae Bernales, Cooper Burdick, Salvatore Cayabyab, Carter Choi, Sean Cronin, Arielle Cunanan, Trinity Dela Cruz, Bethany Grant, Delaney Hutchinson, Maya Jain, Celina Kintscher, James Lent, Ana Martinez, Fiona McDaniel, Cody Moser, Garrett Moser, Penny Promise Thompson, Tylon Quaites, Jacob Rewa, Kira Sarriegui-Simon, Punthea Seng, Olivia Soule, Oliver Strachan, Jay Taimish, Sarina Thomas, Sabrina Williams, Justin Xu, Kyle Xu
Drums: LaRoi Larkin
Piano: James Lent
Conducted by Diane White-Clayton, director of the African American Music Ensemble and lecturer in the department of ethnomusicology
This ensemble course is offered for students across campus to learn about the music, stylism, and traits of African American music. Membership is made up of students that are representative of the entire campus.
Music of Thailand Performers
Christopher Adler, Juan Manuel Del Real, Gabriel Esperon, Mickey Hashim, Jillian Marie Risigari Gai Lopez, Natasha Mar, Rane Prak, Sittichai Tancharoen, Kriangkrai Wareewat
Directed by Supeena Insee Adler
Opera UCLA Performers
Singers: Olivia Salazar, Leela Subramaniam
Piano: Sky Lee (staff accompanist)
Directed by James Darrah, director of Opera UCLA and professor in the department of music
Chamber Singers Ensemble
Yani Araujo, Asher Bartfeld, Cooper Burdick, Madison Chamberlain, Charis Chiu, Kevin Cornwell II, Kevin Corrigan, Trinity De La Cruz, Camryn Deisman, Andres Delgado, Celina Kintscher, Krystal Mao, Joseph Marcinik, Ana Martinez, Milla Moretti, Naveed Perkins, Natalia Rael, Olivia Salazar, James Scott, Kyle Xu
Conducted by James Bass, director of choral studies and professor and chair of the department of music
Mariachi de Uclatlán Performers
Bobby Álvarez, Dayanara Bravo, Gabriella Cardona, Camila Cordero, Andrew Dela Peña, Saúl Gutierrez-Sandoval, Paulina Pérez, Enrique Rodriguez Gonzalez, Sylvia Rutkowski, Ariel Villaroya, April Zavala
With members of Mariachi Los Camperos
Directed by Jesús “Chuy” Guzmán, lecturer in the department of musicology
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’s Inaugural Address
Chancellor Frenk shared our community’s shared aspirations for UCLA’s future.
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.
Learn More About Chancellor Frenk
February 4, 2025
A New Chancellor, A New Era
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.
March 22, 2025
UCLA’s Julio Frenk gets a warm Los Angeles welcome at City Hall
Honored by the City Council, the chancellor spoke about the many ways the university connects to L.A. through service, research and education
April 8, 2025
Shaping Our Future Together
The strength of our connections will fortify us for whatever comes next.
Guestbook
To commemorate this important day, we have created a guestbook where we invite you to leave a message or share your thoughts. Your contribution will be a cherished part of this historic record. Send Chancellor Frenk a personal message to wish him well!
Please note that select messages may be displayed publicly.
Photo Gallery
