Creating the global university: How Gene Block built bridges from Westwood to the world
In taking up the chancellorship of UCLA in 2007, Block’s first focus was strengthening bonds and trust with alumni. With active alumni networks throughout the world, and former students holding up the blue and gold on nearly every continent, engaging international Bruins on a deeper, more personal level than previous leaders was a pivotal aspect of Block’s mission to bring Westwood to the world.
His secret sauce? Putting in the miles. “We had to show up, and we had to listen — that was the first thing,” he said. “Then, finding out what they were doing, what they needed from us and what we could give.”
In taking up the chancellorship of UCLA in 2007, Block’s first focus was strengthening bonds and trust with alumni. With active alumni networks throughout the world, and former students holding up the blue and gold on nearly every continent, engaging international Bruins on a deeper, more personal level than previous leaders was a pivotal aspect of Block’s mission to bring Westwood to the world. Early in his tenure, Block began meeting with alumni in Pacific Rim and European cities annually, sometimes more than once a year. At alumni celebrations, forums, dinners and other events from Manila to Madrid, he made it his mission — often with his wife, Carol — to sit down with small groups of Bruins, listen to their stories and give them firsthand updates about the happenings on campus. His itinerary gradually expanded, but Block never failed to make time for these face-to-face exchanges.