Herb Alpert receives UCLA Medal at inaugural Herb Alpert School of Music Commencement

Cultural and AthleticStudents

Chancellor Block addressed the inaugural graduating class of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and presented the UCLA Medal to visionary artist and philanthropist Herb Alpert.

“Music is essential to our society. It has the power to bring people together, bridge differences and inspire societies across oceans and generations. And everyone here on this stage is confident that you can use your talents and your education to change the world,” Chancellor Block told graduates. “That’s exactly what our honored guest, Herb Alpert, has done. He understands the transformative power of music. In fact, he’s made it his mission to champion music and music education.”

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block presents the UCLA Medal - UCLA's highest honor - to musician and philanthropist Herb Alpert at the inaugural commencement ceremony of the Herb Alpert School of Music at Dickson Plaza on June 16, 2017.

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music was established in 2007, and it was named for Alpert in recognition of a generous gift from the foundation that year. The school operated within the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture until 2016, when it became the University of California system’s first standalone school of music.

Read Chancellor Block’s speech.