On Wednesday, February 3, 2016, the Los Angeles World Affairs Council (LAWAC), in partnership with the Center for Global Management, hosted Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California and former secretary of Homeland Security (2009–13), for a discussion over dinner on “Teaching for California, Researching for the World: Why California Matters — How the University of California Is Leading the Way in Solving Big Challenges and Expanding Access to Education.” President Napolitano discussed the pivotal role UC plays in nurturing the next generation of global leaders. For almost 150 years, UC has served as a powerful engine of economic and social vitality for California. President Napolitano reflected on what it takes to sustain — and grow — the state’s treasured public research university system amid ongoing funding challenges. She discussed the programs and policies UC is implementing to expand access to a high-quality education for Californians, address global problems and ensure that groundbreaking UC research and inventions are reaching the marketplace and making a positive impact on our lives. She also reflected on the lessons learned throughout her career as a distinguished public servant with a record of leading large, complex organizations. As president of the University of California system, Janet Napolitano oversees one of the world’s most renowned educational and research institutions. UC is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, its research is combating and solving big challenges, and its educational mission is equally transformative. Dean Judy Olian provided welcome and introductory remarks and Terry McCarthy, president and CEO of the LAWAC, moderated the discussion. Approximately 200 members of the LAWAC, students of UCLA Anderson and guests gathered in the ballroom of the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.