Riordan Alumni Association Hosted 10th Annual Diversity MBA Admissions Conference
The Riordan Programs Alumni Association hosted its 10th Annual Diversity MBA Admissions 
Conference. The Diversity MBA Admissions Conference is an annual event at UCLA that connects talented diverse, underrepresented and underserved candidates who wish to pursue a degree in business with Admissions Directors at top-tier business schools. The conference allowed attendees to interact directly with MBA Admissions directors from the country's top business schools, learn about the MBA Admissions process and the relative strengths of attending business school's curriculum and student culture. The Diversity MBA Admissions Conference took place on August 11th, 2012 from 8AM-5PM at UCLA Covel Commons.
Riordan Scholars Participated in 8th Annual Northern CA College Tour
July 11th, 2012, fifteen Riordan Scholars traveled to San Francisco, CA for the 8th Annual Northern CA College Tour. The students had the opportunity to walk the campuses of the Univeristy of California, Berkeley and Stanford Univeristy, meet with admissions representatives, current students and alumni in an effort to learn about the admissions process and college life. This year, along with visiting UC Berkeley and Stanford, the students also got a uniqueopportunity to tour the headquarters of SanDiskCorporation as well as Intel. The students also participated in a dinner with Riordan alumni and got to explore the beauty of Downtown San Francisco.
Healthcare Management Fellows visit Cedars-Sinai Hospital
The Healthcare Management Program Class of 2010 visited Cedars Sinai hospital on January, 26th, 2010. Throughout the year, the class has been reading and studying Harvard Business cases describing the challenges faced by many organizations in the healthcare industry, including hospitals like Cedars-Sinai. Jeff Deeter, VP of Clinical Support Services, met with the group to discuss the hospital's recent achievements and challenges in the community. Jeff commented that the recent tornado warning in Los Angeles prompted the organization to reevaluate its emergency response plan, moving "tornado warnings" higher on the priority list. On a brighter note, the hospital ranks #1 in the LA Metropolitan Area in clinical areas such as heart, cancer, neurology, gynecology, and transplantation. Some of the exiting develeopments for the future include the construction of a new tower that will provide 100 new patient beds and 700 parking spaces.
Riordan Fellows Host Parent Workshop
On January 30th, 2010, The Riordan Fellows hosted a Parent Workshop during the Riordan Scholars Saturday session. The parent workshop was designed to provide information about applying to and financing a college education. The current class of Riordan Fellows created the event and facilitated the classrooms provided in both English and Spanish. Topics included AB540 students, scholarships for minority candidates, A-G requirements, and compiling a competitive application as a senior. Over 30 families were in attendance and thoroughly enjoyed the program. When asked about the experience, current Fellow Chasen Goudeau commented, " I think it was extremely helpful and rewarding to help the families navigate the college admissions/transition process. None of the parents had the opportunity to attend college when they were younger. But they were so thankful for this event, I am very pleased with our efforts here today.
The Riordan Fellows Class of 2008 Host The Riordan Gala
On April 26th, The Riordan Fellows Program hosted the Gala at the Hilgard Mansion. The event was a tremendous success including over 250 people in attendance and generated over $20,000 for financial support of Scholars Program participants, specifically--scholarships for college. The honoree, Dr. William Ouchi, was presented a certificate of recognition from the Board of LA Unified School District and gifts from the 2008 Fellows Program participants.
African American Alumni Association Honor Nestle Water's John Harris
On February 29th, 2008, the UCLA Anderson African-American Alumni Association honored John J. Harris, Executive Vice President, Chairman and CEO of Nestle Water. Harris assumed leadership of Nestle Waters in December of 2007. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Nestle Purina Europe in August of 2002 and went on to assume the responsibility of Nestle Purina in Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Current UCLA Anderson students, alumni, and members of the Riordan Programs community attended the event to celebrate Harris and all of his accomplishments. Judy Olian, Dean of UCLA Anderson, was in attendance to congratulate Harris and support the Alumni Association’s efforts to recognize one of its many talented members.
Dinner for 5! Sony’s Executive VP of Consumer Marketing: George Leon
The Riordan Programs spent the evening of February 26th, 2008 dining with George Leon, Exec. Vice-President of Consumer Marketing for Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). Leon met with participants and alumni of The Riordan Programs for an intimate discussion about the entertainment industry. Leon joined Sony in 2000 and one of his many responsibilities is overseeing the licensing, promotions, and product integration of big theatrical releases like Spider-Man 3. Leon described his academic and professional accomplishments, challenges, and the opportunities not only in the industry, but at SPE. He stressed the importance of networking, taking on new responsibilities even if they are not within your job description, treating everyone with respect and dignity, and to “try new things”. Commented Jed Kim (RF’08), “George certainly demystified the industry for me. I’m like real estate, but never thought of pursuing it in the entertainment field.” The D45 event was held at the newly opened restaurant Akasha, located in Culver City, CA.
Congratulations to Riordan's SAT Prep Scholarship Recipients 2008!
The Riordan Programs has partnered with Revolution Prep to award 5 outstanding Scholars Program participants with SAT Preparation Course scholarships. Joey Apikian, Jose Olmeda, Karla Rodriguez, Christopher Galeano, and Eduardo Sanchez were selected based on their application and participation in the Scholars Program. The students will receive private tutors and a 6-week course curriculum in preparation for the March 2008 SAT exam. Revolution Prep is the leading SAT prep company in California with 10,000 students and is owned/operated by 2 former UCLA Anderson students.
