John E. Parker '50

An eminent entrepreneur and philanthropist, John E. Parker (UCLA ’50) has made remarkable contributions to the business world, his alma mater and the community.  He has served as president of Parker Industries, Inc. since 1959, managing various media, real estate and financial interests. His most successful entrepreneurial ventures include several real estate holdings throughout southern California and ownership of Parker Broadcasting (KyXy 96.5 FM, San Diego), United Television Broadcasting (Los Angeles), Torrance Nissan, Classic Imports (Modesto) and Easy Rest, Inc.  Parker also founded Parker Advertising, one of the largest advertising agencies in the West, whose clientele included Nissan Motor Corporation, Hitachi, Bridgestone, Allstate, A&W Root Beer, Suntory, NGK, Redken Cosmetics and the City of Long Beach/Queen Mary.  

Parker’s relationship with UCLA began during his undergraduate years, which culminated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing.  While at UCLA, he was a member of the Sigma Pi (social) and Alpha Kappa Psi (business) fraternities.  His subsequent contributions to The Anderson School and UCLA have been significant.  He founded the John E. Parker Career Management Center in 1993 and has served on The Anderson School’s Board of Visitors and the UCLA Foundation’s Board of Councilors.

Parker’s generosity extends to the community through his philanthropy as well as his personal involvement in local organizations.  Besides currently supporting several San Diego charities such as the San Diego Humane Society, Scripps Clinic - La Jolla and Meals-on-Wheels of Greater San Diego, Parker served as governor for the American Association of Advertising Agencies, participated in Rotary Club and was one of the founders of the L.A. Music Center, Palos Verdes Community Art Center and the Del Mar Historical Society.  In addition, he was vice president and director of the Del Mar Chamber of Commerce, receiving the Person of the Year Award in 1984 and 1985. 

Parker established the Weslie Parker Neurophysiology Laboratory at Scripps Clinic in 2002 and the John and Iris Parker MEG Neuroimaging Center at Scripps Green Hospital in 2004.  His support has allowed these facilities to be among the best-equipped brain research laboratories in the country.