UCLA Anderson’s Riordan Programs Receive $3 Million from the Riordan Foundation

UCLA Anderson’s Riordan Programs were founded in 1987 by former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan and William Ouchi, now a distinguished professor emeritus. Along with a who’s who of Anderson staffers that includes longtime head of admissions Linda Baldwin, current assistant dean of MBA admissions and financial aid Alex Lawrence (’99) and current Riordan Programs executive director Roxanne Mendez, Riordan and Ouchi created an outreach program for traditionally underrepresented students in the Los Angeles area to receive the training needed for admission to college and professional success.

Now consisting of three distinct programs — the Riordan Scholars for high school students preparing to enter college, Riordan MBA Fellows for recent college graduates considering earning an MBA and the Riordan College-to-Career Program for first-generation college students seeking internships and careers in management — the collective Riordan Programs continue to make an immeasurable impact on the lives of young people in Southern California. To date, more than 4,000 students at all levels have participated in the Riordan Programs. The Riordan Scholars Program boasts a 100% university acceptance rate.

“UCLA — and UCLA Anderson — embrace three critical institutional responsibilities: education, research and public service,” says Anderson’s Dean Tony Bernardo. “The Riordan Programs make an impact in all three areas and are, in particular, an essential element in Anderson’s commitment to serving the community. We are very grateful to Richard and Elizabeth Riordan and the Riordan Foundation for their continuous and generous support.”

Throughout the decades, the commitment of Richard Riordan and his wife Elizabeth to the Riordan Programs has never waned or wavered. Now, the Riordan Foundation has continued its support with a new $3 million gift to the Anderson programs. The gift is a tangible reminder of the values espoused by Mayor Riordan, who established the Riordan Foundation in 1981 to support youth literacy.

“Dick’s philanthropy is rooted in a deeply held, ethical construct. He believes he has a moral obligation to use his personal wealth to promote the greater public good,” says Mary Odell, chairman of the Riordan Foundation. “He acts on this moral construct through strategic philanthropy and public service.”

According to Odell, it’s not a coincidence that the Riordan programs are housed within one of the nation’s top schools of management. “Dick’s philosophy has always been to provide individuals with resources that will prepare them to compete successfully in society, and his philanthropy has always been researched-based and data-driven to address real needs,” Odell says. “He looks for outcomes that can be evaluated. He’s always willing to take a risk and try out new approaches, allow for modifications and support what works.”

“My husband’s philanthropy is driven by a very personal, ethical belief,” says Elizabeth Riordan (B.A. ’70). “He doesn’t just want to give money away. He wants to do it in a way that leverages public dollars and sustains programs for the communities he wants to serve. He’s worked hard his whole life to do that. I am proud and happy to join him in giving this gift to my alma mater, UCLA.”

Odell is optimistic that the young people participating in the Riordan Programs follow the lead set by Mayor Riordan.

“I hope they continue to be ambitious and that they continue to work hard,” Odell says. “We’d like to see them achieve for themselves and be as successful as they can be, then also consider the greater public good and public service.”