The UCLA Healthy Campus Initiative, envisioned by philanthropists Jane and Terry Semel and supported by them, will hold a celebration on May 9 highlighting social well-being and exploring its relationship with music, technology, culture and neuroscience. The evening, which will open with remarks from Chancellor Gene Block and Maria Shriver, journalist, author of “I’ve Been Thinking” and producer of the documentary film “Take Your Pills,” will also shine a light on some of the many ways that the initiative is working to improve and enhance and support social connectedness among UCLA students, staff and faculty.

The event, which  is free to the first 1,000 people who RSVP, will be held at Pauley Pavilion beginning with activities, prizes, free food and a student poster session from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. From 5:45 to 7:30 p.m., guests will enjoy:

  • Student performances from Hello Noon and the Thelonious Monk Institute Ensemble
  • A stretch break with members of the 2018 NCAA Championship winning UCLA gymnastics team
  • Moderated discussions focused on social well-being with professionals and students. Panelists include Chris Meledandri, CEO of Illumination Entertainment, UCLA psychology professor Martie Haselton, author of “Hormonal,” and UCLA doctoral student Mackenzie Clay
  • The presentation of the jane b semel Healthy Campus Initiative Appreciation and Recognition Awards, which honor UCLA students, faculty, staff and senior administrators for significant contributions to individual, departmental, divisional goals and objectives that promote health and wellness at UCLA

This year’s recipients include: 

  • Tannaz Moin, assistant professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, is co-founder of UCLA Health’s Diabetes Prevention Program and helping expand the program to all UC campuses
  • Antonio Sandoval, director of the UCLA Community Programs Office, for his ongoing efforts to support food security on campus
  • Mark Biedlingmaier, UC Global Food Initiative fellow and manager of the jane b semel HCI Community Garden
  • In addition, Linda Hsu, who worked in the Chancellor’s Office for 50 years, will be honored posthumously for her diligent support for the initiative in her role as business operations coordinator. Hsu died April 18 at age 69.

After the show, a reception will be hosted in the Pauley Pavilion concourse with free food from Everytable and a performance by Mindful Music.