University of California Los Angeles - Bruin Life / Southern Campus Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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tradition and school pride going strong With a slogan like ' students are alumni too ' and events that grabbed the attention of many, the Student Alumni Association became one of UCLA ' s most famed organizations. Within the past year, SAA hosted many events, including numerous senior-oriented programs that contributed to sending tiiese students off into the real world with a bang. Seniors particularly enjoyed the chance to simply flash their BruinCard to get a free In-N-Out meal right in the middle of Westwood Plaza. The waits were long but well worth it. Some students waited in excess of 45 minutes to get their freshly made meal, while others lucked out and were able to walk right up to the tables. Fourth-year physiological science student Timothy Tow waited an hour for his food but was very happy he received his long-awaited meal They should gi e free In-N- Out to seniors e ' ery day, connnented Tow. SAA also appealed to those concentrating on post-graduate life through its Senior Night program, where students were given useful information on how to make an easier transition into the job world. SAA was also responsible for Spring Sing, a talent show that brought together students who performed in front of their peers as well as celebrity guest judges. The event has proven to be one of the most popular annual student happenings on campus. Spring Sing was a wonderful time for students to get together and enjoy talents from all corners of campus, explained Weiping Yang, a fourth-year communication studies student. SAA did much more than to raise money and help create a campus identity. They provided opportunities for students to meet and network with intluential people during programs such as Dinner with 12 Strangers and various career-oriented programs. The Dinner with 2 Strangers program encouraged students to lea e their comfort zones prnmnting a rohes ivQ bruin community think what we do here [at SAA events] is essential to keeping this school ' s spirit of tradition alive. - P eter Zakr, marine biology, 1st year 26 I e V e n t s

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' Too bad UCLA couldn ' t step up on defense. But UCLA performed very well this year. - Michael Vim, MIMC, 2nd year From top to bottom: Senior linebacker Spencer Havner. junior strong safety Eric McNeal and sophomore defensive end Bruce Davis anticipate tfie snap count by USC ' s senior quarterback, Matt Leinart. In front of the sold-out crowd at the Coliseum, the cheerleaders pump up the raucous blue fans amidst the overwhelming sea of red. Proudly sporting their respective sports teams ' paraphernalia, these Bruin and Trojan fans enjoy each other ' s company at a pre-game tailgating party. This famed rivalry reached an all-time high when these two schools clashed at the Coliseum. | Photographed by Jasmin Niku.

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and dine with people normally outside of their social sphere. Accomplished UCLA alumni were able to share their post- collegiate experiences w ith a group of twelve students, who came out of the program with a taste of the possibilities of what could come after graduation day. By spearheading programs such as the Beat ' SC Parade, Spring Sing, Bonfire and Rally and Blue and Gold Week, SAA played a pivotal role in instilling a great sense of pride in UCLA. I think SAA is great, said first-year marine biology student Peter Zaki. It ' s given me a chance as a freshman to see what this campus and its traditions are all about. I think what we do here is essential to keeping this school ' s spirit of tradition alive. The importance of having SAA ' s ibrant presence on campus has not gone unnoticed by the student population as a multitude of people attended their ex ' ents. story by eniilv zvilson. Above: Third-year political science student Ruchi Patel, fourth-year Chinese student Paul Lin and third-year Jewish studies student Glenda Berman are ready to dig into the rich chocolate cake. Dinner with 12 strangers brought Bruins from ail different walks of life together to share experiences and allow opportunities for networking. I Photographed by Christal Thavincher. From left to right: SAA committee members take a break before masses of Bruins arrive for the Beat ' SC Rally and Bonfire, Members of The 88, a Los Angeles based band, take a few quick ptiotos with fans in Bruin Plaza after performing at a noontime concert sponsored by tfie Campus Events Commission, Students mingle and network with their fellow Bruins at Senior Reception held in James West Alumni Center, SAA runs one of many rehearsals to ensure that Spring Sing goes off without a hitch. Consisting of over 100 dedicated volunteers. SAA is one of the oldest and most influential groups on campus working to create a campus community. Photograph courtesy of SAA, Jasmin Niku, Marco Cabrera and SAA.