Past Calendar

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2021-2022 LAS DOÑAS CALENDAR

Dr. Steele lead us on a treasure hunt to explore little known noteworthy art and design gems on the UCLA campus. On this virtual tour, she will also highlight some of her favorite rooms, sites and lesser-known campus buildings. Zoom Video on UCLA Alumni Association Website: YouTube Video

POSTPONED, THEN CANCELLED

2020-2021 LAS DOÑAS CALENDAR

Las Doñas members learned how UCLA, at the frontiers of science at its most basic human cellular levels, is translating research into patient treatments and cures for cancer, macular degeneration, arthritis, other diseases, highlighting Dr. Gay Crooks’ current research on Covid-19.

Professor Hieronymi teaches and publishes on ethics, moral responsibility, free will, human agency, trust, forgiveness and the voluntariness of belief. She has served as an advisor on moral philosophy and ethics for the critically acclaimed NBC sit-com “The Good Place”.

POSTPONED

Professor Kivelson is an American space physicist, planetary scientist and a pioneer woman of science in her field. At age 93 she continues to inspire with her knowledge and enthusiasm for teaching and the exploration of space. Her primary research focuses on the magnetospheres of Earth, Jupiter and Saturn and the moons of Jupiter. For over 40 years she has been an active part of every major NASA exploration, including the Galileo, Themis, Cassini and JUICE missions.

Las Doñas members heard about “English at UCLA”, one of the leading English departments in the nation and well known for its innovative research and excellence in teaching from the Chair of the English Department. English at UCLA maintains its strong commitment to traditional areas of study, while also supporting groundbreaking research and teaching in new and interdisciplinary approaches to literary studies. New areas of study that include Ecocriticism, Environmental Humanities and Biopolitics.

Professor Torres-Gil will discussed an “innovative policy” approach to understanding the political implications of an aging society becoming majority minority.

POSTPONED

2018-2019 LAS DOÑAS CALENDAR

Professor Roostaeian discussed the science of facial aging and provide insight on what one can do, both surgically and non-surgically, to achieve facial youthfulness.

Mystery writer, Nancy Boyarsky, went from rejection notices to being discovered by a publishing house to being a successful published author. She started with her first book, The Swap, followed by The Bequest and, now, her just-published Liar Liar. Nancy's mysteries, featuring Nicole Graves, consistently rank high on Amazon's bestseller lists.

With over 350,000 motion pictures, 160,000 television programs, 10,000 commercials and 27 million feet of newsreel footage, UCLA Film & Television Archive is the world’s largest university-held collection of motion pictures and broadcast programming. It’s also one of the largest and most important moving-image collections in the world. Join Director Horak as he screens some of his favorite treasures from the archive’s vaults, which contain material dating back to the 1890s and include donations and deposits from institutions such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science and the Directors Guild of America.

Professor Pestana’s fascinating book, by the same title as her presentation, captures the bold plan for the English to conquer all of Spanish America around 1654. She will discuss the expectations that went into the planning of the event, and the reality of what happened over the course of it. England believed the task it had set for itself would be an easy one, but the situation they found differed drastically from their imaginings.

Recent publications and curatorial work by Professor Dickey reflect his interest in Shakespeare’s continuing presence in American culture, especially during the Civil War era. In political oratory, soldiers’ memoirs, and civilians’ diaries, Americans during the Civil War demonstrated an intimate familiarity with the language of Shakespeare’s plays, and a readiness to compare his characters and plots to the people and dramatic events of their own times – sometimes in startling ways.

Terraciano specializes in Latin American history, especially Mexico and the Indigenous cultures and languages of central and southern Mexico in the colonial period, including Nahuatl, Mixtec, and Zapotec.

Victoria Marks creates dances for the stage, for film and in community settings. She considers the politics of citizenship, as well as the representation of both virtuosity and disability. These themes are part of her ongoing commitment to locating dance-making within the sphere of political meaning. Through a set of poetics only accessible through dance, her works question the place of the body in matters of heroics, valor and truth.

Professor DeShazo spoke on the current state of environmental policy in CA and some relevant ballot measure that will affect the environment. We learned how “what goes on” in Los Angeles will affect future generations and the world.

Wild cats, aka mountain lions, bobcats and pumas, have long been part of the eco-system of our local Santa Monica Mountains. What happens when they are penned in by freeways and housing sprawl? Serious research has been conducted by UCLA's Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Center to learn how this wildlife has been adversely affected by the disruptive activities of our modern life.

Dr. Carmichael has laboratory and clinical interests in stroke and neuro-rehabilitation, and how the brain repairs from injury. Recent research has led to the surprising discoveries that the adult brain is capable of forming new connections after stroke and is capable of recruiting adult brain stem cells to areas of injury.

Professor Langendorf is an architecture and planning consultant specializing in computing and visualization with over 30 years of experience as a photographer.

Dr. Berns shared the fascinating origins of the Fowler Museum at UCLA and how it has grown to become one of the most important and adventurous global art museums in the country. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2013-2014.

Are you ready to become part of UCLA’s “Grand Challenge”?  The Grand Challenge’s goal is for Los Angeles to exclusively use renewable energy and local water by 2050 while protecting biodiversity and enhancing our quality of life.  UCLA received a perfect score as one the most sustainable universities in the United States.  Understanding how we can take an active role in efforts to cut energy use, reduce waste, conserve resources and shrink our carbon footprint.

What does the word “hero” mean to you?  Professor Morgan will discuss both ancient and modern heroism and focus particularly on the figure of Odysseus, a hero who was often presented as thinking “outside the box.”

Professor Fink traces popular music’s divergent forms and evolutionary changes from the early 1920s to the present.  He performed at the piano and presented a delightful overview of the musical theory and history that are unique to American popular music.

Las Doñas members will travel around the world in 80 minutes! So, hold onto your chairs for an exciting adventure.

Mr. Averill has served as the Director of Design and Campus Architect for over ten years and will speak about the extraordinary growth and vitality of UCLA and its significance as a model for the 21st century research university. The talk will explain creative solutions to the challenges of increasing density, the addition of new student housing, and an interest in sustainable design. The vision for the campus looks to the past while celebrating contemporary design and considering the future, to create a coherent educational environment that exemplifies architectural excellence.

Professor Ruiz is a scholar of the social and popular culture of late medieval and early modern Castile. He is an Alumni Tour leader to Spain and Cuba. He will share insights into Cuba of today, his birthplace, as it is again open for travel with many excursions offered by UCLA’s Alumni Travel.

Professor Dickey leads a five day tour to Ashland which combines private tours of the costume and staging areas, private talks with experts and also out-door adventures in the many scenic environs.

UCLA People-Animal Connection is one of the most comprehensive Animal-Assisted Therapy and Activity programs in the nation. Located within UCLA’s Ronald Reagan Hospital.

2011-2012 LAS DOÑAS CALENDAR

FALL LUNCHEON – MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2011
Dr. Kozue Shimabukuro, UCLA - Mattel Children’s Hospital
“TSUNAMI IN JAPAN”

WINTER LUNCHEON – THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2012
Professor Beverly Lynch, UCLA GSE&IS, Information Studies Department
“HISTORY OF BANNING BOOKS IN AMERICA”

MORNING at UCLA – Monday, March 19, 2012
“TRAVEL ADVENTURES”

SPRING LUNCHEON – MAY 23, 2012
Janet Pregler, M.D., Director, Iris Cantor- UCLA Women's Health
“WOMEN’S HEALTH – DEVELOPING A PERSONALIZED WELLNESS PLAN”

2010-2011 LAS DOÑAS CALENDAR

MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON – WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2010
Barbara Drucker, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Director of Arts Education,
UCLA School of Arts and Architecture
"UCLA ART DEPARTMENT AND THE ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAM"
Afternoon Tea hosted by Mrs. Carol Block – UCLA Chancellor's Residence

FALL LUNCHEON – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2010
Timothy Lindsay, Superintendent and Chief Horticulturist at the Virginia Robinson Gardens
"HISTORY OF THE LEGENDARY VIRGINIA ROBINSON GARDENS"

WINTER LUNCHEON – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2011
Adam Winkler, JD, Professor of Law, UCLA School of Law
"GUNFIGHT!: THE BATTLE OVER THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS IN AMERICA"

MORNING AT UCLA – TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2011
“ARTISANS OF UMBRIA AND TRAVEL IN ITALY”
Bruno Bondanelli, AIA and Instructor in the UCLA Extension Architecture and Interior Design Program

SPRING LUNCHEON – WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2011
Ed Schad, Curatorial Associate, The Broad Art Foundation
"The Broad Art Foundation and Collecting Contemporary Art"

2009-2010 LAS DOÑAS CALENDAR

MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009
Chris Waterman, Dean, UCLA School of Art and Architecture and
David Sefton, CEO & Artistic Director, UCLAlive!
"WIMOWEH: THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT: THE LION SLEEPS UNDER MANY COVERS"

WINTER LUNCHEON – THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2010
Professor Paul Bergman, UCLA School of Law
"REEL JUSTICE: THE COURTROOM GOES TO THE MOVIES!"

MORNING AT UCLA – TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010
"ITALY AND GREECE, CUSTOMS: CONNECTING PEOPLE THROUGH FOOD AND TRAVEL”

SPRING LUNCHEON – Thursday, May 27, 2010
Dr. Gary Small, M.D.:
"WOMEN AND BRAIN HEALTH--INSIGHTS AND STRATEGIES"
Dr. Anne Coleman, M.D., Ph.D.:
"WOMEN AND EYE HEALTH"
RPB Auditorium, Jules Stein Eye Institute

2008-2009 LAS DOÑAS CALENDAR

MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008
David Sefton, CEO & Artistic Director, UCLAlive!
"THE ART OF THEATRE IN THE AGE OF TECHNOLOGY" -- Behind the Scenes Tour of Royce Hall
Luncheon in Royce Center Circle Donor's Lounge

FALL LUNCHEON – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2008
Professor Howard Suber, UCLA School of Theatre, Film & Television
"THE POWER OF FILM"

WINTER LUNCHEON – THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2009
Dr. David Feinberg, M.D., M.B.A., Associate Vice Chancellor & CEO, UCLA Hospital System
"Update on the New UCLA Medical Center"

MORNING AT UCLA – THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2009
"FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE RIDICULOUS"
Renowned Architect Paul Williams & Flamboyant Designer Tony Duquette

SPRING LUNCHEON – TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2009
Professor David Rodes, Director Emeritus, Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts, Hammer Museum
SHAKESPEARE'S "TAMING OF THE SHREW"

2007-2008 LAS DOÑAS CALENDAR

FALL LUNCHEON – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2007
Valerie Kondos Field, Head Coach, Women's Gymnastics
"INTEGRITY AND EXCELLENCE IN GYMNASTICS AND LIFE"

WINTER LUNCHEON – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2007
JoAnn Giaconi, M.D., Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA
"LATEST ADVANCES IN GLAUCOMA RESEARCH"

MORNING at UCLA – Thursday, March 20, 2008
“ART AND CULTURE OF SCANDINAVIA"
UCLA Covel Commons

SPRING LUNCHEON – WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008
Alison Moore, M.D.
UCLA Department of Gerontology

2006-2007 LAS DOÑAS CALENDAR

MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2006
“TAPAS AND TOUR OF THE CATHEDRAL OF SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA”
UCLA Department of Spanish and Portuguese

FALL LUNCHEON – MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2006
“ART CONSERVATION AND THE PAST”
UCLA/Getty Master’s Program in Art Conservation Lab
And Costen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA
The Getty Villa, Malibu

WINTER LUNCHEON – THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2007
INTEGRATED EAST-WEST MEDICINE
UCLA Center for East-West Medicine

MORNING AT UCLA – TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2007
STEM CELL STRATEGIES: BEHIND THE SCENES
UCLA Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine

SPRING LUNCHEON – MAY 2007
Day Meeting

2005-2006 LAS DOÑAS CALENDAR

MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON – WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2005
UCLA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Young Research Library, North Campus

FALL LUNCHEON – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2005
THE CHALLENGES FACING OUR LIBRARIES

WINTER LUNCHEON – Tuesday, January 24, 2006
RARE ORCHIDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

MORNING AT UCLA – MARCH 2006

SPRING LUNCHEON – MAY 2006

2004-2005 LAS DOÑAS CALENDAR

MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON – SEPTEMBER 24, 2004
THE UCLA VISUALIZATION PORTAL – MATH SCIENCES ROOM 5628
Luncheon at St. Albans Church

FALL DINNER – NOVEMBER 9, 2004
LET THERE BE MUSIC, UCLA DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC, SCHOOL OR THE ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE
Schoenberg Hall, UCLA Campus

WINTER DINNER – FEBRUARY 15, 2005
Luisa Del Guidice, PhD. Director, Italian Oral History Institute
MOUNTAINS OF CHEESE, RIVERS OF WINE: IL PAESE DI CUCCAGNA AND OTHER GASTRONOMIC UTOPIAS

SPRING LUNCHEON – MAY 16TH 2005
Charlotte Brown, University Archivist
THE UCLA ARCHIVES – PRESERVING OUR TREASURES
Luncheon at St. Albans Church

2003-2004 LAS DOÑAS CALENDAR

FALL LUNCHEON – OCTOBER 23, 2003
Windows on the World – Impressions of American Abroad by Fulbright Scholars
James West Center

FALL DINNER – DECEMBER 9, 2003
Joanne Van Tilburg, UCLA Cotsen Inst of Archaeo-Rock Art Archive
“EASTER ISLAND”
UCLA Faculty Center

WINTER LUNCHEON – FEBRUARY 19, 2004
Peter Hayashida
“HOW CHANGES IN CALIFORNIA ARE EFFECTING UCLA”

SPRING LUNCHEON –MAY 13TH 2004
Lothar von Falkenhausen, Professor of Chinese Archaeology and Art History at UCLA
“LANDSCAPE ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE UPPER YANGTZE BASIN”