Unexpected Present for Mother's Day Celebration
In the vibrant and philanthropic community of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), two alumni, Malek Akkad and Dana Gordon, have recently established scholarships in memory of their accomplished mothers, Patricia Akkad and Diane K. Gordon.
Malek Akkad, a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) and a prominent figure in the film industry, returned to his alma mater to establish the Patricia Shirk Akkad Piano Scholarship Fund. Akkad's mother, Patricia, was an accomplished amateur pianist and opera singer, who, like Diane K. Gordon, pursued a scholarly career and travelled extensively.
Dana Gordon, a UCLA alumnus who went on to earn a doctorate at Yale and a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard, established the Diane K. Gordon Memorial Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships in Ethnomusicology. Diane K. Gordon, for whom the scholarship is named, earned four degrees from UCLA, including a doctorate in ethnomusicology. Her doctoral research on the influence of folklore in modern English opera led to significant publications and citations in academic journals.
Both scholars expressed a desire to facilitate a similarly memorable experience for future students in their respective fields. Akkad, who admitted he was not the most musically inclined son growing up, shared that his mother loved classical music, particularly Bach, and took him to concerts. Gordon, on the other hand, recalled his mother's love for opera, specifically Carmen and La Boheme.
The practice of alumni establishing scholarships in their parents' names is not uncommon at UCLA. While specific data was not available, it is common for alumni to establish scholarships as a way to support future students and honour loved ones. This practice is often seen as a meaningful way to give back to the university and create a lasting legacy.
In addition to these scholarships, both Akkad and Gordon have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Akkad, the founder of the philanthropic sCare Foundation, has worked as a producer and director in the film industry. Gordon, after winning a tenure-track position at Brandeis University, changed careers and joined a law firm.
The announcements of these scholarships have been warmly received by the UCLA community. Patricia Akkad learned about the scholarship last fall, and it was announced during a piano class visit. Dana Gordon recalled his mother's love for opera, specifically, and expressed his hope that the scholarship will provide a similarly memorable experience in the School of Music.
In conclusion, the stories of Malek Akkad and Dana Gordon serve as a testament to the enduring impact of UCLA alumni and their commitment to philanthropy. Through their scholarships, they not only honour their mothers' legacies but also provide opportunities for future students to pursue their passions and make their own mark in the world.
- Malek Akkad, inspired by his mother's love for classical music and her pursuit of scholarly endeavors, aims to offer future students a memorable experience through the Patricia Shirk Akkad Piano Scholarship Fund.
- Dana Gordon, remembering his mother's enthusiasm for opera and her achievements in academia, established the Diane K. Gordon Memorial Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships in Ethnomusicology at UCLA, aiming to foster a similar passionate exploration of music.
- In the spirit of giving back and leaving a lasting legacy, alumni often choose to establish scholarships at UCLA in honor of their loved ones, as Malek Akkad and Dana Gordon have done.
- Just as Patricia Akkad shared her love for Bach with her son, Malek hopes that the scholarship will encourage future students to pursue their passions in music and contribute to the vibrant community of learning at UCLA.
- The scholarships established by Malek Akkad and Dana Gordon not only recognize their mothers' contributions and accomplishments but also aim to support future students in their pursuits of personal growth, whether in finance, lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, wealth-management, personal-finance, education-and-self-development, entertainment, the company of celebrities, or the world of pop-culture.
