Our crowdfunding campaign has ended. You can still support The VC Powe Memorial Fund by clicking here.
Longtime UCLA Luskin staff member VC Powe BA '75, MBA '77, oversaw career counseling and programs in which public officials, community leaders, and alumni mentor students. VC suddenly passed away on September 16 following complications from a serious illness.
Born in Los Angeles, VC was a pivotal figure at the Luskin School, holding a lasting impact on all the students, faculty and staff members she touched. Also an avid Bruins basketball fan, VC's first job at UCLA was in the athletic ticket office as a student. She then came back to the School in 1998, serving in a variety of roles over the years, including director of alumni and government relations. Later working at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Powe would work tirelessly to make connections for her students, who she referred to as her children. Keith Parker, a former assistant vice chancellor of government and community relations, said Powe was a friend and colleague for more than 25 years. "She was someone that always offered a smile, extended a helping hand and took a moment to let you know that she cared about you," Parker said. "I always told her VC stood for 'Very Caring.'"
In her honor, let's continue her impact through the support of her beloved programs, Senior Fellows, Career Services and Student Fellowships.
Her contributions were many, but Powe’s success with the Senior Fellows program stands out as a signature accomplishment. She inherited the program in a fledgling state, but she persevered in elevating it to where it is today. In the words of former Luskin instructor, Bill Parent, “year-by-year, fellow-by-fellow, student-by-student, event-by-event, VC nurtured the program into a rewarding honor for scores of fellows and hundreds of students, a centerpiece of engagement for the Luskin School and UCLA in the world of public leadership,”
The Senior Fellows represent a wide variety of policy interests: health, youth, trade, security, education, transportation, and poverty - from all political viewpoints and many social backgrounds. Students who participate in the program are selected in a competitive process and matched to a Fellow at the recommendation of graduate advisors and faculty in their respective departments.
The Department of Career Services works both one-on-one with students and large scale, proving opportunities for connections for students to alumni. The department quickly pivoted to an online environment, enhancing career platforms to connect students to alumni and create the ability to hold virtual career fairs. Additionally, one of Powe's goals was to create leadership development programming, brining prolific individuals to campus to help students. All remaining funds are directed to summer internships.
UCLA Luskin Leadership Fellows, a 12-month apprenticeship program for exceptional graduate students who serve within selected government agencies, nonprofits and civic organizations to work on research, policy, advocacy and applied projects tailored to the students’ tracks of study and consistent with the mission and goals of the organization. These prestigious fellowships offer hands-on experience and include tuition coverage.
Summer Internships support provides graduate students a stipend for 10-week placements in a diverse set of fields that include public service, mental health, transportation, immigration, child and family services, homelessness, aging, land use, social justice, prison reform, economic development, education, the environment, LGBTQ and women’s services.
Spread the word about VC's passion and dedication to students. Your gift makes an impact on implementing all of the programming she dedicated her time at Luskin to evolve. Because of you, more students can receive funding, programing, and professional development opportunities to connect with community leaders.
VC Powe helped as many students as possible, always striving to have her resources reach as far as possible. With your support, her mission can extend further, helping students thrive.
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Thank you for supporting VC Powe's Memorial Fund that helps UCLA Luskin Students!
Make a contribution to VC's memorial fund in honor of the founding of the School of Public Affairs.
Support VC's memorial fund by making a gift in recognition of the Department of Urban Planning's 50th Anniversary.
Support VC's memorial fund in recognition of the start of UCLA's second century.
In 2020 only, donors who itemize when filing their tax returns can benefit from an increase in the deduction limit up to 100% of a donor’s adjusted gross income for cash gifts. Even if you don't itemize, you will be allowed to take up to a $300 charitable gift deduction to reduce your tax liability.
VC was passionate about leadership development. Students are encouraged to take part in workshops designed to build leadership skills and experience. Sessions on campaign management, advocacy and community organization are paired with training in public speaking, career planning, interviewing and emerging technologies.
VC often connected senior executives and field experts to give career talks to students. A gift at this level can support student-led events that bring renowned experts to campus.
VC's flagship program established in 1997: The Senior Fellows Leadership Program is launched, promoting interchange between graduate students and civic leaders across Los Angeles, the nation and the world. Consider making a gift to VC's memorial fund in recognition of the Senior Fellows founding year.
VC organized an annual trip for students interested in policymaking. A gift at this level would help cover expenses to bring Luskin students to Los Angeles City Hall to meet with city staff and civic leaders. This program encourages students to pursue careers in politics and public service as well as engages UCLA with local government. While at City Hall, students work with County leaders to address and identify solutions to a current public policy issue.
VC administered competitive schoolwide awards for students seeking field experience in public service. A gift of $5,000 would provide a graduate student a stipend for a summer internship placement in their chosen field, which are oftentimes unpaid yet vital.