Dean and Vice Provost Adriana Galván Emcees Inaugural State of the Campus Address

Chancellor Julio Frenk called for an “era of boldness” during his inaugural State of the Campus address Tuesday, laying out a strategic vision to build a more connective, impactful and exemplary university despite recent financial and environmental hurdles.

Adriana Galván, dean and vice provost of undergraduate education, served as the event’s emcee at De Neve Auditorium, welcoming a crowded room of faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners.

In her remarks, Galván praised Frenk’s leadership over his first 18 months in Westwood, noting that his tenure “has been defined by connection and community from the very beginning.”

Frenk’s address centered on the “One UCLA” strategic vision, focusing heavily on student well-being and institutional unity following a turbulent period marked by the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and nationwide higher education funding strains. To counter these financial pressures, Frenk announced administrative consolidations and plans to pay down the majority of the UCLA Athletics deficit using legal bond funds.

“Throughout UCLA, we are strengthening the ties that bind us to one another,” Frenk said, pointing to initiatives like UCLA Connects and the student mental health campaign Hope Connects Us.

The event showcased voices from across the campus community. Alongside Galván, leaders from the Faculty Senate, Staff Assembly and Graduate Students Association praised the chancellor’s commitment to transparency, collaboration and open communication during recent crises.

Read full coverage of the event on the UCLA Newsroom.