Ramin Lalezari

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2011 Robert D. & Margaret A. Wark Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Ramin Lalezari is a fourth year Business Economics major at UCLA. Ramin grew up in West Los Angeles and graduated from Palisades Charter High School. While attending UCLA, Ramin has served on the school USAC committees for the Internal Vice President’s office and the General Representative 3’s office. He is currently managing a campus organization that he co-founded called the Green Workshop, with the mission to increase awareness about sustainability for the younger generation.

Future Plans: This year, Ramin will complete his B.A. in Business Economics at UCLA. After graduation, Ramin hopes to pursue an MD/MBA joint degree program to unify his interests in both business and medicine. This will contribute towards his long term goal of entering the sector of health management. During the transition from undergraduate to graduate school, he will be pursuing an internship that will expose him to this field.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I owe my sincerest gratitude to both the Wark family and the UCLA Economics Department for selecting me to receive this honor. The scholarship will be of great help to me in these tough economic times in the wake of rising tuition costs. The easing of the financial burden of school will help me devote my time and energy towards my academic goals. The Wark family’s decision to invest in education has surely inspired me to aspire to one day do the same. Their incredible generosity will truly assist in the realization of my dreams, and it means the world to have their support.

Chengappa Kodira

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2011 Patricia and Harry L. Bruce Endowed Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Chengappa Kodira is a third-year Business-Economics student from Davis, California, a small suburb of Sacramento. At Davis Senior High School, Chengappa excelled in the classroom and was also a decorated soccer player. At UCLA, Chengappa has gained experience working at the Anderson School of Management and also interning for Senator Barbara Boxer and KPMG. Currently, he is looking forward to beginning an internship program with Merrill Lynch. Chengappa is also actively involved the student-led consulting group Bruin Consulting Solutions, the UCLA Mock Trial Program, and the Undergraduate Business Society.

Future Plans: This year, Chengappa plans on securing an internship in either the financial consulting or banking industries. After graduating with a B.A. in Business-Economics, Chengappa plans on pursuing either consulting or banking for full-time employment. Chengappa is receiving advice from many of his mentors, including investment bankers and financial executives, in order to better plan his career path to accomplish his career goals. After gaining substantial work experience, Chengappa plans to pursue a Masters of Business Administration and eventually become a CFO or president of a firm.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am truly honored to receive the Patricia and Harry L. Bruce Endowed Scholarship for the 2011-2012 school year. I am thankful for this scholarship for recognizing both my dedication to extracurricular activities and academic pursuits. More importantly, this scholarship lightens the financial burden placed upon myself and my family, and gives me further motivation to remain focused on my career goals. I would like to sincerely thank both Mrs. Patricia Bruce and Mr. Harry L. Bruce for their financial assistance and support of my future educational endeavors.

Melanie (Mini) Johnson

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2011 The Ralph and Shirley Shapiro Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Melanie (Mimi) Johnson is a fourth-year student pursuing a double major in Business-Economics and Psychology, with a minor in Accounting. Mimi grew up in Redondo Beach, which made it very easy for her to decide that she wanted to stay in beautiful Southern California. Mimi is an active participant and committee leader in the Alumni Scholars Club, Student Accounting Society, Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Honors Society, and Psi Chi Psychology Honors Society. She enjoys community service and continues her work with students with special needs on campus. In her free time, Mimi loves spending time with friends and family, traveling surfing, swimming, running, and relaxing at the beach.

Future Plans: Mimi intends to work full-time after graduation with a public accounting firm and hopes to earn her CPA license and continue a career in public or private accounting. She is looking into earning her Masters in Business Administration or a Juris Doctor degree in the future.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am truly honored to be awarded the Ralph and Shirley Shapiro Scholarship. This scholarship is greatly appreciated. It will allow me to continue to devote my time in finishing a top notch education at UCLA. With less pressure to finance my education, I will be able to focus more on academics, research, and community service in my final year. Furthermore, I will be able to continue to take advantage of the numerous career-oriented workshops and events on campus that help me cultivate the skills necessary to achieve my professional goals. Additionally, I will relieve the burden on my parents and embark on the path to financial independence. This award recognizes my past achievements and encourages me to continue my hard work and dedication to my studies and activities. I would like to thank the donors of the Ralph and Shirley Shapiro Scholarship for providing me with this opportunity.

Dennis Drent

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2011 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

Biography: Dennis Drent Jr. is a third year student pursuing a Business-Economics major with minors in Accounting and Mathematics. Dennis grew up all over the United States, spending several years in Woodland Hills, Texas, Ohio, and Orange County, where he graduated from Esperanza High School at the top of his class. While attending UCLA, Dennis has become a member of the Executive Training Committee for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, where his main responsibilities include filing tax returns and training other volunteers how to file. Dennis is also a member of the Student Accounting Society, and enjoys working on campus for the UCLA Anderson School as a Senior Clerk for the Executive MBA Program. When he can, Dennis relaxes by jumping rope, playing basketball, spending time with family and friends, and watching SportsCenter.

Future Plans: Dennis plans to intern for a major public accounting firm the summer before his fourth year, and is determined to earn his CPA license within one year of graduating. After reaching a managerial position at an accounting firm, he plans to enroll in a top MBA program and focus on entrepreneurial studies. Dennis’ ultimate career goal is to find his niche in the global business world and start a successful company as founder and CEO.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I receive the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting award with extreme gratitude and appreciation. I feel very fortunate to be recognized for my hard work and pursuit of my passion in the field of public accounting. This award greatly alleviates the financial burden of getting an education at such a renowned university. I hope to one day be able to affect the lives of future accountants by contributing a similar gift to UCLA’s Economics Department. Once again, I thank the donors of the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting for their generosity.

Karen Chuang

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2011 The Donald Edward Bragg & Diane Sims Bragg Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Karen Chuang is a fourth year honors student at UCLA, double majoring in Business Economics and World Arts and Cultures. She is a Director for UCLA’s NSU Modern Hip-Hop Dance Team and a member of the sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. While attending UCLA, Karen pursued a professional dance career. Some of her most recent credits include Glee, Ellen, and Oprah. She was also a principal dancer for Willow Smith in such projects as the Whip My Hair video, Justin Bieber’s My World tour, and the White House Easter Egg Roll where she met President Obama. In addition to dancing, Karen hosts for the Disney Channel show, Disney 365. Currently, Karen is the VIP/PR Assistant at Versace USA, Inc. In her free time she enjoys yoga, going to farmer’s markets, and reading art blogs. Karen’s greatest inspirations in life are her friends, her older brother Vincent, and most importantly, her parents.

Future Plans: After graduating, Karen plans to continue living her dream of dancing and working in the entertainment industry. Eventually, she intends on attending business school in either the United States or Europe. Her ultimate goal is to combine her passion for dance and her education from UCLA into a career. Karen hopes to spearhead a dance lifestyle brand and organization to generate greater public appreciation for the art form.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: It is an incredible honor to be the 2011-2012 recipient of the Donald Edward Bragg and Diane Sims Bragg Scholarship. The Bragg family’s generosity allows me to continue pursuing my passions inside and outside the academic setting. This scholarship lessens the burden of financing both my education and my outside dance training. And more importantly, the award recognizes my scholastic and extracurricular achievements. It encourages me to remain dedicated to my varied commitments and future career goals. I want to sincerely thank the donors of this scholarship as well as the Bragg family for enriching my undergraduate experience.

Kenneth Choo

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2011 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

Biography: Kenneth Choo was born the third child of Ronald and Heasook Choo on July 5, 1991. As a child, he loved to play video games, talk history with his father, and try to impress his teachers with his wit. He played basketball but was never very good because of his physical constitution. He picked up snowboarding at an early age, visited the beach whenever he could, and always enjoyed the company of friends and family. He laughed readily, ate seldom, and enjoyed getting in trouble at times. Although rather smart, he was stubborn, prideful, and frank. He was also a bit closed minded, unaware of the sheer magnitude of knowledge he did not possess. After entering UCLA, walking its great campus, and absorbing the knowledge of its fine professors, one could say Kenneth Choo had a renaissance of the mind, a real awakening of the spirit. Those who have known him all his life have said he has undergone a transformation in the time he has attended UCLA, rendering him into a different person than from his youth age. He now enjoys lifting weights, CrossFit, and rock climbing. He is very much interested in the same things he ridiculed as a boy, such as musicals and classical performances. He lives unafraid of embarrassment, is not as stubborn, nor as prideful, but just as much outspoken. Kenneth says, “Life is easier when you enjoy more things,” an adage he now lives his life by. He is a proud UCLA student and eager to make a difference in this world for the better.

Future Plans: Kenneth Choo has a clear focus on the future. In these volatile times that are filled with uncertainty, it is increasingly important for Kenneth to strengthen resolve, and push forward with renewed vigor. Kenneth is planning on interning the summer of 2012 at either KPMG or another accounting/consulting firm. Travelling remains to be important to him. Having had a taste of it on a study abroad semester in Seoul, South Korea, he is quite eager to explore unknown lands with unknown possibilities, hopefully before he is too old to enjoy it. Kenneth’s ultimate goal is to land in a profession that requires long hours, extreme dedication, stressful nights, and nice suits. On top of these difficult prerequisites, having a career in finance that would accommodate travelling, make tangible differences in the lives of others, especially the less fortunate, and challenge him to utilize all of the tools he has gained from years of study and life would be ideal. Kenneth plans on moving forward into the darkness with purpose, yet never forgetting to smell the roses along the way.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I would first like to say thank you very much to the donors of the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Scholarship for the Study of Accounting. This scholarship not only means less hours at work and more hours in the library, but has come at a much needed time. My parents have been so kind as to put me through college and I can finally say thank you to them in a form other than Hallmark cards. Receiving this scholarship has made my time studying abroad in Korea so much more enjoyable. It has helped to ease some of the financial burden, and has allowed me to explore more of the city and the country with less guilt. On another note, receiving this scholarship has been a great boost to my esteem. I am one student among thousands, trying to find my way through college and through this world. Knowing that there are people out there who now know my story and believe in me enough to grant me such a prestigious distinction, has given me much hope for the future. This scholarship has affirmed my passion for finance and accounting, and has reassured me the reasons I want to go into this field. More than just money, this scholarship has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams heartily. Thank you for stoking the embers of my desires into flames.

Bryan Chang

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2011 John J. Peterson Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Bryan Chang is a fourth-year Business-Economics Student with a Minor in Accounting and Specialization in Computing. Bryan was born and raised in Seoul, Korea and came to St. Paul, MN at the age of fifteen. During his junior and senior years of high school, he studied full-time at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, earning both college and high school credits at the same time. Then at UCLA, in addition to his schoolwork, Bryan’s passion in real estate, finance, and technology entrepreneurship led him to internships and extracurricular activities. Since his first year at UCLA, Bryan has held numerous internship positions at RCLCO, premier real estate advisory firm in century city, ISBX, mobile apps development start-up, Harbor Ridge Capital, boutique investment bank focused in the IT industry, and most recently, UBS Investment Bank in Technology Banking in San Francisco. Bryan has also actively been involved in the UCLA Business Council, Bruin Real Estate Association (BREA), and Alpha Kappa Psi (Business Fraternity).

Future Plans: After successful completion of an internship at UBS Investment Bank, Bryan has received and accepted a full-time offer to come back upon graduation. Before starting to work full-time, Bryan wants to keep exploring the world of entrepreneurship. He would also like to spend time learning computer languages and meeting/working with other entrepreneurs in LA. After a few years in technology banking in SF, Bryan is interested in advancing to Venture Capital or Growth Equity firms in SF, which he feels will enhance his networks to meet and learn entrepreneurs vastly. As a long-term goal, Bryan wishes to run an international business that affects and helps the daily life of people in the world, possibly in the field of real estate and IT, or a mix of two.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am sincerely honored and grateful to receive the John J. Peterson Scholarship for the 2011-2012 academic year. It is through such generous contributions and true altruism that I will be able to focus on my academics and career path. Due to my strong interest in business and entrepreneurship, this scholarship will not only allow me to continue my studies in this field, but will also further encourage me to explore this rewarding career path and unique experience with other aspiring business professionals. Particularly, it will allow me to be more engaged in entrepreneurship, which is what I hope to undertake during my last year at UCLA. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to John J. Peterson for this honor and support.

Noga Alon

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2011 The Gumbiner Savett Inc. Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Noga Alon is a fourth-year student studying economics with a minor in accounting. Born and raised in Israel, Noga moved to Sacramento with her family when she was ten years old. After graduating from high school in Sacramento, she decided to attend UCLA due to the diverse student population the campus offered. At UCLA, Noga has been actively involved with Hillel, acting as a vice president her third year. She also interned at the Economic Mission of the Israeli Consulate earlier that year to gain an understanding of governmental economics and trade. Noga spent two quarters studying abroad in Israel, taking courses in politics, economics, business ethics, and art history. This past summer she interned with Ernst & Young in the assurance practice in their Los Angeles office. Noga worked on clients ranging from large health care providers to small music publishing companies, extending her knowledge of practical accounting. During her spare time, Noga enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with her family.

Future Plans: As Noga enters her final year at UCLA, she hopes to finish all of her CPA sitting requirements along with the bachelor’s degree. During the summer, she hopes to finish the four CPA tests and then go to work for a Big 4 public accounting firm.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am honored to have received the Gumbiner, Savett, Inc. Scholarship for this academic year. This scholarship helps take the financial burden off me and my family in these tough economic times, and move me forward in my path to financial independence. Due to this scholarship, I will be able to concentrate more on my academic achievements this final year. It is through the generosity of this donor that I will be able to focus more of my attention on academic and professional ventures as opposed to financial complications. I am grateful to Gumbiner, Savett, Inc. for providing me with this opportunity.

Nicolas Waizman

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2012 The Ralph and Shirley Shapiro Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Nicolas (Nick) Waizman is a fourth-year student pursuing a Business Economics degree, with a Minor in Accounting. Nick was born in Madrid, Spain, and has since lived in Montevideo, Uruguay, Los Angeles, and San Diego. After graduating from high school, Nick chose to stay in Southern California due to its impeccable weather and diversity of ideas. Nick is very passionate about the environment and maintains an active role in his fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi, as the Environmental Chair. At UCLA, Nick has had the opportunity to be a participant in a community service trip to Uruguay through Hillel as well as study abroad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for six months through the UCEAP program. Further, Nick has gained valuable insight into the fields of accounting and finance after holding internship positions at Sony Electronics, Sony Pictures, and Deloitte LLP. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, playing sports, and learning about new cultures.

Future Plans: Upon graduation, Nick will begin a career in the assurance practice at Deloitte LLP in Los Angeles and will look to earn his CPA license soon after. After considerable work experience, Nick plans to pursue his MBA in the field of sustainable business in the hopes that one day he will be in charge of a sustainable development program within Latin America. In addition, Nick plans on traveling to all seven continents and becoming fluent in at least four languages.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am truly honored to be named the recipient of the Ralph and Shirley Shapiro Scholarship. This award recognizes the hard work and dedication I have put forth in my past achievements and encourages me to continue my hard work and dedication to my studies and activities. This scholarship will allow me to continue to devote my time to finishing my degree at this renowned institution. With less pressure to finance my education, I will be able to focus more on academics and community involvement in my final year. Additionally, I will relieve the burden on my parents and embark on the path to financial independence. Once again, I would like to thank the donors of the Ralph and Shirley Shapiro Scholarship for their generosity.

Ulindra Vijaya

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2012 Robert D. & Margaret A. Wark Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Ulindra Vijaya is a fourth-year international student from Singapore who is pursuing the Business Economics major and the Minor in Accounting. She transferred from De Anza College in fall 2011. Ulindra started college at sixteen years old because she wanted to challenge herself in a new environment. In college, she was deeply encouraged by the International Students Fellowship’s mission to provide a “home” away from home for international students like herself, and, thus, volunteered as their Communications Officer. At UCLA, Ulindra was selected as a 2012 Sharpe Fellow and currently serves as the Internal Vice President for the Singapore Students Association. Ulindra interned at Luminous Capital in their Alternative Investments team this past summer. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, baking, and traveling.

Future Plans: After completing internships at Standard Chartered Bank and Luminous Capital, Ulindra, will be joining the Alternative Investments team at Luminous Capital as an analyst after graduation, where she will be focused on managing and conducting research for their private funds. In the future, she hopes to further her education by pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration or a Juris Doctor degree. She also hopes to open to a bakery later on down the road.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am honored to receive a Robert D. & Margaret A. Wark Memorial Scholarship for the 2012-2013 academic year. As student, tuition has risen in the last few years; this will help alleviate the financial burdens I face in completing my undergraduate education. I would like to especially thank the Wark Family for the scholarship and the Economics Department for the opportunity. The Wark Family’s generosity will support my educational goals and inspire me to do more for the community. I am humbled that the Wark Family has chosen to support students like myself for no reason other than their own kindness. Thank you!