 Academy
Award winner Michael Douglas, who graduated with a B.A. in
dramatic art from UCSB in 1968, is serving as Honorary Chair
of The Campaign for UC Santa Barbara. In a videotaped message
played at the kickoff event to mark the start of the campaign's
public phase, he talked about the campus that he holds dear,
and his role in the campaign.
"This is a time of unprecedented change
and opportunity for UC Santa Barbara," said Douglas.
"It's also a time of great excitement and anticipation,
as the campus marshals resources to capitalize on the vibrant
intellectual assets and extraordinary potential that distinguish
it. Building on the tremendous momentum created this past
decade under Chancellor Henry Yang's leadership, it is private
support that will provide the critical margin of excellence
to achieve our potential as a world-class university.
"As alumni and friends of this university,
we all have a role to play as ambassadors for UCSB. I've
made a commitment to help, and I sincerely hope you'll
join me and other leaders of this effort through your contributions
of time and energy as well as financial support. My hope is
that everyone will lead by example."
Douglas
contributed $1 million toward the construction of a Center
for Film, Television and New Media. In recognition of
the gift, the lobby of the center's public theater will be
named in his honor. He is a member of the center's distinguished
advisory board. "I have watched UCSB become an international
leader in education, and as an alumnus and benefactor, I have
the personal satisfaction of having played a part in that
transformation," said Douglas. "This exciting center,
with its public film theater, represents the very best in
teaching, research and public service that a campus can offer."
The new privately funded facility,
planned as part of a state-funded academic building complex,
will allow students and scholars from a variety of disciplines
to study everything from silent films to the latest in digital
media and satellite communications. The center's state-of-the-art
facilities and equipment will enhance undergraduate and graduate
education, promote interdisciplinary research, and serve the
community with a public theater (paid for with a generous
campaign gift from Joe and Helene Pollock and their family).
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