"The greatest joy you can get is saying or doing something that helps another person. That joy is reward in itself." - John Wooden

INTRODUCING THE WOODEN ATHLETIC FUND
Honoring the athletic and educational spirit of Nell & John Wooden

The UCLA Family takes great pride in its athletics program. When it comes to athletic and academic success, UCLA ranks second to none. And no two people better represent the goals and aspirations of the UCLA Intercollegiate Athletics program than Nell and John Wooden. To honor the athletic and educational spirit of Nell and John Wooden, we are proud to announce the naming of the Wooden Athletic Fund.

This story began in Martinsville, Indiana, where teenagers John Wooden and Nell Riley met and fell in love. As John grew into a stellar scholar-athlete, helping Purdue to a national basketball championship and was a three-time All-American, Nell was there by his side.

He started his career as an English teacher, turning down an offer to play for the Boston Celtics. Education was always his highest priority and, to this day, John Wooden considers himself simply a teacher. So Boston's loss was the Bruins' gain, and UCLA - and the world of college athletics - would never be the same.

Coach Wooden began his UCLA career as head basketball coach in 1948, and the Bruin statistics speak for themselves - 10 NCAA championships (including seven in a row), 88 straight victories, 19 conference titles, four unbeaten seasons. Records like these will stand for eternity.

Coach taught his players that the essence of success was to strive for one's personal best, without worrying about what others were doing. And it wasn't enough to succeed in sports; the real goal was to succeed in life. His famed Pyramid of Success is based on timeless values of hard work, character and dedication, its moral philosophy a steadfast guide for any aim in life.

Nell was a constant presence at Bruin games. For luck, Coach would always acknowledge her with a wink before the tip-off of every game. At the Final Four each year, Nell's warmth and charm were renowned, often serving as Coach's personal add-on memory as she never forgot a name amidst the crowds.

Together they led by example, with a storybook marriage that lasted 53 years and produced a devoted family of two children, seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, to date. Nell's untimely death in 1985 was a loss for the entire Bruin family, but especially for the man who said his greatest moment was when his sweetheart said, "I do." You can still feel her gentle spirit accompanying Coach as he faithfully attends every Bruin home game.

Nell and John Wooden have enriched all of our travels, with gifts not only of hope, but also of inspiration, determination and courage. We cherish their impact on the UCLA Family and the loving legacy of how to live each day, creating our own personal best. UCLA Athletics is honored to dedicate our annual fundraising efforts to the athletic and educational legacy of Nell and John Wooden, and we welcome you to join us. You, too, can play a role in teaching our Bruin student-athletes how to succeed in the game of life.

In Support of the Student-Athlete
The top priority of the UCLA Athletics Department is to provide the best academic and athletic opportunities for our student-athletes. UCLA's winning tradition both in the classroom and on the courts and fields of play is made possible by the extraordinary efforts of our student-athletes. In return, the UCLA Athletics Department is committed to providing these outstanding individuals with the tools to succeed in life. Gifts to the Wooden Athletic Fund play a pivotal role in fulfilling this commitment by offsetting the rapidly escalating costs of collegiate athletics. The Wooden Athletic Fund generates financial support to assist in covering program expenses such as scholarships, academic services, life-skills development, team travel, operational costs, and recruiting efforts. Your investment in the Wooden Athletic Fund is an investment not only in the rich tradition of UCLA Athletics, but in the future of our student-athletes.

In Appreciation of Your Financial Support
To encourage private support of our program, the best football and basketball tickets are allocated to our most generous donors. Members of the Wooden Athletic Fund receive priority in the assignment of tickets for home contests in the Rose Bowl and in Pauley Pavilion in accordance with the UCLA Priority Seating Policy. When possible, donors also receive priority in the allocation of tickets for away game contests, bowl games, and NCAA tournaments. Please refer to the stadium maps and donor benefit chart to determine the various giving levels and respective season seating benefits. In many cases, special reserved parking is also available to our donors.

In addition, as a donor, your membership card entitles you to two complimentary general admissions to all regularly scheduled UCLA Athletics home events other than football and men's basketball. Simply present your membership card at the event entrance gate for admission. Members of Bruin Bench and above also receive a subscription to the Bruin Blue, the official newspaper of the UCLA Athletics Department.

The Wooden Athletic Fund offers a variety of opportunities for involvement and is comprised of eight membership levels:

Level Annual Donation
Bruin Booster..........................................$100+
Bruin Bench............................................$350+
Bruin Athletic Club...................................$850+
Bruin Athletic Club-Sustaining................$1,700+
Bruin All-American................................$3,500+
Coaches Roundtable.............................$5,500+
Bruin Legends....................................$12,500+
Director's Circle..................................$25,000+

Please note that gifts to the Wooden Athletic Fund are tax-deductible as provided by law. The IRS has determined that if your gift entitles you to purchase tickets in priority seating areas, 80% of the total amount of your gift is tax-deductible, and you will be receipted accordingly by the UCLA Foundation. If you receive additional benefits such as campus parking, an additional premium will be assessed.

If you have any questions regarding the Wooden Athletic Fund or the benefits that members receive, please contact the Athletics Development Office at (310) 206-3302.

UL = For 2007-08 Upper Level Corners or Behind Basket Only
*Quartely
**Subject to availability
O = Option to Purchase
C = Complimentary

• Football Priority Seating
• Basketball Priority Seating

If you are interested in joining one of the Wooden Athletic Fund support groups, you can download and print the Wooden Athletic Fund Membership Application. Please complete the form and return to our office.

If you are interested in purchasing season tickets for Football and/or Men's Basketball you can download and print the Priority Seating Request Form. Please complete and return the form to our office. For more specific information regarding seating availability and trends, please contact the Athletics Development Office at 310-206-3302.

• The Wooden Athletic Fund Membership Application in PDF Format
• Priority Seating Request Form in PDF Format