Introduction:
The University of California, Los Angeles, more commonly known as UCLA, is an esteemed research university located in the heart of sunny Los Angeles, CA. UCLA is one of the most renowned universities in the world, having produced dozens of Nobel Laureates, three US Presidents, and numerous prominent celebrities and public figures. However, there are still some facts about UCLA that even die-hard fans may not know. Here are 15 interesting facts about UCLA that you may have not heard of before.
Fact 1: UCLA is One Of The World’s Most Prestigious Universities.
UCLA is ranked No.14 in the world and No.2 in the USA by Times Higher Education. It is also considered one of the top 11 public universities in the world. UCLA has the 11th highest number of Nobel Laureates in the world and is the most applied-to school in the US for 19 of the past 20 years! Furthermore, UCLA has one of the largest, most prestigious alumni networks in the world, boasting more than 300,000 alumni.
Fact 2: UCLA Is Home To A Unique Spirit.
Students at UCLA have a unique sense of spirit and pride that is incredibly contagious. UCLA’s fight song, “Sons of Westwood”, is sung with Cheshire cat-like grins before football and basketball games. The Bruin mascot is also a source of pride, often seen at various events on campus. UCLA Pride is what unites the Bruin community and the spirit allows students to connect regardless of age, background, or where they come from.
Fact 3: The Mascot Of The University Is The Bruin Bear.
UCLA’s mascot, Joe Bruin, is a bear that is both a source of pride and tradition. He can often be seen attending football and basketball games decked out in UCLA blue and gold with a spirited Bruin attitude to boot. UCLA students are always excited to see him around campus and in the stands.
Fact 4: There Is A 24-Hour Library On Campus.
UCLA is home to the world-renowned Powell Library, which has one of the largest collections of books, magazines, newspapers, audio-visual materials, and other educational materials in the Western United States. It also boasts 24-hour study rooms, giving students the opportunity to study any time of the day or night.
Fact 5: UCLA Offers Over 5,000 Academic Courses.
UCLA offers over 5,000 courses in a variety of disciplines and fields of study, ranging from art history to zoology. The university also boasts many specialized interdisciplinary programs that allow students to pursue a wide range of studies.
Fact 6: There Are Several Concert Venues On Campus.
UCLA offers several concert and performance venues, including Royce Hall, the Memorial Greek Theatre, and the Ackerman Grand Ballroom. These venues play host to dozens of performances each year, ranging from rock concerts to yoga classes.
Fact 7: The Janss Steps Are Symbolic Of UCLA Traditions.
The Janss Steps are a set of stairs that lead up to Royce Hall and are often used for campus events and celebrations. The steps are symbolic of traditions such as passing out diplomas at commencement and hosting rallies for athletic teams.
Fact 8: UCLA Is Home To Many Landmarks.
UCLA is home to many prominent landmarks, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Statue, the Campanile, and the Bruin Bear statues. These landmarks serve to commemorate the storied history of UCLA and the many accomplishments of those who have called it home.
Fact 9: UCLA Has Produced Many Nobel Laureates.
UCLA has produced a total of 35 Nobel prizes in a variety of fields ranging from medicine to physics. Notable Laureates include Dr. Linus Pauling, Dr. Saul Perlmutter, Dr. William Shockley and Dr. Richard Feynman.
Fact 10: It Is Home To A Quirky Collection Of Trees.
UCLA’s Ballona Creek Bridge is home to a unique and strange collection of trees. Consisting of over 50 species of trees from around the world, some of these species include the Chinese Fan Palm, the Pygmy Date Palm, and the Canary Island Pine.
Fact 11: UCLA Is Home To Star-Studded Celebrations.
UCLA is no stranger to star-studded events such as commencement ceremonies, which often feature special guest speakers, honorary degree recipients, and other esteemed celebrities. Most recently, comedian Will Ferrell delivered the 2018 commencement address at UCLA.
Fact 12: The “UCLA 8-Clap” Is A Pac-12 Tradition.
The “UCLA 8-Clap” is the traditional way of cheering for the team during any UCLA sport. The 8-Clap is a rhythmic, synchronized clapping pattern that has become iconic within the Pac-12 conference.
Fact 13: Ucla Is Home To A 85-Acre Botanical Garden.
UCLA is home to the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, a 85-acre living collection of over 4,000 species of plants from around the world. The garden is open to the public and is a popular venue for weddings, special events, and educational tours.
Fact 14: The Pauley Pavilion Is Legendary.
UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion is a legendary venue within the college athletics world. The arena has held several basketball games, special events, and is the home of the UCLA Bruins basketball team. The Pauley Pavilion is one of the most famous venues in all of college sports and visit by fans from all over the world.
Fact 15: There Is A Football Stadium Planned For Ucla.
The university is in the process of constructing a new on-campus football stadium. This new stadium will add to UCLA’s impressive lineup of facilities and provide students, faculty, and fans with a great place to watch the Bruins on game-day.
Conclusion
UCLA is a world-renowned university and a prominent member of the Pac-12 conference. While most people are familiar with the university’s illustrious history and impressive academic performance, there are many interesting and lesser-known facts about UCLA that even die-hard fans may not know. From an 85-acre botanical garden to the unique “UCLA 8-clap”, the university offers a unique blend of history, culture, tradition that sets it apart from other universities in the world.
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