UCLA Alumni Association Hails Music Industry Pioneer Mo Ostin with an Award
UCLA Honours Legendary Music Executive Morris "Mo" Ostin
Morris "Mo" Ostin, the renowned music executive known for signing some of the industry's biggest names, is this year's Edward A. Dickson Alumnus of the Year. The UCLA Alumni Association will celebrate Ostin's impact and accomplishments at the UCLA Awards ceremony scheduled for June 8 at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center.
Ostin, who graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in economics in 1951, has played a significant role in advancing the arts, athletics, education, and medicine through philanthropic support at UCLA. His contributions have resulted in the creation of multiple facilities, including the Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center and the Mo Ostin Basketball Center.
The Mo Ostin Basketball Center serves as a centralized home for the men's and women's Bruin basketball programs. Meanwhile, the Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center provides students with access to the latest advances in music technology. Ostin has also supported various programs, including the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture and the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. He has served on boards of visitors for these schools.
In addition to his music career, Ostin had a successful tenure with Verve Records, Reprise Records, Warner Bros. Records, and DreamWorks. He signed music legends such as Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix, Quincy Jones, Madonna, Prince, Neil Young, the Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Ostin's philanthropic efforts extend beyond UCLA. However, his substantial support for his alma mater has helped advance its arts, athletics, education, and medicine programs. One of his recent contributions is the forthcoming Mo Ostin Academic Center for Student-Athletes.
While Ostin is the recipient of this year's Edward A. Dickson Alumnus of the Year award, it's important to note that in 2019, the legendary music executive recognised by the UCLA Alumni Association for his philanthropy was David Geffen. Geffen, known for his substantial charitable donations, particularly to UCLA, has made major gifts totaling hundreds of millions of dollars to UCLA's medical school and performing arts programs, and the naming of the David Geffen School of Medicine and Geffen Playhouse at UCLA.
The UCLA Awards ceremony is an annual event that celebrates the impact and accomplishments of UCLA's alumni. This year, the ceremony is hosted by the UCLA Alumni Association. Julie Sina, the associate vice chancellor for alumni affairs at UCLA, expressed her excitement for the event, saying, "We are thrilled to honour Morris 'Mo' Ostin for his exceptional contributions to UCLA and beyond. His philanthropy and dedication to our university have made a significant impact, and we are grateful for his continued support."
The announcement about Ostin's contributions to UCLA was originally published on the UCLA Newsroom. His story serves as an inspiration to current students and alumni, demonstrating the transformative power of philanthropy and the enduring impact of UCLA graduates.
The Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center, a testament to Ostin's philanthropy, offers students the latest advances in music technology. His repertoire as a music executive, signing music legends like Frank Sinatra and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, aligns with the entertainment sector, further enriching the university's cultural landscape.
