W ith Chancellor Franklin D. Murphy calling the shots, a lot of changes were made on campus in 1962 and 1963.  Some of those changes came from the 13-point plan  Chancellor Murphy implemented in 1962. The plan included making registration and enrollment in classes possible by mail, making more money available for scholarships and loans, and expanding the intramural sports program.  Although advancement in those realms was a reality, racism and segregation still existed, and students who tried to help end it wound up at the center of the biggest controversy of the year.  Five UCLA students who went to Mississippi to take part in Freedom Rides, a protest against racial segregation in the south, were arrested and had to spend time in jail.  Although their initial bail was $500 each, the cost to appeal was $1,000.  A petition then went around in support of having a vote on whether or not ASUCLA should loan $5,000 to the students.  This sparked heated debate, and a counter petition. Thousands of students were on both sides of the debate, so it eventually went to a vote and was approved.  However, the Board of Control denied the loan.  This led to appeals and protest.  Although Chancellor Murphy had to agree with the Board of Control, he encouraged the students to apply for student loans, and even made a personal donation in order to make more money available for loans, showing his support for the Freedom Riders.

During these years it was evident that although some of the 1950s ideals permeated students’ beliefs, change was occurring.  Headlines with “Red” in them, and articles about communism were ever present in the Daily Bruin, but there were also reminders about the Socialist Club’s meetings. Malcom X coming to speak was also a show of progressiveness on campus. From the protest in favor of lending money to the freedom riders, to heated debates about premarital sex, the hippie movement was clearly in the works, even that early in the decade.

J.D. Morgan took over as the director of the Athletics Department in 1963, and that switch would mark the beginning of UCLA’s second, and remarkable Golden Age.  There was not only notable development in sports, though.  A huge advancement in science came in February of 1963 when two UCLA scientists created the first test tube virus.  Other big events on campus included Gene Kelly coming to speak in February of 1962, and Eisenhower speaking in April of 1963.  That was what was happening on the surface, though. We will delve into three aspects of the 1960s: The Daily Bruin, specifically its staff; music on campus and bands that were formed by UCLA students and alumni; and traditions.

Bands & Concerts : Some of the most influential musicians, including Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, and Randy Newman, were students at UCLA in the 1960s.  Their time spent at UCLA, and their success as musicians after they left is incredible to think about. From the chance reunion that led to the formation of the Doors, to the many Academy Awards that Newman has collected over the years, the musical history of UCLA alumni is impressive.  The caliber of musicians that came to perform on campus is also impressive and envy inducing.  In the 60s, UCLA was a veritable Mecca of inspired and remarkable music. - by Janey Brown
go to bands & concerts

The Daily Bruin: Before the advent of the Internet, newspapers were a vital source of mass communication. In the UCLA community, the Daily Bruin took the challenge of being UCLA's informant. The dedicated staff of the Bruin in the 60's and 70's made the newspaper what it was. Their long hours, determination to do every story right, and hunger for knowledge made the Bruin a rich and influential source for the university. While there were bound to be occasional scuffles with administration, the staff upheld professional standards that made the paper one of the best college papers in the nation. Surrounded by the tumultous events of the era, the Daily Bruin staff told a story that will never be forgotten. - by Sara Randazzo go to Daily Bruin

Traditions: What’s our Alma Mater? Who wrote it? Is it true we used to use live bears as our mascots? What’s that seal in the Powell Library? How did Spring Sing come about? Throughout the years, traditions have come and gone. Some have been kept alive, while others have slowly diminished away. From live animals to costumes, UCLA mascots have left their mark on the students who attended the sports games, participated in the card stunts, and engaged in the infamous rivalry between UCLA and USC. UCLA changed dramatically in the 1960's and 70's and with it came the declaration of new traditions and the alteration of the old ones.
- by Diana Rios
go to traditions

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