Partnership between John Wooden and Ukleja Center

From left to right: Dean Michael E. Solt, John Wodden and Mich Ukleja

As a legendary coach, bestselling author and creator of the award-winning “John R. Wooden Course,” John Wooden has given the world an amazing legacy of ethical, values-based leadership. Recognizing the contributions of the Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership to the university and community Wooden has partnered with the Ukleja Center to create the annual “John Wooden Ethics in Leadership Award.” The award will be given annually to an individual or organization whose ethical behavior and visionary leadership have contributed significantly to our community and represent a robust response to a specific ethical challenge or opportunity. The recognition comes with an award of $10,000, which recipients designate to the charity of their choice.

In a small private ceremony at his home in Encino, Wooden was honored as the inaugural recipient. CBA Dean Michael E. Solt, Ukleja Center founder Mick Ukleja, Wooden’s daughter, Nan, and his two granddaughters were present. Dean Solt read a letter from CSULB President F. King Alexander, recognizing Wooden as “an exemplary leader whose life and career achievements epitomize the Ukleja Center’s mission, vision and values.”

Mick Ukleja has known Wooden for many years. Ukleja was thrilled and honored when Wooden agreed to partner with the Ukleja Center and to have the award named after him. Reflecting on the ceremony, Ukleja said, “It was such a great moment to be with this living legend whose legacy of ethical leadership is so well known, and to hear him thank us for the work we are doing”.

The recipients of the John Wooden Ethics in Leadership Award will be added to a perpetual plaque that will hang in the CBA.