Message From the Dean
My Friends:
It is with tremendous sadness that I share with you the terrible news that our colleague and friend, VC Powe, passed away suddenly overnight. Her husband reached out to us this morning.
VC was a pivotal figure in the history of the School of Public Affairs. She has been with the School since shortly after its founding, and with UCLA for 30 years! She advised a generation of Luskin grads. As executive director of external programs and career services, VC oversaw counseling, internships and fellowships, the Bohnett Fellows Program and the Senior Fellows Program, and she developed long and deep ties to the community and its leadership — political, civic and philanthropic. In my four years as Dean, as I have traveled around Los Angeles and its institutions, there is no single name associated with the School more widely known and more favorably commented upon than VC’s. She was a passionate advocate for our students and alums. She will be deeply missed.
I will share more details when they are available, including arrangements. In the interim, we will reach out to her husband Keith on behalf of the School.
With great sadness…
Gary
Gary M. Segura
Professor and Dean
A longer remembrance of VC Powe will be published soon.
I first met VC after graduating from the Urban Planning program many years ago. She made staying part of the Luskin community so warm and welcoming that it was not only second nature to maintain ties with the school, its programs, faculty, staff and students — but to deepen them year by year. She provided a bridge for me and for many and her passing is a huge loss. She leaves a gaping hole, and a legacy that shows care and character are paramount.
What a loss! VC’s quiet power, her incredibly authentic kindness and her grace were very unique assets. Even though she was one of the busiest women around, her interest in listening and deep presence were remarkable.
So sorry to receive this news. VC was at the UCLA Alumni Association on my first day of work in California. And she was an invaluable resource throughout my 25 years working on campus. I’m happy I got to connect with her, no matter how briefly, at a recent retirement party. VC was reliably positive, optimistic, patient, and willing to teach and learn.