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Block party

Published: Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Students, faculty and staff gathered in Wilson Plaza on Monday to celebrate Chancellor Gene Block’s inauguration with music and food.

Attendees sat at tables draped with blue and gold tablecloths as balloons and banners also bearing the familiar colors pierced the sky above them. Even the food was spirited: Sugar cookies stamped with the UCLA logo in blue icing sat on plates alongside grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans and caramel apples.

While students, faculty and other community members enjoyed the barbecue, a variety of performances, from African dance to a set by UCLA band JP and the Ambassadors, provided entertainment for the crowd.

The chancellor spent his time at the event mingling with a number of fellow administrators as well as the numerous students present.

Block also gave a speech about his appreciation for UCLA and its diverse student body and faculty. UC President Robert Dynes was also present.

Though the chancellor was instated in July 2007, he will be officially inaugurated in a ceremony at Royce Hall today, featuring a procession and speeches by Dynes and famous UCLA alumnus and basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

– Photo essay by Nathan Tyree, Bruin senior staff