University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA Receives $1,000,000 Donation for Wasserman Football Center
January 26, 2015 | Bruin Athletics
"Marilyn and David's generous commitment is a wonderful example of Bruins helping Bruins,” said Director of Athletics Dan Guerrero. “Marilyn and David's is a story of tremendous leadership, passion and commitment. Their love for UCLA is only surpassed by their desire to make a difference in the lives of others. This type of selflessness is rare. On behalf of Bruins everywhere, I would like to thank them not only for this gift, but for what they have meant to UCLA for more than 60 years.”
Marilyn and David's legacy of dedication to UCLA and support of Bruin student-athletes dates back to 1949 when David began his time in Westwood as the President of his freshman class. Midway through his junior year he helped start Project India, a precursor to the Peace Corps that sent UCLA students to India in an effort to overcome negative images of Americans. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, he entered UCLA Law School and graduated in 1959.
David practiced international tax law, working abroad for over 30 years. Within two years of his return to the United States, he met and married Marilyn and together, the two became greatly involved with UCLA Athletics. Marilyn, a real estate developer who attended USC for two years, became a 'UCLA convert' after marrying David and is an avid Bruin fan who consistently attends games. Marilyn and David have hosted UCLA Athletics special events at their home in Sherman Oaks and have steadily increased their support for UCLA Athletics over the years; support that includes leaving that very home to UCLA Athletics as part of their estate plan.
“I worked abroad for over thirty years living in Brussels and then London. I was absent from UCLA for so long, I wanted to be connected again,” said David Lund. “UCLA was of great importance to my life and my career. For these reasons, we give to UCLA Athletics. I wanted to make up for all those missed years of UCLA football, basketball and other experiences. My wife and I started going to games again and do whatever we can do to help UCLA's student-athletes."
“This gift reflects our appreciation for Coach Jim Mora and our UCLA Football student-athletes,” said Marilyn Silva-Lund. “Over the past three years we have been impressed by Coach Mora's commitment to excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community with his and Shannon's Count On Me Family Foundation. We are proud to invest in the future success of UCLA Football, of which the construction of the Wasserman Football Center is a major component, and hope that fellow Bruins will join us in continuing to make this project a reality.”
“It is humbling to see the impact our student-athletes have had on UCLA supporters in the short three years that I have been here,” said head football coach Jim Mora. “Within the program, we talk all the time about simply 'doing your job' as it relates to the team. Our student-athletes have embraced that mentality, and as was witnessed this past season by the record attendance at the Rose Bowl, our fans have as well. With this exceptional gift, however, the Lunds have taken this notion to an entirely different level. On behalf of Bruins everywhere, thank you, Marilyn, and thank you, David.”
In fall of 2013, the athletic department announced a campaign to raise private funds for a comprehensive football training facility to be located on the west side of Spaulding Field, the practice field for the Bruin football team. The planned state-of-the-art facility, now named the Wasserman Football Center in tribute to generous support from The Wasserman Foundation and its President, UCLA alumnus Casey Wasserman, is intended to house a locker room, athletic training area, strength and conditioning facility, coaches' offices, team meeting rooms, equipment rooms and video rooms, in addition to several elements that will feature the storied history of UCLA football.
Additional naming opportunities for the Wasserman Football Center remain. For more information or to become involved in the campaign, contact the UCLA Athletics Development Office at 310-206-3302, or visit www.UCLAFootballFacility.com.
