Political activist, former Bruin dies

Lloyd Monserratt, chief of staff to L.A. City Councilman Nick
Pacheco who won an election to be president of UCLA’s
Undergraduate Student Association Council in 1988, passed away
Thursday due to complications during surgery. He was 36. 

Monserratt’s brother Ernest described him as being
“a caring, loving brother who is fun to be with. He would do
anything for the community and anybody who needed help.”

His cousin Bruce Andersen also remembered him as being
constantly involved in the community. 

“He thrived about just being there. Whenever there was a
problem, Lloyd always wanted to get involved. He didn’t like
being on the sidelines,” Andersen said.

“He said to me once that he was dedicated to public
service because it helps ground his principles and helps organize
his life,” he added.

Throughout his career in politics, Monserratt worked for
numerous candidates running for office including Lucia Rivera, Ed
Reyes, Vicki Castro, Jocelyn Yap and Pacheco. Among his favorite
projects were the Washington Boulevard Bulky Item Recycling Center,
Neighborhood Leadership Institute, and Hollenbeck Public Safety
Task Force.

During his years at UCLA, Monserratt was extensively involved
with USAC and was elected president in 1988. But due to a dispute
over his academic qualifications, he was disqualified and denied
office.

Two years later, Monserratt’s election victory was
certified by the student government. Though he did not get a
chance to serve in the office, Monserratt has his name down as one
of the few Chicano undergraduate presidents in UCLA history.

Monserratt continued to inspire a generation of students,
devoting himself to ensuring student rights, student retention, and
student diversity. He was especially dedicated to representing the
Chicano and Latino community, and was widely accepted as one of the
most influential student leaders.

“He was a tremendous leader and motivator of
people,” said former USAC President David Hoffman, who held
office during the 1988 election and was a close friend of
Monserratt.

His fiancee Michele Ramos said Monserratt was always proud of
being from UCLA.

“To his last day, he would talk about how much he loved
the Bruins,” she said.

A statement was issued from Councilman Pacheco’s office
regarding Monserratt’s untimely death: “Lloyd touched
the lives of many people and had always fought to improve the
communities that he has served.”

“Each of us can honor Lloyd and his legacy by constantly
seeking ways in which to make positive contributions to our great
community,” Pacheco said.

The funeral is scheduled to be held some time this week.