Nickolai is the A&amp;E editor. He was previously the assistant A&amp;E editor for the Lifestyle beat and an A&amp;E reporter.

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David Perkins (right) is a participant in the UCLA Senior Scholars program. Along with playing instruments like the clarinet and the shofar, Perkins taught himself the art of balloon tying and can make teddy bears, swords and hats like the one he made Gary Vartanian, a fifth-year economics student (left). (Jennifer Hu/Daily Bruin)

https://dailybruin.com/2016/10/11/ucla-senior-scholar-inflates-happiness-on-campus-through-balloon-art/web-ae_-balloonman-jhu_-jpg/

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UCLA senior scholar inflates happiness on campus through balloon art - Daily Bruin

UCLA senior scholar inflates happiness on campus through balloon art

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More than 100 students stood locked outside of Bunche 1209B waiting for class to start, when a silver balloon suddenly shot out over the crowd. The students’ eyes traced the balloon’s trajectory, and David Perkins quickly reached into the large fanny pack hanging just above his waist and pulled out another silver balloon.

https://dailybruin.com/2016/10/11/ucla-senior-scholar-inflates-happiness-on-campus-through-balloon-art/

Thursday, March 26, 2026

IN THE NEWS:

UCLA senior scholar inflates happiness on campus through balloon art

By Nate Nickolai

Oct. 11, 2016 11:22 p.m.