I was born at the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, so in many ways, my journey as a Bruin started from day one.

At 11 years old, I took a photo in front of the “Future Bruin” locker at the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame — a small moment that quietly planted a dream in my heart to one day become a UCLA quarterback and make a positive impact beyond the field.

Throughout my high school years under the “Friday Night Lights” in Texas, UCLA remained both at the center of my vision boards and in my prayers. By God’s grace, I had the opportunity to live out that dream. I leave with one start at quarterback in the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium — and one win. Taking the final knee in victory formation that night against Arizona is a memory I’ll always cherish.

But football was only one leg of the journey.

For me, UCLA is hallowed ground. It’s not just a training ground for football and athletics, but also a proving ground for a higher calling—for a life of excellence and service.

While everyone’s UCLA journey is different, mine is rooted in purpose and filled with reminders of the Bruin standard set by Jackie Robinson, Arthur Ashe, John Wooden and Ann Meyers Drysdale — figures who set examples calling us to aim higher.

In an op-ed I wrote for the Daily Bruin a couple of years ago, I tried to capture that calling: “For me, this excellence in the past is not just a history to highlight, but a daily charge to keep. These structures are not just buildings to inhabit but also values to embody and, God willing, a spirit to personify.”

My time at UCLA happened to coincide with an extraordinary moment in history – a global pandemic, widespread calls for justice and the reformation of college athletics. Through it all, I came to see my place here – not just as a student-athlete, but as someone called to respond faithfully and purposefully.

UCLA’s motto is “Fiat Lux”, or “Let there be light.” That light has certainly shone upon me, illuminating paths I never could have imagined. And, God-willing, I hope that light continues to shine through me in ways that honor the values and vision of this extraordinary place.

When Name, Image, and Likeness rights became reality, thanks in large part to Bruin trailblazer Ed O’Bannon, I saw it as more than a financial opportunity. As chronicled in the Daily Bruin, NIL was a platform for me to extend UCLA’s light into a new era and new arenas.

Guided by coach Wooden’s reminder to “make each day your masterpiece,” I did my best to carry UCLA’s light and spirit into the word. This journey took me to many unexpected centers of power, affording me some incredible opportunities to shine my light – testifying before Congress about NIL rights, working in Hollywood as an athlete creator for Range Media Partners, collaborating with Madison Avenue stalwarts JPMorgan Chase and UniWorld Group and exploring Silicon Valley as a venture fellow with Dorm Room Fund and Next Legacy Partners.

Now, as an investments fellow at UC Investments, I will continue to serve my community and help manage the $180 billion endowment and pension fund for the entire UC system.

As I sign off this chapter, I am grateful to be a Triple Bruin, holding a Bachelor of Arts in public affairs, a master’s degree in transformative coaching and leadership, and a Master of Legal Studies from UCLA School of Law. I’ve also been humbled to receive honors named after Jackie Robinson and Arthur Ashe — names that continue to shape how I aspire to lead and serve.

I don’t see this as a departure from UCLA. Instead, it’s the continuation of a lifelong Bruin journey – one where I hope to carry forward the relationships, values and experiences I’ve gained in service to others.

I am forever grateful. Go Bruins.

Chase Griffin, UCLA Quarterback and UCLA Young Alumnus of the Year

Griffin played for UCLA football from 2019-2024.