By Paul Feinberg
Peter Guber’s story details an eclectic and extraordinarily successful and impactful life. He is a renowned award-winning entertainment industry executive who currently serves as chairman and CEO of Mandalay Entertainment Group, as an owner of traditional sports teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the world champion Golden State Warriors, not to mention Team Liquid, a franchise in the emerging world of e-sports. He has taught generations of UCLA students at UCLA Anderson School of Management and at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television, and he was recently named a regent of the University of California.
But above all, Guber is a storyteller.
He believes deeply that powerful narrative is the driving force of success, whether that success manifests as a great film, a championship season or fulfilling career. Now, Guber’s personal narrative features a new chapter as he becomes a recipient of the UCLA Medal.
The UCLA Medal, established in 1979, is the highest honor for extraordinary accomplishment that may be bestowed upon an individual by the university. Previous recipients include national and international leaders in government, education, science, industry and the arts, as well as men and women who have helped UCLA become one of the world’s preeminent universities. Earlier honorees include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (B.A. ’69), Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun, Blackrock Founder and CEO Larry Fink (B.A., ’74, ’76), civil rights icon and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, former Czech President Vaclav Havel and many others.
The ceremony held in Guber’s honor took place at the on-campus home of UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, who hosted a gathering of Guber’s friends and family, along with university guests that included three UC Regents and members of the UCLA Anderson and TFT communities. Guber maintains a close relationship with both schools, and is a board member of Anderson’s Center for Management of Enterprise in Media, Entertainment & Sports. He also co-teaches a popular annual leadership course with UCLA Anderson Dean Judy Olian.
“Peter is as passionate about his teaching as he is every other aspect of his career,” Block said in presenting Guber with the medal. “It’s clear that he values the opportunity to contribute and prepare the next generation for success, whether it’s in entertainment, sports or any number of other industries. His commitment is evident in the fact that, despite all he’s worked on throughout his career, Peter has never — to anyone’s knowledge — missed a year of teaching.”
Block also noted that Guber has served as a member of the UCLA Foundation Board of Trustees. “We all thank you tonight, Peter, for playing such a vital role here at UCLA and with the UC; we are deeply grateful for all you have done for UCLA, UC and beyond,” the chancellor said.
During his remarks, Guber said he was honored to teach and mentor UCLA students. “To be able to help students is a gift. The way they learn, the way they ask questions. When you see how you can touch people, it can change your life, he said.
“I dedicate myself to the years ahead to do even better.”
“Peter Guber is extraordinarily deserving of the UCLA Medal, the most prestigious honor our university bestows,” Olian said. “Peter has been a trailblazer in entertainment, sports and business, with a string of successes that few achieve in one, let alone multiple fields. Remarkably, throughout his very hectic professional career, he has always taught at UCLA. With his hunger for lifelong learning, his intellectual curiosity, broad knowledge of business and entertainment, and infectious enthusiasm, he has impacted generations of young people. We are so lucky that Peter's passion for education has been directed toward UCLA, and I am thrilled that he is being recognized with this special honor."
After the medal presentation, Guber was joined on stage by Olian and Teri Schwartz, dean of the School of Theater, Film and Television, for a short question and answer session. Some highlights from his responses:
On the importance of storytelling:
“We’re in the information age. But we don't remember information — the story is the Trojan horse. Story makes information memorable, the story is aimed at the heart, not the head.”
On the next generation of storytelling:
“What has changed is our sense of interactivity. We engage in dialogue, not monologue.”
On his involvement in professional sports:
“You have to deal with failure and loss in sports. Failure and success are this close together and unless you can cope with that, it’s very hard to navigate the waters. Failure is an inevitable cul-de-sac on the road to success.”
On what’s next for him:
“What I’m doing is being open to possibilities. If you don’t continue to grow, you must continue to be curious. Even if it’s just with your attitude, be curious. That will keep your brain nimble and in sync with the world.”
Official citation for Peter Guber’s UCLA Medal:
You have achieved extraordinary business success and garnered international renown across multiple fields, including motion pictures, television, sports, technology, and new media. A trailblazer in new avenues of entertainment, you have been a leader in the international discourse on the changing power of media and its role in the future. Along the way, throughout four decades, you have shown uncommon generosity in sharing your considerable expertise, experience, and counsel as a teacher and mentor to students; an advisor to many organizations, including UCLA; and a bestselling author. For your intense intellectual curiosity, superb achievements, and abundant passion for educating future business and entertainment leaders, we proudly bestow upon you the UCLA Medal.
Read Peter Guber’s official bio
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