Michael Terry, A Proud Bruin Olympian


UCLA FUND: Tell us briefly about yourself.

MICHAEL TERRY: I am a Bruin through-and-through, as I received both my undergraduate and MBA degrees at UCLA. I feel a great deal of my life’s success is a direct result of my academic, personal and athletic experiences while attending UCLA. 

As an undergrad, I especially enjoyed the challenge of balancing the rigors of contributing to our Track & Field team’s four consecutive Pac-10 championships, while pushing myself to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Business Economics. Training with UCLA’s world-class athletes on a daily basis helped propel me to my lifelong goal of competing in the 1996 Olympic Games. It also instilled in me a deep appreciation of hard-work and perseverance – lessons that prepared me for the challenges of a career in the highly competitive field of finance. 

UCLA Anderson provided me with an amazing network of global business leaders, taught me important analytical tools and encouraged me to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. I feel very fortunate to have a job that I love, working as a Senior Vice President at PIMCO in Newport Beach. I work closely with our institutional clients to assist them in effectively managing their investment assets. 

Can you share some of your favorite memories from your time as a student here?
I fondly remember my first day on campus and moving into my dorm room in Hedrick Hall. The excitement of meeting my new classmates and the realization I was about to embark on some of the best years of my life combine to make this memory one of my favorites.

Another favorite memory was the sense of accomplishment I felt after fighting back from an injury and winning the 800m Pac-10 Championship my senior year. The memory was made all the better since that year’s competition was held on in front of my family and friends on campus at UCLA’s Drake Stadium. 

Why is giving so important to you?
I believe that there are few feelings more satisfying than playing a role in helping someone to realize their dreams.  UCLA has played such an important role in my life that I want to ensure the University is capable of doing the same for future generations.

Why does UCLA, in particular, rise to the top of your personal philanthropic priorities?
I feel as though education is the cornerstone of what will continue to keep America great. Because UCLA provides so many people with the opportunity to grow into individuals who are capable of improving our economy and culture; it is an obvious choice. 

I also realize that my college degree is only as good as UCLA’s current and future reputation. By giving back, I can help make certain that UCLA retains its status as an elite university.

Why should students, alumni, parents and friends unite behind UCLA?
UCLA plays a vital role in our community by providing research, arts, fellowship and youth programs.  Investing one’s time and money in the University will pay higher dividends than any financial investment.