UCLA dedicates new medical school building

The University of California, Los Angeles, has dedicated Geffen Hall, the institution's new home for medical education.

The 110,000-square-foot facility, in use since January, leverages multimedia technology and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration to advance medical education.

Geffen Hall’s teaching labs, lecture auditorium and exam rooms are easily adapted to different learning styles and new advances in teaching and curricula. The building's six levels also include study spaces, a student lounge and administrative offices, among other features.

The facility was named in recognition of donations to the UCLA medical school by entertainment executive David Geffen.

The medical school took Geffen’s name following a $200 million gift in 2002. Ten years later, he created a merit-based $100 million scholarship fund that pays tuition and all expenses for 20 percent of UCLA’s entering medical students each year.

“I am pleased to continue my support of medical education and research at UCLA," Geffen said. “It’s a world-class institution. This new facility continues the university’s tradition of excellence and will attract some of the country’s brightest and most promising faculty and students.”

Geffen also has donated $100 million to establish the Geffen Academy, an innovative middle and high school scheduled to open this fall on the UCLA campus.

Geffen Hall construction was funded through a combination of UCLA Health reserves and philanthropic gifts.