Harold Williams (1928–2017)
It is with great sadness that we share news of Harold Williams’ passing on July 30. An entrepreneur, public servant, philanthropist, champion of the arts—and very special member of the UCLA and UCLA Arts family—Harold touched many of our lives as advocate, mentor, and friend.
In addition to his lasting legacy as founding president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, Harold’s generosity and commitment to the arts at UCLA was unparalleled: he was a Founding Chair of the Board of Visitors at the School of the Arts and Architecture, a position he held for more than two decades. He supported students through an endowed scholarship and buttressed the institution with funding for new initiatives and greatest needs. A tireless advocate for the arts on the national stage—Harold was especially passionate about arts education. Here at home, we were the beneficiaries of his generosity of spirit and philanthropic leadership through his support of our Visual and Performing Arts Education program, our museums and our performing arts program. In recognition of his many accomplishments and his contributions to the arts at UCLA, the School of the Arts and Architecture bestowed its highest honor, the UCLA Arts award, upon Harold in October 2015.
Harold was a man of enormous vision, kindness and integrity. In his more than five decades of service to UCLA and through his deep dedication to the cultural landscape of Los Angeles, he has left an enduring legacy and indelible mark that will inspire for generations to come.
To learn more about Harold and his impact on our community, we share with you the Getty’s release on news of his passing, his Los Angeles Times obituary, and a recent interview he participated in at our school.
In celebration of Harold’s life,
David Roussève
Interim Dean
UCLA School of the Arts & Architecture
Judith Smith
Founding Dean
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music
Christopher Waterman
Professor and Former Dean (2002 – 2015)
UCLA School of the Arts & Architecture