In memoriam: Morton La Kretz, 100, alumnus, environmental champion and lifelong supporter of UCLA
The UCLA Newsroom published a tribute honoring the incredible life and legacy of Morton La Kretz, who served on the Garden’s board.
La Kretz first visited the Garden as an undergraduate student for a biology class experiment. Later, he would go on to join a field-study tour with the Garden’s namesake, Mildred Mathias, in Costa Rica.
His contribution to the Garden is evident in every visit. The neighboring Botany Building was renamed in his honor in 2018 in recognition of the renovation which his generosity enabled. He also provided funding for the La Kretz Garden Pavilion which provides a space for our K-12 program, classes, and Garden events.
