Three individuals were recently honored with UCLA Administration True Bruin Values Awards for their work and commitment to embodying the values that define our campus community.

“These awards honor those who lead with integrity, serve with heart and inspire excellence in everything they do,” said Robert Acha, chair of the True Bruin Values Awards Committee. “This year’s recipients remind us that the True Bruin Values aren’t just ideals—they’re actions that shape a better UCLA every day.

Among those recognized was Bonny Bentzin, deputy chief sustainability officer. Nominator Nurit Katz described Bentzin as a visionary connector and systems thinker who sees opportunity where others see obstacles—transforming surplus into solutions and waste into resources. Among other things, Katz highlighted Bentzin’s sharp eye for detail, which led to early reporting of critical facilities issues, including a major steam leak, saving UCLA valuable resources.

Since joining UCLA nearly a decade ago, Bentzin has mentored dozens of students, guided impactful projects and built bridges between staff, faculty and community partners. One of her key successes was helping secure a $244,000 CalRecycle grant to combat food insecurity, and she has personally transported rescued produce to campus on weekends. Bentzin’s leadership in UCLA’s inaugural Sustainable Move Out initiative in 2024 significantly reduced landfill waste and redirected resources to those in need.

Bentzin’s generosity extends beyond her role — staying late to support student events, potting succulents for giveaways and always ensuring others are recognized for their contributions.

Though her work often happens behind the scenes, its impact is far-reaching. Bentzin not only advances sustainability at UCLA — she inspires a culture of care, innovation and community that will resonate for years to come.

Fellow award recipient Raquel Lopez, information technology manager, technology solutions, in Digital and Technology Solutions, was selected for her steadfast leadership and collaborative spirit. Nominator Mary Rosenbluth credits Lopez for being the driving force behind the multi-year effort to unify Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) research program databases under the Environment, Health and Safety Assistant (EHSA) platform.

This complex project required coordination across departments, researchers, IT teams and external developers. Despite numerous setbacks, Lopez remained focused and solutions-oriented, ensuring progress never stalled. Her ability to balance technical precision with empathy and flexibility has earned the trust and admiration of colleagues across campus.

Thanks to her leadership, EHSA is now fully integrated into radiation safety processes, with controlled substances, chemistry, industrial hygiene, lasers and biosafety programs actively adopting its features. Researchers will benefit from a streamlined, centralized system — reducing administrative burden and improving compliance.

Lopez’s attention to detail, organizational excellence and unwavering commitment have transformed a daunting challenge into a campus-wide success. She leads with grace, listens with care and delivers with impact. Her work not only improves systems — it empowers people.

The third recipient, Emily Tunteri, exemplifies the highest ideals of UCLA and the University of California. As director of employee and labor relations, Tunteri brings unmatched professionalism, empathy and strategic clarity to some of the most complex and sensitive matters on campus. Anthony Solana, her nominator, said Tunteri is a trusted advisor who UCLA leaders turn to when navigating high-risk cases involving workplace misconduct, discrimination or crisis response, and her work has preserved institutional integrity, protected community well-being and saved the university millions in potential liability.

In the past year alone, Tunteri led more than 100 reviews under the abusive conduct policy, developed campus-wide protocols for new state laws and delivered dozens of high-impact trainings. She is also a key member of UCLA’s Behavioral Intervention Team, where her sound judgment and compassion help guide critical decisions.

Beyond her technical expertise, Tunteri is a mentor, a team builder and a quiet force for positive change. She uplifts others, fosters trust and models the values she teaches. Her leadership is not only effective — it is transformative. Tunteri’s work strengthens UCLA’s systems, supports its people and reflects the very best of public service.

Do you know an eligible UCLA Administration employee who exemplifies True Bruin Values? Nominations for the next round of awards close Tuesday, Sept. 30.