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UNIVERSAL MAKES $100,000
BROCKOVICH DONATION TO UCLA

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Erin Brockovich

UNIVERSAL CITY, California, March 8, 2001 (ENS) - Universal Pictures is donating $100,000 to the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) to help students pursue studies in environmental and social justice beginning in the 2001-2002 academic year.

The donation is made in honor of the work of activists Erin Brockovich and Ed Masry on behalf of the citizens of a small Southern California town plagued by illnesses caused by groundwater contaminated with chromium. Universal Pictures' film, "Erin Brockovich," is based on their story.

Ed Masry

Brockovich was a single mother working as a file clerk in Masry's law office. Together, they took on the utility company responsible for the groundwater contamination and helped win for the town's citizens the largest settlement ever paid in a direct action lawsuit. Brockovich conducted some of her legal research at UCLA.

The $100,000 donation from Universal Pictures will be divided between undergraduate and graduate students. The $50,000 worth of undergraduate scholarships will be awarded to first generation college or low income students who have transferred from community colleges.

The other $50,000 will be awarded as graduate fellowships to students in UCLA's School of Public Policy and Social Research whose academic interests, research and community activities demonstrate a commitment to environmental justice.

"It is a great honor for us to be recognized by Universal Pictures and UCLA for our work in fighting for environmental justice. We are thrilled and grateful that students who attend this outstanding institution will be allowed to carry on the important work of protecting our health and our environment," Brockovich and Masry said in a statement.
"It's extremely gratifying to have made a film about two people who were willing to battle Goliath in order to improve the lives of other human beings," said Stacey Snider, chairman of Universal Pictures.
"Likewise, it's very gratifying to be able to help other such dedicated individuals pursue careers in such an honorable and necessary field."

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