How the Norma J. Ehrlich Alumni Scholarship Transforms Lives

Founded in 2000 in honor of Norma J. Ehrlich — beloved mother of Craig Ehrlich, Chair of the LuskinOIC Board of Directors — the Norma J. Ehrlich Alumni Scholarship is a scholarship at UCLA awarded to two or more young women every year who exhibit some of the qualities and characteristics that Norma J. Ehrlich embodied. Women who have already shown a commitment to give back to their communities, were educated in the public school system of Los Angeles or elsewhere in California, and those who will continue the legacy established by Norma, best represent what this scholarship is all about. This scholarship fund allows these young women to pursue their academic interests without concern for the increasingly expensive cost of attending a university of distinction, like UCLA.

This year, one of those remarkable recipients is Jasmine Lara, whose connection to LuskinOIC  began at just five years old when she arrived as a patient seeking treatment for broken arms. Over the years, her connection deepened—she became a volunteer, graduated from Ortho High, and eventually served as a paid intern, embodying the organization’s mission of transforming lives and building community. Today, as a third-year public health student with aspirations of attending dental school, she has achieved another milestone: becoming a recipient of the prestigious Norma J. Ehrlich Alumni Scholarship.

“It’s important to understand the disparities and systems that are set in place that affect patients,” she explains, describing her decision to study something with deeper meaning than clinical practice.

Her relationship with LuskinOIC evolved from patient to volunteer to intern. During her paid internship, she led the planning and execution of Ozzie’s birthday event. She notes how meaningful it was to give back to children going through difficult times, just as the organization once supported her.

When Jasmine learned she had received the Norma J. Ehrlich Alumni Scholarship from the chair of LuskinOIC’s Board of Directors, her reaction was one of surprise and gratitude. The scholarship came at a crucial time, providing assistance as education costs continue to rise.

For Jasmine, the scholarship represents more than financial support—it symbolizes her connection to a community that uplifts minority voices and demonstrates how members support one another.

“I felt very empowered getting to meet other recipients because it’s a very close-knit family that empowers women and checks in with each other,” she said. She also had the opportunity to meet Craig Ehrlich at a UCLA scholarship reception, making the experience even more meaningful and personal.

As Jasmine continues her academic journey toward dental school and beyond, she carries with her the lessons learned from LuskinOIC: the power of community, the importance of giving back, and the understanding that health care equity requires both individual care and systemic change. Her story illustrates how organizations like LuskinOIC create ripple effects, transforming patients into advocates who, in turn, support the next generation.