UCLA to Establish Chris Cornell Scholarship
The shocking death of Chris Cornell this year left an void that can't be filled in many respects, but there are still positive things being done in his name. A coalition led by Vicky Cornell, the widow of the late Soundgarden frontman, has created an endowed fund of more than $1 million to support student scholarships at UCLA School of Law.
"My husband and I agreed that given the opportunity of education, people have the power to change the world," Vicky Cornell says in a statement. "UCLA School of Law is an institution known for its academic excellence and we are proud the Chris Cornell Scholarship will provide funding for future students and future leaders of the world under the leadership of Dean [Jennifer] Mnookin and Chancellor [Gene] Block."
"This endowment honors an influential musical artist who cared about human rights and enables others the opportunity to make a positive impact in the world," Chancellor Block says.
Cornell had long been an advocate of human rights. He wrote and recorded the title song for this year's The Promise, the first feature film to highlight the story of the Armenian genocide. All proceeds from the film have gone toward human rights causes, including creation of the Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA School of Law. Cornell also donated all of his proceeds from the song to the International Rescue Committee and the Los Angeles Committee of Human Rights Watch honored the singer posthumously with an award at its Voices for Justice celebration in November.
"Vicky Cornell and all the people paying tribute to Chris Cornell's tremendous legacy are helping to ensure that the law school will extend and strengthen its commitment to our students and to the pursuit of justice," says Dean Mnookin. "Through the work of the Promise Institute and the scholarships that this fund will support, Chris Cornell's influence will be felt at UCLA Law and beyond for generations to come."
Cornell died May 18 at the age of 52 following Soundgarden's performance at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. He died by suicide, having hung himself in his hotel room. The grunge singer also fronted Audioslave, Temple of the Dog and had a prolific solo career.
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