James A. Collins, a proud UCLA [and Beta Theta Pi] alumnus and committed philanthropist who enjoyed a long and successful career in the restaurant industry, died March 2. He was 98 years old.
Collins began his career with a hamburger stand in Culver City, Calif., and eventually created a global food empire. Along with his wife Carol, he supported numerous causes with a special fondness for UCLA. The entire Collins family has long played an active role in the life of UCLA’s campus, attending sporting events together and coming to see the university as a second home.
Reflecting on Collins’ legacy, which includes serving as chair of the first UCLA fundraising campaign in the 1980s, Chancellor Emeritus Gene Block said, “UCLA has lost a dear friend, one who has had an incalculable impact on our campus and on the wider world. Not only have Jim and Carol been passionate and engaged supporters of their alma mater for seven decades, but they have played an outsized role in establishing philanthropy as part of UCLA’s culture. The Bruin community stands together in gratitude to Jim, and we extend our deepest condolences to Carol, the Collins family, and Jim’s wide network of family and loved ones.”
Born in 1926 in Huntington Park, Calif., Collins grew up in another Los Angeles suburb, Arcadia. After serving in the Navy, he enrolled at UCLA as an undergraduate. In 1950, Collins received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and married Carol — the fellow Bruin he first met at a campus mixer. He then spent two years working in construction before finding success in the food industry. He began working with KFC for Colonel Sanders; when Sanders sold his company, Collins and three fraternity brothers founded Collins Foods International, which encompassed both KFC and the Sizzler company.
The couple made their first gift to UCLA in 1963. In the ensuing decades, their dedication led them to give more than $42 million to enhance numerous areas of activity across UCLA’s campus, including business, medicine, athletics, education and the College.
In 1987, the Collinses made a gift toward the establishment of the UCLA Anderson School of Management. As a lasting testament to this act of generosity, the Executive Education Center at Anderson bears the name of James A. Collins. “Jim really came through for us,” said Tony Bernardo, dean of UCLA Anderson and UCLA’s John E. Anderson Professor of Management. “It makes perfect sense that Jim stepped up — his big heart and his passion for entrepreneurship made him a perfect match for what we needed to get up and running. His legacy will never be forgotten, and he is a huge part of our success.”
