Kawan at UCLA
University of California - Los Angeles
About Kawan at UCLA
Kawan at UCLA is a student-led faith community in Los Angeles, California that celebrates the rich tradition of Filipino Catholicism while building meaningful relationships among Bruins. Established in Fall 2021 at the University of California, Los Angeles, Kawan grew from a grassroots initiative into a formally recognized archdiocesan nonprofit dedicated to serving Filipino and Filipino-American Catholic students. The organization's name, derived from the Tagalog word meaning "flock," reflects its mission to create a welcoming spiritual home where members grow together in faith, understanding, and community.
At its heart, Kawan envisions an all-inclusive undergraduate and graduate community where members deepen their spiritual lives while learning about Catholicism from a distinctly Filipino perspective. The organization proactively educates its peers about the history of Catholicism in the Philippines and provides visibility and support to the Catholic student population at UCLA and beyond. Through celebrations of Filipino holidays, cultural traditions, and Catholic observances, Kawan unifies its members while honoring the spiritual heritage of the Philippines.
Founded by visionary student leaders and guided by the patronage of Saints Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod, Kawan embodies a commitment to servant leadership and community care. The organization invites and supports members of all faith backgrounds, recognizing that spiritual community extends beyond religious practice to encompass cultural identity, personal growth, and collective belonging. Operating as part of the University Catholic Center, Kawan connects UCLA's Filipino Catholic community with broader networks throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, creating lasting bonds of faith and fellowship.