UCLA Mourns the Loss of Nicholas David Chew, Beloved Student Leader and Advocate for Civic Engagement
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) community is heartbroken by the tragic passing of Nicholas David Chew on October 6, 2025. Nicholas was a cherished Political Science and Philosophy Double Major, known for his unwavering dedication to fostering positive change on campus.
As the founder and president of the Coffee Club at UCLA, Nicholas worked tirelessly to create a welcoming space where students could engage in meaningful conversations and build connections. His leadership extended to his role as the President of BridgeUSA’s Buchanan Chapter, where he promoted respectful dialogue and bipartisan discussions in an era of increasing political polarization.
Nicholas was a passionate advocate for civic engagement, regularly organizing events that encouraged critical thinking and empathetic listening. His academic excellence and leadership earned him a position as an NSA Gold through UCLA’s New Student and Transition Program, where he mentored peers through the challenges of university life.
Beyond academics and extracurriculars, Nicholas was a dedicated barista at Starbucks, where he built lasting relationships with colleagues and customers. His kindness and passion for bringing people together left a lasting mark on everyone he met.
A memorial service will be organized to honor Nicholas's life, with details to be announced soon. The community continues to grieve this tragic loss, remembering a young leader who inspired all those around him.