Arnold Schwarzenegger

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chairman of the Schwarzenegger Institute and Bonnie's friend for nearly 40 years, today issued the following statement:

Bonnie Reiss was a true treasure to California, the United States, the world, and everyone she has ever met. 

For the past year, she has bravely fought cancer, just as she fought for equality and justice, students and the environment, and every other important issue you can imagine throughout her life of public service. It was in her DNA - Bonnie never accepted things as they are - she was born to shake the status quo to its core and shape the world. I have learned from decades of friendship that if Bonnie was fighting for a selfless cause, instead of a disease that impacts her own life, she would still be planning, inspiring, and battling. She would be arranging calls and conferences and believe me, she would be winning. 

I have never met anyone with more energy for helping others and improving the world around her. Sadly, cancer was immune to all of her immeasurable strengths. Bonnie inspires me on a daily basis, and her legacy will inspire me forever. 

Now, through a scholarship at the USC Price School of Public Policy, Bonnie can inspire the next generation of active citizens to get involved, to care like she did, and to use their voices for good. I will miss her dearly, but I am so happy that she will continue to leave the world better than she found it through each of the students whose lives she impacts. 

I love you, Bonnie. Thank you for each and every day we had together.