50th Anniversary Celebration

Bright Past, Brilliant Future

President Barack Obama joined UC Irvine for Commencement 2014 – celebrating the 50th anniversary of when President Lyndon B. Johnson dedicated the campus site. The original version of this video was shown first at the event, held on June 14 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Like the original video, this updated version highlights UCI’s bright past and brilliant future and introduces several proud Anteaters who share their stories.

Four of those students now appear in short videos of their own. Meet Esosa, Gabriel, Joyce and José – all members of the class of 2014:

Esosa Agbonwaneten '14, Public Health Sciences

Gabriel Sanchez '14, Political Science

Joyce Chen ’14, Nursing Science

José Ramos '14, Civil Engineering

We've come a long way since President Johnson dedicated the campus site a half-century ago. As we move into our next 50 years, we commit ourselves to making a difference through more eye-opening innovations and life-changing discoveries. UCI will remain a place that encourage faculty and students alike to embrace the bold, the one-of-a-kind and the independent mind.

Please join us as we remember our bright past and shape our brilliant future — together. Sponsor a 50th anniversary celebration event and become part of UCI’s story.

Highlights from our 50th Anniversary Calendar of Events


Anteater 5k Run

Anteater Family 5K Fun Run/Walk
October 3, 2015 | UCI Campus
Alumni, students, faculty, staff, community members, donors and friends will kick off the Festival of Discovery by running or walking a 5K course. 
Title Sponsor: $50,000


Festival of Discovery

Festival of Discovery
October 3, 2015 | Aldrich Park
The centerpiece of our two-year celebration, the Festival of Discovery will present the campus as never before and highlight the transformative work of our remarkable faculty and students. Designed for the entire community, the event will offer something for everyone: pavilions that showcase our game-changing innovations and breakthrough discoveries, student performances, cover bands, gourmet food trucks and more. Event sponsors and VIPs will receive special privileges. Title Sponsor: $250,000


UCI Medal Awards

UCI Medal Awards
October 10, 2015 | Bren Events Center
Our pioneering university was built on the bold visions of our past Medalists, exceptional men and women from all walks of life. The extraordinary future they imagined is today’s UC Irvine. The 2015 dinner and awards ceremony will recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to UCI’s mission, spirt and development. Title Sponsor: $250,000


Academic Symposium Series

Academic Symposium Series
Fall 2015 – Summer 2016
The Academic Symposium Series will highlight the dynamic interconnection of UCI’s breakthrough research, national academies and industry leaders. The series will focus on the trajectory of discovery and innovation over the next 50 years. Symposium Sponsor: $75,000


50 for 50 Volunteer Program

50 for 50 Volunteer Program
Fall 2014-Summer 2016
The 50 for 50 Volunteer Program promotes volunteer and civic engagement opportunities that help UCI shape a bright future. Students, faculty, alumni and staff who want to make a positive difference donate 50 hours of their time and talent over the two-year 50th anniversary period.
                                                           Title sponsor: $50,000


UCI Medal AwardsFounders Celebration
September 6, 2015
The Founders Celebration will recognize those pioneers who transformed the landscape from open ranch land to world-class university during the earliest years of UCI’s existence. The event will include members of the founding faculty and staff and members of the extended UCI family.
Title sponsor: $50,000 
  

Sponsorship Opportunities

UCI will market the 50th Anniversary Festival of Discovery with a wide range of publicity and promotional efforts to engage consumers, drive attendance and connect members of the community with the campus. Target audiences include residents of Orange County and the rest of Southern California. Our comprehensive marketing campaign will take advantage of digital media, print and video. Please consider partnering with us to sponsor any of the events we’ve highlighted. We’re also offering general sponsorship opportunities.

UC Irvine's Bright Past, Brilliant Future

For additional information about partnering with UCI to support the 50th Anniversary Celebration, please contact us: 

Daniel Montplaisir, assistant vice chancellor, Development
(949) 824-5121
dmontpla@uci.edu

Mitch Spann, senior director, Development
(949) 824-1655
mwspann@uci.edu

Additional 50th Highlights

Complete Schedule of Events

50th Anniversary Celebration Website

Commemorative Book

“Bright Past, Brilliant Future” video (original)

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