Building a Bright Future
Opening Doors to Discovery, Lighting Paths to Purpose
Building a Bright Future
Opening Doors to Discovery, Lighting Paths to Purpose
These are the stories of lives changed and lives impacted – for the common good.
The American Dream is not one story but many—each defined by the pursuit of opportunity and the power of impact. At UC Irvine, we turn potential into progress through education, research and public service. From life-changing medical treatments to innovations in sustainability, from first-generation college graduates to world-changing discoveries, we create pathways to a better future.
These are the stories of lives changed and lives impacted – for the common good.
The American Dream is not one story but many—each defined by the pursuit of opportunity and the power of impact. At UC Irvine, we turn potential into progress through education, research and public service. From life-changing medical treatments to innovations in sustainability, from first-generation college graduates to world-changing discoveries, we create pathways to a better future.
A Smart Investment, A Lifetime of Returns
An education should deliver real dividends – and at UC Irvine, it does. Graduates recoup their costs in under a year, launch high-paying careers, and contribute to a $7 billion economic impact on the local economy. With world-class training and hands-on experience, Anteaters see returns that fuel innovation, power industries, and shape the future.
Joe Lacob
’78, biological sciences Owner & CEO, Golden State Warriors
Joe Lacob went from selling peanuts at baseball games to fund his education at UC Irvine to owning one of the most successful teams in the NBA. He's co-executive chairman and CEO of the Golden State Warriors, which have won four championships during his time with the franchise.
Joe Lacob
’78, biological sciences Owner & CEO, Golden State Warriors
Joe Lacob went from selling peanuts at baseball games to fund his education at UC Irvine to owning one of the most successful teams in the NBA. He's co-executive chairman and CEO of the Golden State Warriors, which have won four championships during his time with the franchise.
Teal Wicks
’05, drama Elphaba on Broadway's "Wicked"
Renowned stage actress Teal Wicks cut her teeth as an undergrad at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, before earning the lead role of Elphaba, the wicked witch in the Los Angeles, San Francisco and Broadway performances of the musical "Wicked."
Teal Wicks
’05, drama Elphaba on Broadway's "Wicked"
Renowned stage actress Teal Wicks cut her teeth as an undergrad at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, before earning the lead role of Elphaba, the wicked witch in the Los Angeles, San Francisco and Broadway performances of the musical "Wicked."
Roy Fielding
’88 M.S., ’93 Ph.D., ’00, all ICS Father of HTTP
Roy Fielding is an internet pioneer and the primary architect of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP/1.1) that is now ubiquitous on the internet. He's currently a senior principal scientist at Adobe Inc.
Roy Fielding
’88 M.S., ’93 Ph.D., ’00, all ICS Father of HTTP
Roy Fielding is an internet pioneer and the primary architect of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP/1.1) that is now ubiquitous on the internet. He's currently a senior principal scientist at Adobe Inc.
Christina Zabat-Fran
’06, political science and arts & humanities, JD ’12 General counsel, Lanvin Group
Christina Zabat-Fran was a trailblazing member of the UC Irvine School of Law's inaugural class. She continues to blaze trails, serving as general counsel for the Lanvin Group and becoming the first Filipino American to be elected as president of the Orange County Bar Association.
Christina Zabat-Fran
’06, political science and arts & humanities, JD ’12 General counsel, Lanvin Group
Christina Zabat-Fran was a trailblazing member of the UC Irvine School of Law's inaugural class. She continues to blaze trails, serving as general counsel for the Lanvin Group and becoming the first Filipino American to be elected as president of the Orange County Bar Association.
From Breakthroughs to Business Success
Innovation starts with bold ideas. By pushing boundaries in developing cures and originating solutions that scale, we spark advancements that fuel industries, launch new ventures, and strengthen communities. See how progress begins – and how you can build on it.
Michael Leon
UC Irvine professor emeritus of neurobiology and behavior
Chief scientific officer at Memory Air
Susan Huang
Director of epidemiology and infection prevention at UC Irvine's School of Medicine
Maksim Plikus
UC Irvine professor of developmental and cell biology
Co-founder of Amplifica
Aileen Anderson
Director of UC Irvine's Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center
Phil Felgner
Director of UC Irvine's Vaccine Research & Development Center
Diran Apelian
UC Irvine Distinguished Professor of materials science and engineering
Co-founder of of Ascend Elements
Partners in Community, Boundless Possibilities
At UC Irvine, progress is a shared effort. Together, we fuel innovation, create jobs, and drive industries forward—from life-saving cures to real estate and policy solutions. Through the arts, humanities, and athletics, we enjoy dialogue, creativity, and the connections that bring people together.
COMMUNITY
Paying it forward
Alum Michael Habashy mentors next generation of Anteaters in D.C.
COMMUNITY
Sisters in good
Anteater alumnae CEOs help make Orange County – and beyond – a better place
RESEARCH
Targeting Advanced Cancers
Stopgap trial offers hope and addresses rising cancer rates in Hispanic and young adults
COMMUNITY
A taste of empowerment
CNN ‘Hero’ helps refugees and immigrants resettle in SoCal
COMPUTER SCIENCE
From sociology to cyber defense
Alum Douglas Schmidt brings software expertise to national security efforts
Top of the Class
A national leader in access, innovation, and impact, UC Irvine consistently earns top marks for advancing social mobility and academic excellence. These rankings reflect the university’s commitment to transforming lives and opening doors – for students, faculty and communities alike.
The Future Is Being Built at UC Irvine.
Produced by the Office of Strategic Communications & Public Affairs
