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 have been recognized for our ability to turn potential into progress through education, research and public service. From life-altering 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 have been recognized for our ability to turn potential into progress through education, research and public service. From life-altering 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

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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 (right) with Warriors' Steph Curry

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 (right) with Warriors' Steph Curry

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 as Elphaba in Broadway's 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."

Teal Wicks as Elphaba in Broadway's 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

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

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

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

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

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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 neurology and behavior

Michael Leon

UC Irvine professor emeritus of neurobiology and behavior

Chief scientific officer at Memory Air

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Dr. Susan Huang

Susan Huang

Director of epidemiology and infection prevention at UC Irvine's School of Medicine

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Maksim Plikus

Maksim Plikus

UC Irvine professor of developmental and cell biology

Co-founder of Amplifica

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Dr. Aileen Anderson

Aileen Anderson

Director of UC Irvine's Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center

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Phil Felgner

Phil Felgner

Director of UC Irvine's Vaccine Research & Development Center

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Diran Apelian

Diran Apelian

UC Irvine Distinguished Professor of materials science and engineering

Co-founder of of Ascend Elements

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Partners in Community, Boundless Possibilities

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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.

U.S. Navy attorney Michael Habashy, '11 political science

COMMUNITY

Paying it forward

Alum Michael Habashy mentors next generation of Anteaters in D.C.

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Kelsey Morgan, Jennifer Friend, Claudia Bonilla Keller, Madelynn Hirneise

COMMUNITY

Sisters in good

Anteater alumnae CEOs help make Orange County – and beyond – a better place

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UCI Health’s Dr. Maheswari Senthil (left) and Dr. Farshid Dayyani

RESEARCH

Targeting Advanced Cancers

Stopgap trial offers hope and addresses rising cancer rates in Hispanic and young adults

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Meymuna Hussein-Cattan ’09

COMMUNITY

A taste of empowerment

CNN ‘Hero’ helps refugees and immigrants resettle in SoCal

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Douglas C. Schmidt

COMPUTER SCIENCE

From sociology to cyber defense

Alum Douglas Schmidt brings software expertise to national security efforts

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Top of the Class

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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.

Carnegie Classification Higher Access, Higher Earnings

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UC Irvine is the highest California Mobility Index ranked AAU member

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UC Irvine is a Top 10 public university in the U.S. according to U.S. News & World Report

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New York Times ranking says UC Irvine is Doing the Most for the American Dream

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The Future Is Being Built at UC Irvine.

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