June 5, 2025

Anteater Time Machine: A student gardens in the campus arboretum circa 1991. (Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Libraries Archives)

UC IRVINE NEWS

42 percent of UC Irvine bachelor’s degrees earned by first-generation students

a group of graduates celebrating at a commencement ceremony

More than 8,600 undergraduate and graduate students and their families will participate in this year’s commencement ceremonies between Friday, June 13, and Monday, June 16, in the Bren Events Center. Overall, UC Irvine will grant 10,261 degrees this academic year – 8,626 undergraduate, 967 master’s and 668 doctoral degrees. And in a testament to the university’s dedication to access and affordability, 42 percent of those receiving bachelor’s degrees are first-generation college students. “This graduating class highlights how well UC Irvine is serving the people of our state by offering a world-class education to the best and brightest students, regardless of their financial circumstances, and acting as a powerful engine of upward economic mobility,” said Chancellor Howard Gillman.

Green Scene badage

Sustainability achievements and tips from UC Irvine

UC Irvine earns STARS Gold rating for sustainability excellence

The $1.3 billion UCI Health – Irvine medical campus, set for completion later this year, will include the nation’s first all-electric hospital.

UC Irvine has earned a STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, upholding its standing as a leader in promoting sustainability. The sustainability performance of colleges and universities is measured in five sectors: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership. Since 2013, UC Irvine has consistently earned top marks from the AASHE STARS program. Continuing that legacy, this year’s Gold rating highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to expanding upon campus sustainability initiatives and practices.

UCI Health receives highest national recognition for sustainability initiatives

UCI Health ― Orange has been recognized as one of the nation’s top hospitals leading sustainability transformation with the prestigious Practice Greenhealth Top 25 Environmental Excellence Award. This is the first time the hospital has earned the top 25 honor and the fourth consecutive year it has been recognized by the organization with an award. “UCI Health demonstrates the kind of leadership, innovation and performance that can drive the entire health sector toward more environmentally responsible practices,” said Gary Cohen, founder of Practice Greenhealth.

UC NEWS

Reducing the risk of developing diabetes

a person holding a cell phone up to glucose monitor

Diabetes is an epidemic that plagues the U.S., with over 38 million diabetics in our country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With the health and financial issues that come from being diabetic, prevention is important. UC’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a one-year lifestyle change platform that’s proven to cut the risk of Type 2 diabetes in half, with certified coaches teaching participants about topics such as nutrition and stress management. The program is free to all eligible UC employees, their family members and the community.

SAVE THE DATE

Edouard Vysekal, The Sisters, 1922, Oil on canvas, 36 1/8 x 34 1/8 x 2 1/8 in., UC Irvine Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art. Gift of The Irvine Museum

Gallery talk with exhibition curator Michaëla Mohrmann, Ph.D.

Saturday, 11 a.m. (sponsored by UC Irvine Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art)


Hansori’s 5th annual spring concert

Saturday, 6 p.m. (sponsored by UC Irvine Korea Law Center, UC Irvine Korean American Alumni Chapter and UC Irvine Center for Critical Korean Studies)


‘Daring to Rest’ workshop

June 9, 3:30 p.m. (sponsored by School of Physical Sciences)


For more events, visit UC Irvine Today.

#IamUCI

Blending her two passions

Vanessa Le

When Forbes published its “30 under 30” for 2025, Vanessa Le could hardly believe she made the annual list. It highlights notable people under the age of 30 in various industries, and Le, a third-year medical student, was spotlighted for media. The aspiring physician doubles as the author of two popular medical mystery novels: The Last Bloodcarver (2024) and His Mortal Demise (2025). The duology, which tells the story of a girl who can alter the biology of anyone she touches, is the result of Le finding a way to blend her two passions. “When I was young, I knew I wanted to be either a doctor or an author. It’s a blessing I am able to do both in one lifetime,” Le said.

#UCIconnected spotlights interesting updates from the UC Irvine community. #IamUCI spotlights profiles of students, faculty, staff and alumni. Send submissions via email or post on social media with the #UCIconnected or #IamUCI hashtags.

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