Aug. 6, 2026

Anteater Time Machine: Saturday Evening Post photographer Jack Fields sits atop his car, snapping shots of what will become the new UC Irvine campus circa 1964. (Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Libraries Archives)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Shawn Trondsen appointed vice provost for enrollment management

Shawn Trondsen has been appointed as vice provost for enrollment management, having served in this role on an interim basis since September 2025. In this role, he oversees undergraduate admissions, financial aid and scholarships, the university Registrar and the veteran benefits office. Enrollment management works with campus leadership and schools to develop enrollment strategies that align with academic capacity and student success. “Vice Provost Trondsen’s leadership and ability to build strong partnerships will be instrumental in aligning UC Irvine’s enrollment strategy with institutional priorities,” said Hal Stern, provost and executive vice chancellor.

OC's next generation of entrepreneurs

Go inside the 2026 Stella Zhang New Venture Competition to hear how UC Irvine entrepreneurs are building the next generation of startups – and learning to innovate in an AI-driven world. This month, UC Irvine is celebrating innovation and how the campus is growing the people, partnerships and ideas shaping Orange County’s future.

UC Irvine shines at UC Tech 2026

UC Irvine excelled at the 2026 UC Tech Conference – the annual gathering for technology professionals across the University of California system. UC Irvine won the gold AI Impact Award for ScholarConnect, a faculty expertise search engine that uses AI to build searchable profiles from faculty CVs, making it easier to find and connect with UC Irvine researchers, and a gold Larry L. Sautter Award for ZotGPT, the UC system's highest recognition for technology excellence which recognizes innovation in IT.

Summer 2026 Co-Worker Experience Survey launches

The Summer 2026 Co-Worker Experience Survey launches Aug 10. Starting next week, a random selection of UC Irvine staff members will receive an email invitation from Gallup, the survey partner. This 5-minute survey provides feedback opportunities to help shape a better, more supportive workplace. Keep an eye on your inbox. If you need help with it, contact the UC Irvine Employee Experience Center at eec@uci.edu or 949-824-0500. To learn more, visit the Co-Worker Experience Survey web page.

Good guava! Tropical dishes to brighten your table

Guava is showing up everywhere, from drinks and snacks to glazes and dipping sauces, and they’re in the spotlight for good reason. They are packed with protein, potassium and vitamin C. “By relying on whole fruits, herbs, spices and citrus for flavor instead of large amounts of added sugar or sodium, these recipes are tasty, nutritious and fit well into a balanced eating plan," said Jessica VanRoo, executive chef for the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, part of UCI Health.

UC NEWS

UC partners with U.S. Department of Energy

The University of California has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy in a historic effort to develop AI-enabled scientific workflows designed to accelerate breakthroughs in energy, discovery science and national security through the Genesis Mission. “The University of California is proud to partner with the U.S. Department of Energy to advance the Genesis Mission for the benefit of every American,” said Theresa Maldonado, UC vice president for research and innovation. “UC’s world-class scientists and facilities offer unmatched potential to achieve DOE’s goals for energy, discovery and national security.”

SAVE THE DATE

The OC Coastline: Beach Erosion & Our Changing Shoreline

Aug 22, 7:30 a.m. (sponsored by Spotlight OC)

For more events, visit UC Irvine Today.

#UCIconnected

2026 Staff Appreciation Picnic

The Staff Appreciation Picnic is an annual event hosted by the Staff Assembly to recognize and say thanks to the staff for all they do for the UC Irvine Community. (Photos by Steve Zylius / UC Irvine)

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UC IRVINE NEWSMAKERS

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