Feb. 13, 2023

UCI alum and financial aid recipient gifts $35.5 million to alma mater

Alumnus Paul Butterworth, co-founder and chief technology officer of enterprise software developer Vantiq Inc., and his wife, Jo Butterworth, also a UCI graduate, have named the university as a beneficiary of their estate. The gift, valued at approximately $35.5 million, will support the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences. The largest gift to UCI from alumni, the donation will be allocated in a variety of ways, including awards, scholarships and fellowships for students and to finance new research initiatives and faculty chairs.

UCI pharmacist argues for expanding opioid addiction treatment facilities

In a feature article recently published in the journal The Senior Care Pharmacist, Jonathan Watanabe, a professor of clinical pharmacy and a board-certified geriatric pharmacist, argues that the U.S. needs to expand the number of pharmacies that can play a role in treating opioid addiction. Opioid abuse has considerably worsened in recent years. People over 65 are at increased risk for opioid use disorder and related complications. They’re also more likely to require hospitalization, and they have the highest death rates. 

Turkey tragedy provides timely earthquake danger reminder to Californians 

In the wake of the devastating 7.8 earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, Californians need to remember that we are overdue for an event of similar size, according to a story in today’s Los Angeles Times. A quake of that magnitude in Southern California could kill an estimated 1,800 people and cause 50,000 injuries, with up to $200 billion in damage. Although cell phone and utility services are likely to be disrupted, there are still many things residents can do to prepare themselves.

Amid overall decline, XBB.1.5 omicron subvariant now dominates US cases

In an update on respiratory virus activity, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that the XBB.1.5 omicron subvariant is now dominant in most U.S. regions as a decline in infections appears to be slowing or leveling off. The more transmissible subvariant now makes up an estimated 74.7% of cases, up from 66.4% last week. The only area where the subvariant isn't dominant is in the far northwest, which includes Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Love Data Week
Today through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (co-sponsored by UCI Libraries)

COVID Bivalent Booster Clinic
Wednesday through Thursday, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. (sponsored by Student Health Center)

Live-Online LSAT Strategy Workshop
Wednesday, 6 p.m. (sponsored by Division of Continuing Education)

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Homecoming festivities fill Aldrich Park

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