Campus dance crews; eyes reveal health

July 10, 2023

A custodian walks into the Natural Sciences II building. (Photo: Steve Zylius/UCI)

UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS

Student dance crews: an iconic part of campus culture

Members of Level V Origins perform at a winter-quarter showcase held in the courtyard outside Murray Krieger Hall. Photo by Brian Sagi

In the evenings, after classes let out and interior building lights turn off, a symphony of synchronized footsteps and electrifying music fills the air. In various spaces on campus – down the steps between Murray Krieger and Humanities halls, in the hollow area outside the Social Science Tower, under the hanging lights near the Social and Behavioral Sciences Gateway – students from more than a dozen recreational dance teams laugh, chant and trip the light fantastic.

How eyes can illuminate brain health

It’s said that the eyes are the window to the soul, but they may more accurately be described as the window into the brain. Our eyes often provide clues about what’s going on deep inside our heads — from changes in blood flow to muscle control. UCI Health neuro-ophthalmologists work with neurosurgery colleagues to treat patients with complex conditions that affect vision, such as multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, double vision, traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease and other disorders.

UC NEWS

UC Health spent $4.4 billion on community benefits

The UC system’s academic health centers and faculty practices spent $4.4 billion on community programs, activities and Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits during fiscal year 2021-22. UC Health’s community benefits spending compares favorably to California tax-exempt hospitals. Community benefits are programs or activities that provide treatment or promote health and healing as a response to community needs. One example: Community Urban Farm, a health-equity focused program that connects patients who don’t have access to fresh produce with a local urban farm’s produce, using grant funds from Veggie Rx, and provides infrastructure for healthy food access. Community Urban Farm is a collaboration with CRECE Urban Farms and UCI Family Health in Santa Ana.

2 appointees join UC regents

The governor has appointed Nancy Lee and Gregory Sarris to the University of California’s Board of Regents. Lee, of Los Angeles, is chief of staff to the CEO and executive vice president of international business operations for the Walt Disney Co. Sarris, of Sonoma, is chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and president of the tribe’s Economic Development Board.

EVENTS

Surgical Advancements and New Therapies for Melanoma, Skin Cancer Prevention & Early Detection
Wednesday, 1 p.m. (sponsored by UCI Health)

Visit today.uci.edu to see and submit event listings. Events of general interest will be shared in UCI Digest two days before they occur.

#UCICONNECTED

Alumni couple strives to make difference on 2 fronts

David Smith (left), his son and his wife, Kelli

As hearing-impaired alumnus David Smith tries to lead Team USA volleyball back to the Olympics, his wife, Kelli, a former UCI cross country and track star, is changing the lives of Ukrainian refugees in Poland. The Orange County Register takes an in-depth look at their fascinating story.

#UCIconnected spotlights student, alumni, faculty and staff photos, essays, shoutouts, hobbies, artwork, unusual office decorations, activities and more. Send submissions via email or post on social media with the #UCIconnected hashtag.

UCI IN THE NEWS

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COVID-19 NOTIFICATION & HEALTH RESOURCES

Please be aware that UCI’s COVID-19 information hub, UCI Forward, has sunsetted. All employee-related information has migrated to the Human Resources Working Well webpage, and student-related information has moved to the Student Health Center webpage. UCI Digest issues are archived on the Strategic Communications website.