Sept. 5, 2024

UC IRVINE NEWS

$343 million raised in record-breaking fiscal year

UC Irvine has closed its most successful fundraising year on record, raising $343 million in the 2024 fiscal year as part of its Brilliant Future philanthropic campaign. The campaign now totals $1.9 billion, surpassing 95 percent of its $2 billion goal, making it the largest philanthropic and alumni engagement initiative in the history of Orange County. Launched publicly in October 2019, it’s set to conclude in October 2025. “UC Irvine is in the midst of a transformative era,” said Brian Hervey, vice chancellor for University Advancement & Alumni Relations and president of the UC Irvine Foundation. “Our generous donors are opening doors to a world-class education for our students and driving groundbreaking advancements in healthcare and research.”

Researchers hope tissue engineering can provide arthritis relief

Despite substantial research efforts, no treatments to date have been made to treat severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. But Department of Biomedical Engineering researchers including (from above left) Jerry C. Hu, program manager; Benjamin Bielajew, postdoctoral scholar; Rachel Nordberg, research specialist; and Kyriacos Athanasiou, Distinguished Professor of biomedical engineering, are now developing new technologies to address cartilage diseases and disorders in the knee, hip and other joints. “Cartilage repair products have been slow to reach the marketplace and exhibit significant limitations,” said Bielajew. “But despite past setbacks, we remain optimistic. We believe that with these recent advances in cartilage tissue engineering the field is poised to develop better treatments for the millions of people suffering debilitating joint deficiencies.”

Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building construction update

Construction of the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building is progressing toward an expected completion in 2025. The build-out of Levels 2 through 6 is ongoing, with the installation of fire suppression and fire alarm systems underway. Additionally, significant advancements are being made in the installation of overhead HVAC, plumbing and electrical installations throughout these levels. The installation of the exterior glazing system is nearly complete, and the pre-cast panel placement is in its final stages. The service elevator has been completed, and the installation of two additional elevators is currently in progress.

UC NEWS

Centering Students: Preparing for the 2024 Presidential election

With campus expression issues splashed across the front page and debated in Congressional hearings, higher education has become increasingly embroiled in our nation’s polarized political discourse. The perils of this moment — from safeguarding speech and Title VI accountability to the targeted harassment of academics — are only compounded in an election year. The UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagements sixth annual conference, “Politics, Polarization and Perils on Campus,” delved into these subjects and explored current challenges and opportunities for learning, activism and engagement. Listen as legal experts, journalists and higher education leaders discuss these topics.

SAVE THE DATE

Fifth Annual Anteaters in Service Day

Saturday, 8 a.m. (sponsored by UC Irvine Alumni Association)

Pacific Jazz Orchestra with John Pizzarelli and Sy Smith

Saturday, 8 p.m. (sponsored by Irvine Barclay Theatre)

For more events, visit UCI Today.

#UCIconnected

Accolades accumulate for UCI Health & UCI Medical Center

2024 has brought a growing number of accolades for UCI Health and its UCI Medical Center. So far this year, UCI Medical Center has been named one of America’s Great Hospitals by Becker’s Hospital Review. Both the UCI Medical Center and UCI Community Network Hospitals were recognized for quality stroke care by the American Heart Association, and the Medical Center scored high in the Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index. The Medical Center was also awarded a Gold Seal accreditation from The Joint Commission for its Advanced Heart Failure Program Accreditation, as well as a yet another Leapfrog 'A' grade in the spring 2024 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade.

#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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