Sept. 24, 2026

Anteater Time Machine: Ballet Folklórico dancers perform a colorful traditional dance at UC Irvine, circa 1983. (Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Libraries Archives)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Katie Porter appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors

Katie Porter, professor of law, has been appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors by California Governor Gavin Newsom. The Board of Governors sets policy and guides the 73 districts and 116 colleges in the California community college system. “California’s community colleges are the foundation of our higher education system and the engine of our workforce development program,” said Porter. “As a UC Irvine professor, I see firsthand the terrific work our community colleges do in giving students the skills they need to succeed. I’m looking forward to working with the Board of Governors to continue its innovative programs that increase access to learning.”

Raising kids in a digital world with less fear, more strategy

In the late 1800s, newspapers ran alarming headlines about a dangerous new technology corrupting the nation’s youth. Books. Kids were sneaking off to libraries to read Horatio Alger, and parents were convinced it would ruin them. More than a century later, the medium has changed dramatically. But the fear, experts say, has not. The tension between panic and practicality was at the heart of a packed panel discussion Sept. 8 at UC Irvine, the third installment of the “Raising the Next Generation in the Age of AI” series. The event brought together researchers, a tech industry leader and a youth advocate for a candid, research-grounded conversation about helping families navigate the challenges of raising children in an increasingly digital world.

Bringing care closer to the community

Across Orange County, many patients face significant barriers to healthcare, especially those from underserved communities. At the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, an innovative faculty practice model is helping address these challenges by bringing advanced nursing care directly into the community. In this integrated approach, nursing faculty provide care in federally qualified health centers and other clinical settings while simultaneously teaching and mentoring future nurse practitioners. “The needs of these communities often exceed the capacity of available providers,” said Candice Whealon, associate clinical professor and director of clinical faculty practice. “The Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing is helping bridge that gap.”

UC NEWS

SpeechMatters podcast: The promise and peril of AI for democracy

In this episode of the SpeechMatters podcast, Nathan Sanders and Bruce Schneier, authors of Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship, discuss AI’s evolving role in the democratic process and the importance of civic action in shaping the future of AI.

SAVE THE DATE

MAKE: Painted Movie Scenes

Sept. 27, 11 a.m. (sponsored by UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art)

UCI Music Joint Faculty Recital

Sept. 30, noon (sponsored by Claire Trevor School of the Arts)

For more events, visit UC Irvine Today.

#IamUCI

From student to survivor

In 2022, Megan Yoo Schneider ’12, M.S. ’14 was in the middle of her doctoral program in education when something didn’t feel right. She started experiencing painful stomach problems. Watch the video to learn Megan's story. Through her journey, she was introduced to the UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge, a community fundraising program that supports research at the university’s Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center – the only NCI-designated cancer center based in Orange County. Fundraising for the Anti-Cancer Challenge culminates in a day of cycling, runs, walks and a festival. Every dollar raised directly by participants supports cancer research and is tax-deductible. The community event is celebrating its 10th year on Oct. 10.

#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.

UC IRVINE NEWSMAKERS

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