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The 2011 UCI Medal Awards

Students benefit from UCI Medal gala, event raises $1.1M for fellowships benefitting UCI students

More than 500 guests turned out Saturday, Oct. 29, for “A Celebration of Stars – the 2011 Medal Awards.” Net charitable proceeds from the $1.1M raised for the gala will benefit graduate fellowships, scholarships and other student-focused projects through the Shaping the Future campaign: www.ucifuture.com.

UCI’s signature event honors recipients of the UCI Medal for their profound impact on the university. The 2011 winners are Barbara Davidson, Manuel Gómez, Michael Mussallem and Larry Overman.

“One of our most significant traditions is awarding the UCI Medal to highlight the accomplishments of those outstanding individuals whose time, talent and support help UC Irvine make a difference in people’s daily lives,” Chancellor Michael Drake said. “Our 2011 recipients join an elite cadre, and although the specific nature of their contributions may vary from year to year, the consistent truth is that each of them has elevated our campus and community in a meaningful way.”

Hosted by the UC Irvine Foundation, “A Celebration of Stars” this year was co-chaired by Ruth Ann and John Evans. A senior vice president and manager at Wells Fargo Bank, he is a foundation trustee and sits on its executive committee, as well as the Dean’s Advisory Board for UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business.

“John and his wife, Ruth Ann, were steadfastly committed to the success of this event, inspiring our hardworking volunteer committee to surpass expectations in every way,” said Gregory Leet, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Not only did they raise vital funds to support graduate and undergraduate students, but they delivered an evening befitting the achievements of those it honored.”

The vintage Hollywood-themed soiree at the UC Irvine Bren Events Center featured a reception and formal dinner, two classic cars, big-band music and dancing, Medalist tributes, and entertainment by students from UCI’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts, who performed a musical montage from ’30s and ’40s Hollywood. Past Medalists – who include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners and industry leaders – were also highlighted.

View press release on UCI.edu

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The Medal is the highest honor the university bestows, and with each presentation it has taken on the prestige of those who receive it. Former medalists include Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, authors, inventors, captains of industry, scientists and pioneers in virtually every field of endeavor. They have challenged our intellects, elevated our spirits and opened doors for UC Irvine that have led the campus into the distinguished ranks of America's top-tier public research universities.

A Celebration of Stars

Hosted by the University of California, Irvine Foundation, "A Celebration of Stars - the Medal Awards," is the campus's largest fundraiser. Event proceeds support graduate fellowships and other vital campus programs.

Co-chaired by John Evans, senior vice president and manager at Wells Fargo Bank, and his wife, Ruth Ann, the 2011 celebration was held Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Bren Events Center.

Thank you to all those who joined us to help UC Irvine advance its exceptional programs and expand educational opportunities for its best and brightest students.

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First awarded in 1984 to founding UC Irvine Chancellor Daniel G. Aldrich Jr.,
The Medal is the university's highest honor

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Learn more about the 2011 Medal Recipients

Learn more about the Students First Initiative

  2010 UCI Medal Event Video
  2009 UCI Medal Event Video
  More UCI Medal videos here >>