A decade of impact

In April 2017, UC Irvine set out to create a day dedicated to collective generosity, during which every gift - no matter the size - could make a meaningful difference. Now, with the record-breaking success of its 10^th Giving Day, that vision has become a defining tradition, and the impact is undeniable.

"Giving Day reflects the very best of UC Irvine: our shared commitment to lifting one another up," says Brian Hervey, vice chancellor for university advancement and alumni relations. "For 10 consecutive years, our community has demonstrated that collective generosity can create real, lasting impact across campus and UCI Health. And what's most exciting is that we're just getting started."

Over 10 years, UC Irvine Giving Day has grown in both participation and impact

This year's Giving Day - the most ambitious yet - featured 175 campaigns, with more than $4 million in matching gifts and challenges designed to amplify every contribution. Together, Anteaters once again demonstrated what is possible when a community comes together with purpose, building on years of momentum and raising $5.38 million from a record 4,927 gifts in support of students, research and programs.

(If you missed Giving Day but would still like to support UC Irvine, click here to give now.)

More than a third of all gifts this year came from alumni, a powerful testament to their enduring connection to their alma mater and their commitment to giving back. From first-time donors to lifelong supporters, each contribution reflects a shared belief in what UC Irvine makes possible.

This 10-year milestone invites celebration - and also offers an opportunity to look back at a decade of impact.

Opening doors for students

At its heart, Giving Day is about students, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities to thrive.

That impact can be seen in the Alumni Association Book Scholarships, a program born directly from Giving Day. Over the years, more than 200 scholarships totaling nearly $172,000 have helped students cover the rising costs of textbooks and course materials.

For Hannah Byng, a proud Filipina who is the first in her family to attend college, an Alumni Association Book Scholarship means more than financial assistance - it represents belonging and encouragement from a community that understands her journey.

"This scholarship is a powerful reminder that underrepresented students like me are not alone," says Byng, a political science major. "With the support of others, we can achieve our goals and dreams."

Similarly, the Chancellor's Club Fellowships have grown significantly because of Giving Day. What began with $17,732 raised during the inaugural Giving Day in 2017 has expanded to more than $140,000 this year, allowing the program to double its annual fellowship awards from $15,000 to $30,000 for first-generation graduate students.

"The Chancellor's Club Fellowship is truly transformative for me," says Ashley Avila '21, M.S. '24, a Ph.D. student in biomedical engineering. "It provides the space and flexibility to dedicate more of my attention to the experiments, analyses and writing required to bring my work to completion."

Advancing research and discovery

Beyond student support, Giving Day is also driving research and innovation across campus and UCI Health.

At the School of Medicine and the School of Physical Sciences to the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, the Samueli School of Engineering and beyond, Giving Day gifts have fueled new concepts and expanded the boundaries of knowledge.

At the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Giving Day has supported seed grants that empower researchers to explore bold, early-stage ideas. Steve Zylius / UC Irvine

At the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Giving Day has funded seed grants that empower researchers to explore bold, early-stage ideas. Ranging from $25,000 to $35,000, they provide a critical first step for breakthrough discoveries. Since the program's inception, more than $850,000 in seed money - including over $200,000 raised over the years during Giving Day - has enabled 30 researchers to pursue innovative work, helping to generate over $15 million in additional external funding. This track record represents a powerful return on investment and underscores the importance of early support.

UCI MIND, one of the nation's leading centers for Alzheimer's and dementia research, has also benefited from Giving Day. Contributions have helped foster clinical research, fuel trials, and expand resources for patients and families. This, in turn, is accelerating progress toward new therapies and, ultimately, a cure.

In addition, Giving Day has made a difference for the Department of Urology's Curiosity and Innovation Laboratory. Through donor investment, the lab is advancing translational research, including the development of less-invasive surgical tools and technologies that improve patient safety and outcomes.

Enriching campus life and community

Giving Day also bolsters programs that enrich the broader student experience, sustain creativity and serve the community.

At the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, Giving Day has helped bring professional artists to campus, sustain student productions, and strengthen partnerships such as the Side-by-Side rehearsal series between the UC Irvine Symphony Orchestra and the Pacific Symphony. This initiative offers students the rare opportunity to perform alongside professional musicians, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience.

"It was truly an exhilarating experience to learn from one of the best," says Matthew Yee, student and UC Irvine Symphony Orchestra concertmaster. "It wasn't possible without donor support."

Giving Day has enhanced students' professional preparation in meaningful ways too. In the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, donors have provided hundreds of incoming students with essential skills totes valued at more than $150 each, equipping them with vital tools from Day 1.

"Finding out a donor sponsored my tote left me feeling so relieved, like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders," one nursing student shares.

Over the years, UC Irvine Libraries has also expanded access to important resources through Giving Day proceeds, including loanable technology, digital materials and enhanced study spaces. The growth of solo study pods - from two to 11 locations - reflects strong student demand.

That same spirit of support extends to meeting students' most fundamental requirements. Via the Basic Needs Center, Giving Day ensures that students have food, emergency resources and critical assistance during times of uncertainty. The Basic Needs Center distributes 10,000 to 12,000 pounds of food weekly and makes thousands of visits to mobile pantries. Giving Day contributions allow it to respond quickly when necessary.

The 10^th annual Giving Day comes at a pivotal moment for UC Irvine. In October 2025, the university celebrated the close of its Brilliant Future campaign, raising more than $2.4 billion for students, research and innovation. Giving Day now carries that momentum forward, demonstrating that philanthropy at UC Irvine is not defined by a single campaign but by an ongoing culture of generosity.