March 2010, Issue 5

UC administration and student leaders forged a united front in Sacramento when they joined forces to press lawmakers to fully fund the university and student financial aid.

“The students were on point, passionate advocates for the university system,” UC President Mark Yudof said after a day of joint meetings with legislators that culminated in a discussion with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “I think together with the chancellors and regents, we were a formidable team and made our case.”

The message for the March 1 advocacy day was to fund UC's budget, fully support Cal Grants to keep up with rising fees and reinvest in the state's Master Plan for Higher Education.

UC Irvine's 2010 Homecoming celebration on Saturday, Feb. 27, turned victorious when the Anteaters beat Cal State Northridge's Matadors. The annual Anteater get-together, which began in 2005 with 150 guests in the Bren Events Center's Koll Room, features a pregame street festival that has grown large enough to require closing Mesa Road. And last year - for the first time - UCI's Homecoming moved into the Twitterverse, with attendees tweeting from the event.

UCI Parent & Family Association members joined Vice Chancellor Manuel Gómez, Associate Vice Chancellor Dan Dooros, and Dean of Students Rameen Talesh for P&FA's second annual Breakfast with the Vice Chancellor on Saturday, January 30 at the UCI Student Center. Parents had an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful meal, discuss key concerns and hear from Vice Chancellor Gómez.

It is time to get ready to celebrate! If your son or daughter is planning to walk in June 2010 Commencement ceremonies, then your graduate must reserve guest tickets for their ceremony beginning 9 a.m., April 12, through 5 p.m., April 16 via the ZotPortal. Tickets are free but must be reserved.