Orange County's leading floral and event designer, Paradise Delight, collaborated with leading event professionals to orchestrate UCI Medal Award on Saturday, October 2, 2010.
More than 600 guests attended the UCI Medal Awards and pledged $1.265 million to the university. Proceeds of $1 million to directly support students.
The awards gala recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the university’s mission, spirit and vision, and it serves as the school’s primary fundraising event. Proceeds directly fund scholarships, fellowships and other student-oriented programs at the campus.
This year’s recipients are Susan Bryant, UC Irvine’s former vice chancellor for research; Salma and Hazem Chehabi, for their philanthropic contributions; David Pyott, chairman of the board and CEO of Allergan Inc.; and Scott Samuelsen, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at UC Irvine’s Henry Samueli School of Engineering.
UC Irvine Chancellor Michael Drake said the honors were well-deserved. "I am indebted to our generous friends and community partners for supporting our students and for joining me in honoring those who have given so much of their time, talent and support to the university," he said. "Our 2010 Medal recipients personify the campus's mission and values, and I am grateful for their desire to help us improve lives on local, national and global levels."
This year’s honorees were fêted at the Bren Events Center on Friday. The event was co-chaired by First Foundation Advisors Rick Keller and his wife, Anne, and included a formal reception and dinner, tributes to medal recipients and entertainment by the Claire Trevor School of the Arts.
