UCI Raised Record $130M in Past Year

Orange County Business Journal, Jul 21-Jul 27, 2008 by Lee, Jessica C

The University of California, Irvine said last week it raised a record $130 million from donations and grants during the 2007 and 2008 school year.

The fundraising breaks the school's previous record of $120.1 million raised during the prior year.

The record-breaking support has helped the university support research in areas not fully funded by the state, Chancellor Michael V. Drake said in a statement.

"Our alumni and friends are helping us improve human health, find real solutions to the energy crisis, protect the environment and thrive in the global economy," Drake said. "We are deeply grateful to our supporters for their commitment to preparing tomorrow's leaders as well as meeting today's challenges."

Of the donations included in the school's fundraising total is a $20 million donation from The Irvine Company chairman Donald Bren and $1 million from trial lawyer Mark P. Robinson to help fund the university's law school.

Other donations include $1.8 million raised for scholarships, fellowships and programs from the university's 2007 Medal Awards gala.

The school's advancement program has increased private giving by 70% since 2004.

UC Irvine started in 1965 and is among the fastest-growing University of California campuses.

UCI is the second-largest employer in Orange County, according to the Business Journal's yearly list of employers here. It has an annual economic impact of $3.6 billion, according to the school.

-Jessica C. Lee