Whether you’re a newly minted alumnus or a more seasoned Anteater, we’d love to stay connected and keep you among our engaged alumni network.

An NBA coach. A homeless, single mom-turned COO of one of the fastest growing rideshare companies in Southern California. Dalai Lama, Truman and Fulbright scholars. More first gen grads than ever before. When your alumni include such outstanding Anteaters, you can’t help but be excited to be a part of the UCI School of Social Sciences network.

I’m going to boldly say that we have the most outstanding students on campus who then become the most outstanding alumni out there in the world making a difference. And I’m so proud to be part of the school that helps prepare them for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Included within these pages are some of the stories of those mentioned above, as well as those of many other mold-breakers who haven’t shied from forging their own paths in search of solutions that create positive change in society, economies and human well-being.

Like Ferial Govashiri, ’05 political science, who spent three years sitting directly outside the Oval Office keeping then-President Barack Obama on point and on schedule (she even slipped in time to teach the leader of the free world a few dance moves, and how to “Zot!”). And first gen trailblazers Yareli Castro Sevilla, Margarita Rodriguez, Belinda Campos, Anita Casavantes Bradford and Davin Phoenix who are helping students who are the first in their family find success in school. And John and Michelle Williams, the alumni power couple co-chairing our Dean’s Leadership Society this year.

I could go on – but instead, I encourage you to take some time to read their stories and learn more about the many ways in which you can get involved.

Whether you’re a newly minted alumnus or a more seasoned Anteater, we’d love to stay connected and keep you among our engaged alumni network.

Congrats to those graduating this year and to all, enjoy the read and stay in touch!