Pre 1965

In 1957, the Regents decided to expand the UC system and create a new world-class campus in the rolling hills of Orange County. UC Irvine got its namesake, early campus site plans were designed, and President Lyndon Johnson arrived by helicopter to dedicate the campus.

1965-1974

UCI’s first decade as an active campus held many milestones. The campus selected its iconic Anteater Mascot, Ansel Adams photographed the campus, new programs were instituted, and faculty conducted research that would literally change the world.

1975-1984

The UCI Medical Center is born, a new chancellor is named, and new housing is erected. UCI’s teen years brought exponential growth as more than 10,000 students enrolled in classes. The campus even received its own ZIP code.

1985-1994

UCI appointed its first woman chancellor, the Beckman Laser Institute opens its doors, and Frederick Reines is awarded the National Medal of Science.

1995-2004

UCI gained global preeminence when three faculty members were awarded Nobel Prizes. In 1996, the campus was named to the prestigious Association of American Universities and received national recognition for groundbreaking medical research.

2005-2015

A lot can happen in 10 years. UCI was named the world’s best university under 50, the campus was visited by the Dalai Lama, President Barack Obama gave the 2014 commencement address, and the university emerged as a leader in sustainable practices.

UC Irvine 1965-2015