2015 – 2025
A decade defined by transformative growth and strengthened community ties
Between 2015 and 2025, UC Irvine advanced its role as a leader and community partner. The university had a vital role in Orange County’s response to COVID-19, and faculty member Phil Felgner’s pioneering mRNA research was recognized by the Nobel Prize committee. Major philanthropic gifts created new schools to meet urgent national needs, while sustainable housing projects expanded to serve record enrollment. Together, these milestones reflect UC Irvine’s enduring commitment to discovery, education and service that strengthens both campus and community.
By the Numbers
UC Irvine’s impact underscores 10 years of growth, discovery and achievement.
$8.1B
$8.1 billion annual economic impact across California
+36K
More than 36,000 students enrolled for 2024-2025
#1
Ranked No. 1 by The New York Times in 2015 and 2017 for doing the most for the American dream
Brilliant and Beyond
In October 2025, UC Irvine concluded its Brilliant Future campaign, surpassing a $2 billion goal to raise more than $2.4 billion. The largest in Orange County history, it fueled research, healthcare, scholarships and the arts.
Shaping the Future of Health
UCI Health is transforming the future of care with bold expansion, landmark acquisitions and expanded access, culminating in the UCI Health — Irvine hospital opening this November.
UCI Health acquired four community hospitals
In 2024, UCI Health’s acquisition of four hospitals and associated outpatient locations from Tenet Healthcare Corp. expanded its reach into Fountain Valley, Lakewood, Los Alamitos and Placentia, adding 858 inpatient beds and strengthening Orange County’s only academic health system.
Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care opened its doors
In April 2024, the first phase of UCI Health — Irvine was marked by the opening of the Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care, a 168,000-square-foot facility with 120 exam rooms offering pediatric and adult specialty services. Nearly 500 patients were seen on its first day.
Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building
Completed in May 2025, the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building is a one-of-its-kind space that houses world-class research programs. At 215,000 square feet, it's among the largest interdisciplinary discovery and translational research hubs on the West Coast – with a singular focus on project-driven medical innovation.
Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute
In 2022, the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute expanded access to whole-person care with clinics, classes and programs in nutrition, mindfulness and movement.
Where Arts Thrive
In September 2025, UC Irvine acquired the Orange County Museum of Art, creating the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art. The merger unites 9,000 works and a landmark facility with the university’s cultural mission.
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Innovation in Action
In 2019, UC Irvine renamed its hub for entrepreneurship UCI Beall Applied Innovation after a gift from the Beall Family Foundation. The platform connects campus discoveries with industry and is home to Orange County’s first nonprofit wet lab incubator, fueling regional startups and economic growth.
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Building the Future: Campus Expansion
With state-of-the-art classrooms, modern health sciences facilities and a 200,000-square-foot research hub, the campus developed spaces that redefine learning, discovery and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences
Opened in 2022, the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences complex brings together medicine, nursing, pharmacy and population health under one roof, advancing interdisciplinary training and integrative approaches to healthcare.
Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building
In 2021, the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building welcomed its first occupants, providing progressive laboratories and collaborative spaces for cutting-edge research. The 200,000-square-foot facility was designed to foster partnerships across disciplines, accelerating discovery in science and engineering.
Anteater Learning Pavilion
In September 2018, UC Irvine opened the Anteater Learning Pavilion, California’s first facility designed entirely for active learning. Its innovative classrooms reflect the university’s commitment to student-centered education.
Major School Milestones
Through bold gifts and vision, UC Irvine has created new and newly named schools that expand health education, accelerate research and prepare tomorrow’s leaders for impact.
Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health
In July 2024, UC Irvine renamed its School of Biological Sciences in honor of the visionary leadership and commitment of biotech entrepreneur Charlie Dunlop. The renaming signaled a new chapter for the school, advancing research, education and innovation at the intersection of human and environmental health.
Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences
In June 2024, UC Irvine renamed its School of Biological Sciences in honor of the visionary leadership and commitment of biotech entrepreneur Charlie Dunlop. The renaming signaled a new chapter for the school, advancing research, education and innovation at the intersection of human and environmental health.
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Founded in 2020, the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences is the first public pharmacy school in the Los Angeles-Orange County region. It advances drug discovery, clinical practice and patient care while addressing the growing national demand for healthcare providers.
Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing
Established in 2017, the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing was elevated from a program to full school status through the support of philanthropists Sue and Bill Gross. It expands training and research at a time of nationwide nursing shortages, preparing practitioners and scholars to transform patient care and community health.
Home to More Anteaters Than Ever
From high-rise towers to sustainable apartments, new campus housing featured modern options and lively gathering spaces that enrich the Anteater experience.
Oso Towers (2025)
The newest undergraduate housing community opened with 424 beds, designed with nature-oriented principles inspired by the nearby San Joaquin Marsh Reserve.
Verano 8 Graduate Housing (2022)
Designed to support advanced students and families, Verano 8 added more than 1,000 beds in apartment-style living close to campus resources.
Plaza Verde (2019)
This sustainable community added more than 1,400 beds for undergraduates, blending student apartments with shared study and recreation spaces.
Middle Earth Towers (2019)
A $130 million expansion added 500-bed twin towers and introduced the Brandywine dining hall.
Mesa Towers (2016)
The campus’s first high-rise residence halls, they added more than 900 beds and a new Anteatery dining hall that became a hub for first-year student life.
Zot! Together
Campus pride came alive through athletics, esports, and student traditions that strengthened the Anteater spirit and created unforgettable experiences.
UC Irvine upset Kansas State in first round of NCAA Tournament
In March 2019, the No. 13 seed UC Irvine men’s basketball team defeated No. 4 seed Kansas State, 70-64, in the NCAA Tournament, earning its first March Madness victory before advancing to the second round and finishing with a program-record 31 wins.
Campus launched first-of-its-kind esports program
In 2016, UC Irvine became the first public university to launch an official esports program, which went on to win the 2018 League of Legends College Championship.
