UC Irvine Giving Day

Each year, the UC Irvine Retirees Association (UCIRA) Legacy Scholarship reflects something powerful — the enduring connection between those who built UC Irvine and the students who carry it forward.

In fall 2026, we will again award $27,000 in scholarships, supporting three freshmen and three transfer students who are immediate family members of a UC Irvine retiree, alumni, or current staff member.

Why Your Gift Matters

For many students, even a modest scholarship eases financial strain, reduces loan burdens, and affirms that their university community believes in them.

When you give to the UCIRA Legacy Scholarship, you:

• Honor the dedication of UC Irvine retirees
• Strengthen the bridge between past and future Anteaters
• Help ensure that family members of those who served the university can thrive here

This is a scholarship rooted in gratitude — and sustained by generosity. Every gift — no matter the size — affirms that the UCIRA community remains engaged, committed, and proud of the role it plays in shaping the next generation.

Meet Our 2025-26 Legacy Scholarship Recipients

Aislin Henry 
2025-26 Freshman Student Recipient
Aislin Henry is an incoming freshman majoring in Art and part of the Campus Wide Honors Program. In high school, she was the leader of her cross country team, run club, and Applied Agriculture and Environmental Science Club, which operates her schools’ farm. At UC Irvine, she plans to take part in the Creative Connections Internship, which would allow her to connect with K-12 students through art and pursue her interest in teaching. Receiving the Legacy Scholarship will support Aislin and her family as they work to fund the higher education of her and her three sisters.

"The Retirees Association Legacy Scholarship helped me this year by contributing directly to my college tuition, lessening financial stress on myself and my family as I attend university. As one of many siblings pursuing a college education, I am especially grateful for this scholarship in supporting my financial independence."

Dominick Ninh
2025-26 Freshman Student Recipient
Dominick Ninh is an incoming freshman from Garden Grove, CA. He is majoring in Biological Sciences, aspiring to become a geriatrician one day. Graduating from Garden Grove High School, he was the president of the Environmental Club, recycling over hundreds of pounds of glass, cans, and plastic bottles. On his weekends, he is a church youth leader for the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement, leading and teaching young generations the Catholic faith. The scholarship will help him pay his tuition, allowing him to focus on his academic life while motivating him to work hard.

"The UCI Retirees Association Legacy Scholarship has helped me in so many ways that words cannot describe how grateful I am for this opportunity. The scholarship has helped me reduce my financial stress for myself as well as my family. Not only that, the scholarship has shown me my hard work has not gone to waste and gave me a sense of motivation to work harder. Due to this support, I have been able to focus on my education and continue furthering my future career."

Richard Rios
2025-26 Transfer Student Recipient
Richard Rios is a transfer student from Santa Ana, CA, majoring in Business Administration. His sister is a UCI alumna, inspiring him to continue his family’s legacy at the university. He graduated with honors from Santa Ana College, gained experience working in small businesses, and interned with the City of Santa Ana. He plans to use this scholarship to focus on his studies and prepare for a future career in the business world.

David Yeung
2025-26 Freshman Student Recipient
David Yeung is an incoming freshman from Diamond Bar, CA, majoring in Computer Science and Engineering. He has a passion for 3D graphics programming and embraces the idea that innovation should be made accessible to the community. Just like his father, David is honored to be an anteater and feels humble for being entrusted with the UCIRA Legacy Scholarship award and thanks the UCIRA from the bottom of his anteater heart. This award not only eases part of his education financial needs, but it also stimulates him to continue pursuing his vision. He hopes to be able to continue the UCIRA’s anteater legacy of always looking after the community.

“My name is David Yeung and I am a student in the school of Donald Bren of Information and Computer Science. During fall of 2025, I had the honor of being one of the recipients of the UCIRA Legacy Award. As of today, I can state that this award has had a positive influence on my academic life. The monetary support offered by this award has allowed me to dedicate more time to my college education instead of working paid jobs to cover my financial needs. As a result, I have the honor of being in the Dean’s honor list at UCI. I also have the honor of being offered an invitation only position as a learning assistant in the ICS (6B) class to help incoming students who are taking this class. Without your financial support, I could not have considered looking into non-monetary compensation activities like becoming a learning assistant and volunteering at my college clubs.

For these reasons, I want to express my gratitude to the people who have donated and participated in the UCIRA Legacy Award. Your donations and encouragement have made a lasting impression on my academic life. I believe that the UCIRA’s anteater legacy award is a pay-it-forward support to our community. Let’s come together and fiat lux.”

Anonymous Recipient
Transfer student, Psych major
"I would like to thank the UCI Retirees Association for helping me cover tuition, fees, and housing expenses. Personally, it has been a great help in easing my financial worries and allowing me to focus on my education rather than worrying about having to give up my career goals because I simply could not afford it. Beyond that, having a stable roof over my head helps me sleep at night and gives me a solid foundation to feel secure. I feel supported and motivated to do my best, and will make most of the opportunity that has been afforded to me. I hope one day to pass on the kindness that you have shown me with this financial support. Thank you again for your generosity and for believing in my potential."

Anonymous Recipient
2025-26 Transfer Student Recipient
Recipient is a Political Sciences major.