UCI Giving Day 2020

Your support for the annual Latino Excellence and Achievement Dinner (LEAD) will impact the future of graduate education at UCI.  The mission of LEAD is to

• Celebrate graduate student research excellence and achievement
• Recognize faculty, staff and alumni who provide support for excellence and success
• Create a sense of community and institutional memory of academic and professional achievement in the UCI Latinx community.

LEAD is the only celebration and awards event in the UC system that is focused on Latinx graduate student success.  In 2019, we recognized 13 graduate student awardees and 5 distinguished faculty, staff and alumni leaders.  Among the 350+ guests were Chancellor Howard Gillman, senior campus leadership, and federal and state political representatives. This year, we recognized graduate research excellence and achievement in all 15 academic units at UCI.  A list of LEAD 2020 awardees is available here.

Currently, Latinos are 39.3% of the state population in California but are only 11.8% of the graduate student population at UCI.  We aim to raise awareness of challenges in the graduate community, increase visibility of success, and inspire the Latinx community to advance in graduate and postdoctoral programs. 

Your contribution will support this unique and timely UCI tradition by providing funds for the event costs of the 2021 ceremony.  Donor support like yours is essential for ensuring this program has the resources it needs to properly celebrate the achievements of our students.