UCI School of Education 10th Anniversary Gala

Saturday, May 20, 2023
5:30 p.m. Reception & Experiences

6:30 p.m. Dinner & Awards

 Lido House, Newport Beach, CA
3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA

Formal attire.

Join us for the UCI School of Education’s 10th anniversary gala, celebrating the School’s rise to a Top 10 ranking within 10 years and its decade-plus impact on education across the region. Immerse yourselves in a special evening of interactive experiences to learn about the School’s cutting-edge work, and to honor two exceptional leaders making a difference in education.



EXPERIENCES
 


Grocery Store Math
Have fun with math in everyday spaces like the grocery store through activities designed for bilingual families to enjoy learning together. Featuring the School of Education’s Orange County Educational Advancement Network and STEM Learning Lab project in partnership with Northgate Markets and the Santa Ana community.

 

 

Going Green 
Learn about the importance of trees, tree canopy, and green spaces to reduce urban heat islands in the fight for environmental justice. Featuring the UCI Science Project team and the School of Education’s environmental and climate change education efforts.

 

 

Conversational Learning
Chat with a popular TV character to experience how AI technology — similar to Siri or Alexa — is being used in digital books and videos as conversational agents to promote early learning. Featuring the School of Education Digital Learning Lab’s Converse to Learn project in partnership with PBS Kids with funding from the National Science Foundation.

 

 

AI & Mentorship
Interact with AI-powered mentorship apps for college advising and career exploration, and learn about the educational, technological, and ethical considerations for these AI-enhanced learning experiences. Featuring the School of Education Design & Partnership Lab.

 



HONOREES
 


Outstanding Community Partner Award
Michael Matsuda, Superintendent of Anaheim Union High School District


Mr. Matsuda is a nationally recognized 21st-century educational leader known for innovation, entrepreneurship, and compassion. Under his leadership, the Anaheim Union High School District has built a new educational model incorporating “reverse engineered” career pathways in partnership with higher education, private, and non-profit sectors, which have extended and transformed educational opportunities for students. His accolades include Education Week magazine’s national “Leaders to Learn From” Award, the California State University, Fullerton’s Visionary Education Leadership Award, and the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Administrator of the Year Award, among others.

 

 

Lifetime Achievement Award
Victoria Vasques ’81, Owner and chairwoman of Tribal Tech LLC and Cowan & Associates, Inc.; UCI Foundation Ex-Officio Trustee and School of Education alumna


For more than 30 years, Ms. Vasques has been an advocate for American Indians, leading education reform, health care and advancing energy initiatives. Her company, Tribal Tech, has collaborated with federal, state, corporate and tribal clients to provide a range of services to improve critical sectors. Her career in public service includes leadership roles for the Office of Indian Education, U.S. departments of Education and Energy, the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities, and President’s Commissions, among others. Her experience with Indian issues outside the federal government includes the National Congress of American Indians and The Committee for the 50th Presidential Inaugural.