Subscribe to our newsletter by emailUCI Stories Project Celebrated with Exhibit Opening and Website Launch
Over the past year and a half, UCI Stories has captured the memories, reflections, and predictions of over 100 prominent members of the campus community. On Monday, May 23rd the exhibit opened to a welcoming crowd of project participants and community member eager to reminisce about UCI's bright past and contemplate its brilliant future.
In the spirit of the project, the UCI Stories exhibit was kicked off with a story-capturing booth located in the Student Center gallery where guests could comment on such things as why they chose UCI and their fondest memories.
The formal program in Crystal Cove Auditorium included inspiring remarks by University Librarian Lorelei Tanji, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Thomas Parham, and Chancellor Howard Gilman. All three commented on the UCI Stories project's ability to not only capture the spirit of the campus through the words of its people, but also actively engage in community building.
During the program, guests also had the opportunity to watch a project highlights video, and listen to a lively panel of UCI Stories participants which included Robert Cohen, Emeritus Claire Trevor Professor of Drama and founding faculty member, Jenny Doh, UCI's first student Regent and former Alumni Association President, Elizabeth Toomey, daughter of Chancellor Daniel Aldrich, Jr., and Joseph L. White, Professor Emeritus of Social Sciences.
Guests and project participants ended the evening in Langson Library where they viewed the interactive exhibit beautifully designed by Sylvia Irving and Allan Helmick, and curated by 50th Anniversary Project Historian Krystal Tribbett and Head, Special Collections & Archives and University Archivist Audra Eagle Yun. The exhibit highlights quotes collected during the project, organized by themes that capture the spirit of UCI Stories as experienced by UCI participants. The themes are: A sense of adventure, Lasting legacy, Reflection. Action., Knowledge cultivated, and A place to call home. Guests and participants received a copy of the UCI Stories commemorative book and explored the UCI Stories web portal at the reception.
It is safe to say that the exhibit opening was a great success do to the incredible work of numerous people inside and outside of the Libraries. Special thanks to Libraries' Communications and Events team: Charla Batey, Sheree Baugh, and Kat Gaffney; UCI Media Services members: Iain Grainger, Will Alvarez, and Victor Quadros; Sylvia and Allan in Design Services; the team in Special Collections and Archives: Jackson Bui, Bonnie Corral, Laura Uglean Jackson, Christine Kim, Steve MacLeod, Kelly Spring, Thuy Vo Dang, and Audra Eagle Yun; and the 50th Anniversary student workers in Special Collections and Archives: Nathalia Fagundes, Valentine Ngo, Hannah Thompkins, and Shannon Ung.
There is arguably no better way to understand the true essence of a place than through its people. UCI Libraries invites you to laugh, cry, and rediscover what makes UCI special at the UCI Stories exhibit now through September 2016 in Langson Library Muriel Ansley Reynolds Gallery. The exhibit is open during regular library hours.
You may also view video highlights, participant biographies and more on the UCI Stories website and Submit Your Story about UCI.
More images from the opening night event here!
For more information, please contact Krystal Tribbett, Ph.D., UCI Libraries 50th Anniversary Project Historian at ktribbet@uci.edu or 949-824-9027.