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UC Irvine’s Community and Government Relations serves as the central resource for campus relationships with elected officials and key community stakeholders in support of the University’s mission and priorities. The Office of Community and Government Relations, a department of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs serves as the central resource for campus and unit-based relationships with Orange County’s elected officials, as well as business, community and opinion leaders. The Community and Government Relations staff is dedicated to creating awareness, building relationships, and generating support for the University of California, Irvine and UC Irvine Medical Center. The Office of Community and Government Relations generates support by creating opportunities for UC Irvine friends to advocate on behalf of the University of California. Anteater Advocates assist us in engaging with our policy makers locally and in Sacramento and Washington, DC to ensure federal and state funding for higher education and to sustain UC’s mission of teaching, research, and public service.

10/23/2026

Depression and gastrointestinal disorders frequently occur together. University of California, Irvine experts wondered if knowing which tends to be diagnosed first could shed light on the well-established but not yet fully understood gut-brain connection.

Researchers analyzing large-scale electronic health records found a striking difference among three common conditions. Depression was typically diagnosed before irritable bowel syndrome. With Crohn’s disease, the pattern was reversed, with the gastrointestinal disorder more often diagnosed first. Ulcerative colitis fell somewhere in between.

“IBS and Crohn’s disease are fundamentally different diseases,” says the study’s corresponding author, Gha-Hyun Jeffrey Kim, Pharm.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of clinical pharmacy practice at the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical SciencesSciences and a member of the Robert A. Mah Molecular Innovation Center. “IBS involves changes in how the brain and gut communicate, including how gut signals are processed. That means problems on the brain side, like depression, can show up first and then shape what happens in the gut.”

Read more about the study at this link: https://news.uci.edu/2026/10/14/untangling-the-link-between-depression-and-gut-disease/

Image Description: Study’s corresponding author, Gha-Hyun Jeffrey Kim inspects a petrie dish alongside another person in a lab coat. Photo by Steve Zylius.

10/21/2026

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its annual Economic Forecast, where UC Irvine’s Christopher Schwarz, Professor of Finance at the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business, was the featured guest speaker.

Professor Schwarz shared his expertise on the financial trends and economic forces shaping Orange County and beyond at the event, which brought together business and community leaders to discuss the economic outlook for the year ahead. With budgeting, finance and investments among the key topics, Schwarz offered valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing businesses, investors and the broader community in 2027.

Through his work at UC Irvine, Schwarz brings financial expertise and research to conversations that help inform decision-making and deepen our understanding of the economy. University of California, Irvine is proud to see its faculty contribute to important regional discussions and strengthen connections between higher education and the business community.

Thank you to the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce for hosting this event and providing a platform for these important conversations.

Image Descriptions:
Slide 1: Professor Schwarz shakes hands with Chamber President and CEO Steve Rosansky on stage.

Slide 2: Schwarz stands on stage while audience sits at banquet tables.

Slide 3: Chamber President Rosansky smiles with 3 other people in a photo.

Slide 4: Schwarz stands on stage with monitors that read “UCI Paul Merage School of Business - 2027 Economic and Financial Forecast”.

Slide 5: 9 people sitting at a table smile for a photo.

10/20/2026

Join us for the 27th annual Newport Beach Film Festival! Featuring stories from around the world, exciting premieres, and opportunities to connect with filmmakers and fellow movie lovers, the Festival offers a unique experience for students to explore new perspectives and experience the magic of cinema.

Take advantage of exclusive student discounts with code STUDENTNBFF2026 for $20 off any International Spotlight film or 10DOLLARFILMS for $10 off any general screening. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience one of Southern California’s premier cultural events!

University of California, Irvine The Newport Beach Film Festival

Image Description: Colorful flyer reading “Newport Beach Film Fest, October 15-22”.

10/16/2026

University of California, Irvine was glad to attend the Greater Irvine Chamber’s recent City Council Candidates Forum, bringing together local leaders, candidates and community members for important conversations about the future of Irvine.

UC Irvine recognizes the importance of civic engagement and collaboration in shaping a city. The forum offered an opportunity to hear candidates share their perspectives on local issues, discuss community priorities and highlight the vision and leadership that will help guide Irvine’s continued growth.

We look forward to continuing to work alongside community partners toward a vibrant, connected and prosperous future for Irvine and the greater Orange County region.

Image Descriptions:
Slide 1: Two candidates for Irvine Mayor sit on stage.

Slide 2: Three candidates for Council District 1 sit on stage.

Slide 3: Five candidates for Council District 5 sit on stage with moderator.

Slide 4: Two candidates for Council District 6 sit on stage.

10/14/2026

Celebrating 25 years of culture, connection and community at the Irvine Global Village Festival!

University of California, Irvine is proud to be a presenting partner of this community tradition alongside UCI Health, bringing people together to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions and experiences that make our community unique.

The Festival welcomed families, friends and neighbors to experience cultures from around the world through live music and dance, international cuisine, art and hands-on cultural activities.

Also in attendance were many elected officials including Senator Steven Choi, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, City of Irvine - Mayor Larry Agran, Vice Mayor James Mai, Councilmember Melinda Liu, Irvine Councilmember William Go, and Councilmember Betty Martinez Franco.

UC Irvine is proud to support events that foster community, celebrate cultural heritage and strengthen connections throughout Irvine and Orange County.

City of Irvine City Hall

Image Descriptions:
Slide 1: An anteater mascot stands on stage with a backdrop that reads “25th Anniversary Irvine Global Village Festival”.

Slide 2: 3 UC Irvine Representatives sit and smile for a photo.

Slide 3: Guests spin prize wheels at the UCI Health table and tent.

Slide 4: A UC Irvine and a UCI Health Representative smile with Councilmember William Go on stage with an award.

Slide 5: A UC Irvine and a UCI Health Representative smile with Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris

Slide 6: Guests gather under the UC Irvine tent.

Slide 7: Two UC Irvine representatives hold up the Anteater “Zot” symbol with Councilmember William Go.

Slide 8: A UC Irvine representative talks on stage, with other people and electeds sitting behind.

10/12/2026

UCI Health is bringing a new approach to stroke rehabilitation to Orange County through Harmonizing Healing, a music-based program inspired by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Strokestra.”

The week-long residency and workshop was a collaboration between the SeniorHealth Center and the UC Irvine Center for Medical Humanities, UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts, and UC Irvine School of Medicine, whose support made the project possible.

“It’s a way to involve our stroke patients in creating and playing music; to help recover some of the function which has been lost, in a very targeted way through playing instruments," says UCI Health geriatrician Dr. Lisa Gibbs.

The six-week pilot program is set to launch this November, highlighting how creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration can open new possibilities in patient recovery.

Read more about how UCI Health is harmonizing music and medicine at this link: https://www.ucihealth.org/about-us/news/2026/09/harmonizing-healing-program-for-stroke-patients

University of California, Irvine

Image Description: Tim Steiner, creator and director of “Strokestra”, plays an instrument in a hospital room with two other people on a bass trombone and violin.

10/09/2026

University of California, Irvine proudly welcomed Chief Paul Cooper during his official swearing-in ceremony to the UCI Police Department, marking an important moment of leadership and service for our campus community.

The ceremony also recognized Chief Cooper’s commitment to service, with Congressman Dave Min presenting a Certificate of Congressional Recognition and staff from Senator Steven Choi’s office presenting a special acknowledgment.

Congratulations to Chief Cooper as he begins this new role, and thank you for your commitment to serving the Anteater community!

Image Descriptions:
Slide 1: Chief Cooper stands with one hand raised, being sworn in front of a blue UC Irvine Police Department backdrop.

Slide 2: Congressman Dave Min presents Chief Cooper with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition.

Slide 3: Staff from the office of Senator Steven Choi presents Chief Cooper with a Senate certificate.

10/07/2026

University of California, Irvine was proud to attend the Hispanic 100 Foundation’s 16th Annual Lifetime Achievement Award Gala, celebrating leadership, achievement and the continued impact of the Hispanic community across our region.

A highlight of the evening was the Foundation’s commitment to investing in the next generation. This year, the Hispanic 100 Foundation awarded $300,000 in scholarships to 30 first-generation students, helping support their educational journeys and future success. The Foundation also continues to provide mentorship, leadership development, and career training through its Emilio Rivera “Forward Always” Mentorship Program.

Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai was also in attendance as community leaders came together to celebrate achievement, mentorship and the Foundation’s investment in future generations.

Thank you to the Hispanic 100 Foundation for bringing our community together and championing education, mentorship and opportunity for the next generation.

Image Descriptions:

Slide 1: A welcome sign reads “Hispanic 100 Foundation 16th Annual Lifetime Achievement Award Gala Welcome”.

Slide 2: Scholarship recipients stand onstage in formal attire, many wearing pink sashes and holding flowers. American flags line the stage, while a large screen displays the scholarship ceremony information.

Slide 3: Nine people smile for a photo at a banquet table. One is Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai.

Slide 4: A group of young people in formalwear stand in a line near a stage, with American flags and a presentation screen behind them.

10/06/2026

Join the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce for its annual 2027 Economic Forecast, featuring UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business Professor of Finance Christopher Schwarz.

The event will bring together Orange County business leaders and government officials for a look at the economic and financial forecast covering key topics including budgeting, finance, and investments.

The event will take place on October 9, this Friday, from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA, 92663.

Register for the event at this link: https://www.newportbeach.com/events/2027-economic-forecast-featuring-uc-irvines-paul-merage-school-of-business/

University of California, Irvine

Image Description: Infographic showing the 2027 Econonic Forecast by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business on Friday, October 9 from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

10/02/2026

UC Irvine was glad to attend the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Update and Candidates Forum, an event bringing together community leaders, local businesses and residents for conversations about the issues shaping Fountain Valley and the surrounding region.

UCI Health was proud to sponsor the event, supporting opportunities that connect our community and foster dialogue around the region’s future.

Thank you to the Fountain Valley Chamber for bringing local leaders and community members together!

Image Descriptions:
Slide 1: A city council candidates forum in a meeting room. Several panelists sit at a long table facing the audience, with a speaker standing near a projected screen. In the foreground, a table has American flag decorations, flowers, and a sign thanking gold sponsor UCI Health.

Slide 2: A close-up of an event sign for the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce’s “Legislative Update & Candidates Breakfast”. It lists UCI Health as a gold sponsor.

Address

515 Aldrich Hall
Irvine, CA
92617

Telephone

+19498240061

Website

https://linktr.ee/ucirvinecgr

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