Meet the Class of 2026: The future starts here

“Every graduating class tells a larger story. At UC Irvine, that story is one of curiosity, achievement and possibility. Across myriad disciplines, students arrive with their unique goals and experiences but leave with something shared: the preparation and purpose to make an impact. Their journeys reflect the many paths, passions and perspectives that define the Anteater experience. School of Education From left, Melinda Aguilar, Dakota Covey, Thalia Nguyen and Fabiel Ayala Saavedra will use their degrees to become educators in their communities. School of Education More than 425 School of Education students will receive a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. Among them are graduates passionate about supporting foster youth, helping first-generation students pursue a college education, and returning to their own communities to inspire the next generation. Read the profiles of these future educators » School of Humanities Clovis Hung is the youngest graduate ever in the School of Humanities. Steve Zylius/UC Irvine Clovis Hung was 13 – the age of most eighth graders – when he enrolled at UC Irvine. This June, at 15 years old, he will be the youngest person ever to graduate from the School of Humanities, earning a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in anthropology. “Environment and curiosity are what drive me,” he says. “When I’m in an environment that pushes me, I want to keep going.” Learn more about Humanities’ youngest graduate » Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences After graduating, Chidera Okoroama, left, and Bruna Oewel plan to create opportunities for others through technology and leadership. ICS At ICS, innovation and human connection go hand in hand. These stories feature graduates improving mental health technologies, building communities and creating opportunities for others through technology and leadership. Meet the leader creating space for others in tech » Meet the graduate designing technology around real-life needs » School of Physical Sciences They first met at a high school prom. Years later, best friends Vincent Caudillo (left) and Luke Xia head to Stanford to pursue Ph.D.s in physics after graduating from UC Irvine. They credit their friendship with getting them to where they are today. Steve Zylius/UC Irvine From research labs to graduate school dreams, these graduates found that scientific discovery is fueled by both curiosity and friendship and support along the way. Their stories highlight how friendship can help turn aspirations into reality. Read how a friendship forged in physics and math led to Stanford » School of Social Sciences Top left, clockwise, Zayaan Khan, Emory Slane, Carolina Silva and Wynn Schoeman will use their real-world education to make a difference. School of Social Sciences The School of Social Sciences explores the forces that shape people and the world around them. These graduate stories span health equity, research, identity and community, highlighting students who ask big questions and use their experiences to create impact. Inspired by everything from medicine and public service to cultural understanding and connection, they are creating futures rooted in purpose. Read how community helped shape this year’s commencement speaker » Meet the future physician bridging healthcare and culture » See how one student rode the wave toward community » Read about the double major balancing passion, performance and purpose » Explore more stories from the School of Social Sciences Class of 2026 » School of Social Ecology Tara Blanco raised a family and worked full-time on her way to becoming a student leader and commencement speaker. School of Social Ecology Tara Blanco’s journey to commencement spans decades of perseverance, growth and showing up for others. From raising a family and working full-time to becoming a student leader and commencement speaker, her story is a reminder that there is no single path to success. Read how a mother, grandmother and student leader found her voice » Samueli School of Engineering “Since college is a time to learn about yourself, go out of your comfort zone to discover your true identity,” says Sunny Lin. Samueli School of Engineering Sunny Lin, mechanical and aerospace engineering senior, used to be really shy. The once-quiet freshman has blossomed into an engineering ambassador, student success coach, a leader in the UC Irvine chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, and a recovery design and test engineer for the Rocket Project Liquids team. For Lin, it all started with finding community. “I needed engineering friends,” she says. “Since college is a time to learn about yourself, go out of your comfort zone to discover your true identity.” Meet the engineer ready for liftoff » School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences “I want to help patients improve their quality of life. That’s always been the goal,” Orfanel Amaya says. Steve Zylius / UC Irvine Although Orfanel Amaya walked across the commencement stage on May 15, he is already on the front lines of patient care. A first-generation Latino graduate student and the proud son of immigrants, Amaya has earned a Doctor of Pharmacy from the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, stepping into a profession he chose with intention and personal insight. Learn how one graduate turned healthcare gaps into purpose » School of Law UC Irvine Law alumnus Sean Lobb ’18, left, with his brother Braden Lobb ’26 celebrate at the law school’s commencement ceremony. UC Irvine Law. This spring, Braden Lobb crossed the commencement stage and officially became the second member of his family to join the School of Law alumni community. His story highlights the lasting impact of mentorship, encouragement and the relationships that help shape the law school experience. Meet the law graduate continuing the family tradition »

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