Photo: Steve Zylius
STEAM CHAMPION
Q&A
with STACEY
NICHOLAS
Philanthropist Stacey Nicholas is an advocate for interdisciplinary research, arts outreach and STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). She is committed to the UCI community through several pivotal roles: UCI Foundation Trustee; member of the Henry Samueli School of Engineering Leadership Council and Diversity Advisory Board; member of the Claire Trevor Society Leadership Committee; and is involved with the School of Education. For Claire Trevor School of the Arts (CTSA), Stacey has made her strongest impact in research and outreach. We recently sat down with her to learn more about her passion for the arts and her involvement with the school.
Q. How did you become involved with CTSA? SN: I met Dean Stephen Barker at my first UCI Foundation Board retreat a few years ago. We had an immediate rapport, and found we had so many things in common. After hearing about his vision for the CTSA, I wanted to become more involved. Also, he told me about a fledgling program between CTSA and the Rhode Island School of Design, where my daughter is a student (as part of the Brown-RISD Dual Degree program). I was excited that two institutions that I am passionate about are collaborating to advance the arts. 22
