4 minute read
NEW BEGINNINGS
Commencement 2016:
– Charles “Charlie” Dunlop, Commencement 2016 keynote speaker and president/founder of Ambry Genetics
Inspired by those words, 720 Ayala School of Biological Sciences students received Bachelor of Science degrees on June 12, 2016 at the UCI Bren Events Center. Fifty-five Master of Science and 30 Doctor of Philosophy degrees were awarded in the School’s 51st annual commencement ceremony.
Charles “Charlie” Dunlop, the keynote speaker, captivated those attending with his passion for science and making a difference in the world. He launched Ambry Genetics in 1999 as a company of pure scientists dedicated to ending disease. His organization has developed testing for people with inherited and non-inherited genetic diseases. It has also had a vital role in the legal fight against gene patents, which has helped make genetic testing more available around the world.
Despite leaving high school before finishing, Mr. Dunlop went on to graduate from UC San Diego with concentrations in biology, mathematics, physics, economics and history. Two major influences in his life have been his father, whose altruism has shaped his own, and his personal battle with cancer. Now in remission, it led him to slow down his busy lifestyle and fully appreciate the importance of his company’s work.
Mr. Dunlop encouraged graduates planning careers in health to use data from his organization and others to find cures for the most pressing diseases. He also provided one last homework assignment:
Investment in Graduate Education
Yields Dividends for Society
Among the thousands of students at the Ayala School are several hundred who have chosen a very special path. They are the 271 who are pursuing graduate degrees – 220 working toward their Ph.D. and 51 seeking a master’s.
With substantial resources going into higher education across the country, the value of graduate programs has been the topic of national conversation. However, research shows that this investment is well worth it. In our state alone, graduate student research within the University of California system has led to over 600 start-ups.
At the Ayala School, we see the importance of these degrees firsthand and take pride in the hard work and achievement of those preparing for them. From researching health issues to investigating new sources of energy, graduate students help establish new knowledge that makes our lives and world better.
Why I Give
UCI gave me the foundation to become a lifetime student of our dynamically evolving world, and in my own humble way, be the change I wish to see. I am profoundly grateful for all the wonderful experiences and stellar education I received as an undergraduate. Now I have the good fortune to pay it forward so those who follow may benefit and flourish! – M. Marlene Godoy, D.D.S. (B.S. ’76)
They also shape the future by educating and mentoring undergraduates. After completing their degrees, graduate students go on to fill leadership positions in industry, government and academia. Time and again, the most crucial discoveries and innovations come directly from these curious, focused and dedicated people.
Our society counts on institutions of higher learning to provide knowledge, jobs and answers to pressing problems. Investing in Ph.D. and master’s candidates helps to ensure we achieve this vital mission.
New Café Brews More Ayala School Possibilities
Can a cup of coffee change the course of science?
We think so. That’s why the Ayala School is excited to welcome a Starbucks in our midst. The café, located in Mitosis Plaza (across from Bio Sci 3), opened in April 2017.
It’s not that we believe a caffè latte or a doubleshot espresso is an elixir, although the night owls among us may disagree. But getting together over coffee in a comfortable, informal place allows people across our departments to learn more about each other, share ideas and build new working relationships. In strengthening our team approach, we bring even greater firepower to the Ayala School’s mission.
“As most people know, I don’t drink coffee,” said Dean LaFerla. “But I thought the school needed a gathering spot where faculty, students and staff could meet by chance, because often that’s when the magic happens.”
Let’s raise a mug to new partnerships and discoveries that make a difference in the world!
