UC Riverside will raise funds for more than a dozen student support initiatives at its second annual gala on April 5. 

The evening at the Student Recreation Center will showcase talented faculty and students and honor alumni and philanthropic leaders who exemplify the university’s mission of social mobility, educational access, and research excellence. 

Tickets, table sponsorships, and giving opportunities are available at gala.ucr.edu. The registration deadline is March 18.  

Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Student Support Initiatives Fund and other programs such as the Mission Awards, R’Professional Career Closet, and the Black Alumni Chapter Endowed Scholarship Fund.  

Each of these initiatives plays a vital role in advancing student success. The School of Medicine’s Mission Award Fund fully covers tuition and fees for students dedicated to practicing in Inland Southern California upon graduation. The R’Professional Career Closet provides professional attire and resources to help Highlanders transition into the workforce. The Black Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund reduces financial challenges, allowing students to focus on their academic journey.   

Such private philanthropic support helps students like Sonia Oluoch, a political science major, pursue her goal of becoming a lawyer and advocate for underrepresented communities. Such generosity “has transformed my educational journey,” Oluoch said. “This support is not just financial – it’s a profound investment in my dreams.” 

 The gala will pay tribute to five distinguished alumni. The honorees are: 

•    Brian Hawley ’89, M.S. ’91, a member of the UCR Foundation board of trustees, will receive the UCR’s Chancellor Medallion. 

•    E. Dollie Totaro Wolverton ’57, a member of UCR’s pioneer class, will receive the Distinguished Philanthropist Award. 

•    V. John White ’73, executive director of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT), will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. 

•    Keona Henderson ’08, a realtor and former president of the UCR Black Alumni Chapter, will receive the Alumni Service Award. 

•    Gabriel Maldonado ’11, founder and CEO of TruEvolution, will receive the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. 

Learn more about our awardees here.  

More information about the UCR Honors Gala, tickets, and giving opportunities can be found at the Gala website.