UC Riverside paid tribute to alumni and philanthropic leaders at UCR Honors: A Gala Celebration on Saturday, April 5.

The event was held at the Student Recreation Center Arena, which was transformed into a blue carpet, elegant attire venue for UCR’s second gala celebration. Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox led guests in a celebratory toast at the event, which featured performances, drinks, dining, and tributes. Rickerby Hinds, a playwright and professor, served as master of ceremonies.

The gala honored five distinguished alumni:

•    Brian Hawley ’89, M.S. ’91, a member of the UCR Foundation Board of Trustees and president of Luminex Software, Inc., who received the UCR Medallion. 

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

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

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

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

Proceeds from the gala benefited the Student Support Initiatives Fund and other student programs and scholarships.

See photos from the gala below.