Drafted by ZotGPT, edited by Debra Curran
The University of California, Irvine recently honored exceptional individuals with its highest distinction—the UC Irvine Medal—in a prestigious ceremony held at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. As the university celebrates its 60th anniversary and prepares for the successful conclusion of its Brilliant Future philanthropic campaign, these recipients represent the extraordinary dedication and vision that have shaped UCI into a world-class institution.
James Irvine Swinden: A Legacy of Transformative Support
Among this year’s distinguished honorees, James Irvine Swinden stands as a remarkable figure whose philanthropic impact spans the entire UC Irvine campus, with particularly significant contributions to the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing. As a member of the nursing school’s Dean’s Advisory Council, Swinden has played a crucial role in advancing nursing education and research at UCI.
Swinden’s commitment to the nursing school reflects his broader understanding of healthcare’s critical importance in society. His support has helped the school develop innovative programs, attract top-tier faculty, and provide students with cutting-edge resources necessary for excellence in nursing practice. Through his involvement on the Dean’s Advisory Council, he has contributed strategic guidance that has positioned the nursing school as a leader in healthcare education.
The Swinden family’s connection to UC Irvine runs deep, creating a multigenerational legacy of support. Both his grandmother, Athalie R. Clarke, and his mother, Joan Irvine Smith, previously received UC Irvine Medals for their instrumental roles in the university’s founding and ongoing development. This family tradition of philanthropy has created lasting impact across multiple generations, with James continuing this remarkable heritage of giving.
Beyond nursing, Swinden’s contributions to UC Irvine are vast and varied. He founded the UC Irvine museum through the transfer of The Irvine Museum’s collection of California impressionist art to the university in 2016, enriching the campus’s cultural landscape. As one of the original founders of the campus’s School of Law, he helped establish what would become a prestigious legal institution. His service as a UC Irvine Foundation trustee since 1998 demonstrates his long-term commitment to the university’s growth and success.
## A Tradition of Excellence
Since its inception in 1984, the UC Irvine Medal has recognized Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, a U.S. president, and transformative community leaders. This year’s recipients continue this tradition of honoring individuals whose contributions drive UC Irvine’s global reputation for innovation, excellence, and social progress.
As Chancellor Howard Gillman noted, “The 2025 UC Irvine Medal recipients exemplify the values and vision that have propelled UC Irvine into a world-class institution.” Their collective impact, particularly Swinden’s dedicated support of the nursing school and broader university mission, ensures that UC Irvine will continue to thrive as it enters its seventh decade of educational excellence.
