UCI Arts Graduates Receive Chancellor’s Award of Distinction

Award recognizes academic excellence, research, leadership and service

UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts is pleased to announce that graduating students Genysia Brown, Kory Ha and Aejin Yi, have been selected as recipients of UC Irvine’s 2025 Chancellor’s Award of Distinction. Presented by the UCI Alumni Association, this honor recognizes exemplary academic performance and a demonstrated commitment to research, leadership, or service to the university.

"It was a huge honor to receive this award because it was a moment to have all my achievements recognized," shared Yi. "I was thrilled that people from UCI Arts were getting recognition for their contributions alongside STEM students; I feel as though creative and artistic achievements always go overlooked, so this award made me proud to have a platform to show people the importance of art in our communities."

The Chancellor’s Award of Distinction is one of UC Irvine’s highest undergraduate honors. Recipients are nominated and selected by a committee of alumni and are distinguished at commencement by wearing blue and gold cords.

This recognition affirms the continued impact of arts students in both academic and co-curricular domains and reflects the UCI Arts’ commitment to excellence across disciplines.

Image: Aejin Yi holds a certificate for receiving the 2025 Chancellor's Award of Distinction.

"I have had many opportunities and experiences within the art department," said Yi. "I made so many connections and learned many valuable lessons on the creation and appreciation of art in our daily lives." 

To view the full list of 2025 recipients, read the Chancellor’s Award program here.