UCI Engineering’s Stacey Nicholas Office of Outreach, Access and Inclusion Unveils New Home

From left, UCI Engineering Dean Magnus Egerstedt, OAI Executive Director Analia Rao and UCI Foundation trustee Stacey Nicholas cut the ribbon at the stairway that leads to the renovated Stacey Nicholas Office of Outreach, Access and Inclusion.

Dec. 8, 2025 – An expanded, renovated Stacey Nicholas Office of Outreach, Access and Inclusion (OAI) in the Samueli School of Engineering opened last month offering students more space to study, seek resources, connect with tutors and mentors, and find a sense of belonging.

Originally opened in 2014, OAI provides a variety of services and programs aimed at advancing UCI’s commitment to inclusive excellence by supporting the recruitment, retention, and graduation of undergraduate and graduate engineering students, while fostering representation, opportunity, and belonging. Thanks to the continuing generous support from UC Irvine Foundation trustee Stacey Nicholas, the office was able to double its space, now offering a large, open, well-lit study center, a wellness room equipped with a massage chair, a cozy student lounge with sofas and conference table, and offices for support staff.

Nicholas was on hand to help cut the ribbon for the new OAI along with UCI Engineering Dean Magnus Egerstedt and OAI Executive Director Analia Rao.

“OAI is a home away from home for many of our students. I’m really happy that we finally have a space that is worthy of this office on campus,” said Egerstedt to Leadership Council members who gathered with faculty, staff and students to mark the occasion.

Rao thanked everyone for joining to celebrate this milestone. “This expansion is more than just space – it shows our students that we care about them, that their success matters, and that our school is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community where everyone can succeed and thrive.”

Rao said that the demand for space from the students has increased over the past few years, and she noted that the office wouldn’t exist without the support of Nicholas. “She has been our champion from day one,” said Rao. “Thank you for empowering and inspiring our students with your generosity.”

Student organization presidents spoke to the audience at the reopening of the OAI.

Five student organizations presidents attended the event and spoke of the impact that OAI has had on their groups. All agreed that support, community and resources topped the list. Eric Espinoza, an electrical engineering senior, shared his experience of turning to OAI for help with resources when he was going through difficult challenges. “OAI helped me find the resources to stay on my academic journey,” he said. Espinoza now works at OAI as a lead tutor. “OAI gives me an avenue to support students as it has in turn supported me.”

OAI is located on the third floor of the Rockwell Engineering Center, a building designed by the late Frank Gehry. It is open week days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

– Lori Brandt

 

 

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