Irvine, Calif. – The University of California, Irvine will host its 10th annual Grad Slam competition at the UCI Newkirk Alumni Center on March 14. Cie and Leonid have been tabbed as second and third place sponsors, respectively. Cie and Leonid join Raytheon, an RTX Business as the frontline sponsors of the event.
Part of UCI’s Graduate Division, Grad Slam is a systemwide competition that showcases and awards the best three-minute research presentations by graduate scholars.
The in-person competition not only highlights the excellence, importance, and relevance of UCI graduate scholars and their research, but it’s also designed to increase graduate students’ communication skills.
In the competition, graduate students master the ability to effectively present their work with poise and confidence. It’s also an opportunity to share accomplishments with the campus, friends of UCI, the local community, and the broader public.
“We’re so excited to continue our partnerships with Cie and Leonid,” said Gillian Hayes, Vice Provost for Graduate Education at UC Irvine. “Both of these companies have supported UCI and our graduate scholars for years now and we cannot thank them enough. The principles both organizations stand for align perfectly with our mission at UCI.”
Cie is a venture studio that serves as an innovation lab and accelerator for bold entrepreneurs who want to transform disruptive ideas into thriving ventures. It will be the Second Place Sponsor of the event. In addition, founder and CEO Anderee Berengian will serve as a judge.
“I’ve been proud to work with UCI Graduate Division and this event for several years now,” said Berengian. “Having served as a judge before, I’ve been able to get a first-hand look at some of these impressive scholars and their innovative ideas through the years. I’m truly proud to support these scholars and this worthwhile event.”
With more than 20 years of experience steering corporate and product strategy, Berengian is an accomplished entrepreneur, technologist, and investor passionate about driving progress through digital innovation. At Cie, Berengian is responsible for building a world-class execution-focused team and growing Cie’s digital transformation ideas into sustainable, profitable companies.
Third Place Sponsor, Leonid is the leading private credit firm focused on the US Government sector. The firm offers a variety of flexible financing options for its small and medium sized business clients, including term loans, lines of credit, venture debt, and acquisition financing – all tailored to the unique needs of those working with the Federal Government.
Co-Founder Christopher Lay is a proud UCI alum, earning his PhD in Neurobiology in 2011 and is a member of UCI Graduate Division’s Dean’s Leadership Council. In addition, Lay’s background includes professional practice in the healthcare, financial services, technology, and specialty finance industries, as well as significant experience operating in Private Equity and Hedge Fund investment environments.
“UCI will always have a special place in my heart and this event symbolizes some of the best parts of graduate education.” Lay said. “Grad Slam and UCI continue to promote and train the future leaders and innovators of our world. I couldn’t be happier to support this worthwhile event.”
Grad Slam winners receive cash prizes up to $6,000 and a competitive resume line.
Presentation clarity and effectiveness for a general university audience is strongly considered in the judging process.
A huge thank you to the rest of our sponsors:Buchanan Street Children’s Charities Fund, The Pacific Club, Altura Associates, Visionaize, UCI Chief, Executive Roundtable, UCI School of Biological Sciences, UCI Division of Continuing Education, UCI Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, UCI-OC Alliance, UCI Samueli School of Engineering, UCI School of Physical Sciences, UCI School of Social Sciences, UCI School of Social Ecology
For more information on the event, please contact Raslyn Rendon at rrendon@uci.edu.
About the University of California, Irvine
Founded in 1965, UCI is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UCI, visit www.uci.edu.