Countywide : Five Set to Receive Honorary UCI Medal

A science adviser to President Clinton and the author of “Schindler’s List” are among the five people set to receive UC Irvine’s highest honor, the UCI Medal, officials announced this week.

The five recipients were selected in an effort to recognize their years of service to the university, officials said.

The UCI Medal, which is the equivalent of an honorary degree, has been presented semi-annually since 1984 to outstanding members of the university community.

The 1995 UCI Medal winners are:

* Francisco Ayala, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. An expert in population genetics, Ayala is past president of the American Assn. for the Advancement of Science and served on President Clinton’s Committee of Advisers on Science and Technology.

* Thomas Keneally, a former UCI professor of English and former co-director of the Graduate Program in Writing.

Keneally is the author of 27 books, including “A River Town” and “Schindler’s List,” which was made into a critically acclaimed film.

* Thomas Nielsen, a leading university benefactor and member of the UCI Foundation board.

A managing director of U.S. Trust Co. of California, Nielsen was a founder of the UCI Chief Executive Roundtable.

* Safi Qureshey, chief executive officer of AST Research who is also a member of the CEO Roundtable and UCI Foundation.

* Marjorie Rawlins, a leading supporter of UCI art programs. Rawlins has donated money to pay for music scholarships.

The 1995 winners will be honored at a reception in Newport Beach on Nov. 2.