The Newkirks

The Newkirk Center for Science and Society was begun in 2001 with a generous donation from Martha and James Newkirk.  “Our goal there is to connect the professors and their wonderful research with the outside world,” said Martha Newkirk. “It’s a mechanism to introduce UCI to the community and to bring more people to the campus.”

Along with endowing the Newkirk Center for Science and Society, Martha and James made it possible for the campus to build the Newkirk Alumni Center, a campus hub for alumni and their many activities.  They have also endowed two fellowships in social ecology, and their name is on the Newkirk Pavilion at Anteater Ballpark.

Martha Newkirk earned her bachelor’s degree in 1972, her master’s degree in 1976 and her Ph.D. in 1981, all in social ecology from UC Irvine. She currently serves on the Newkirk Center for Science & Society Advisory Board and is a past president of the UC Irvine Alumni Association. Martha was also a trustee of the UC Irvine Foundation, where she was on the executive committee. She has chaired the Alumni and Student Relations Committee, and was a member of the Nomination and Board Development Committee. In 1993, she received the UC Irvine Medal, the campus’ highest distinction. Two years later she was honored with a UC Irvine Alumni Association’s Lauds & Laurels award.

James Newkirk is also a member of the Newkirk Center for Science & Society Advisory Board and was named an honorary alumnus by the UC Irvine Alumni Association during the Lauds & Laurels celebration in May 2012.

The Newkirk Center for Science & Society is extremely grateful for the support of the Newkirks and their dedication to giving to UCI.