White House recognizes UCI alumnus as ‘Champion of Change’

Social Ecology alumnus Eloy Ortiz Oakley M.A.’96, MBA ’99 is one of 11 individuals honored Friday, Sept. 30, at the White House as “Champions of Change for College Opportunity” who have done important work in their communities to strengthen access to high-quality education. Oakley has served as president of Long Beach City College for nearly 10 years and was selected in July as the new chancellor of California’s community college system, the nation’s largest higher education system, He will be the first Latino to hold the position when he assumes his duties in December. He’s also the co-founder of the nationally-recognized Long Beach College Promise and co-chairs the Education Leadership Committee of the College Promise Campaign. In 2014, Governor Jerry Brown appointed him to the University of California Board of Regents. He is a product of a California community college. Friday’s honorees were selected for their leadership and tireless work to expand opportunity for students from all backgrounds to advance to and through college. The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.