Ann and Charles Quilter will receive the UC Irvine Alumni Association’s 2026 Extraordinarius Award, the association’s highest honor, on November 5 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. The award acknowledges their over five decades of leadership, service, and generosity toward UC Irvine.
The couple’s support has significantly advanced Alzheimer’s research, strengthened the humanities, and expanded opportunities for students and faculty. Ann Quilter, M.S. ’79, and Charles Quilter, M.A. ’06, Ph.D. ’10, were selected by the UC Irvine Alumni Association and its board of directors for their lasting impact on the university and society.
A foundational gift from the Quilters established Ann Hutchinson Quilter Hall, designated as the future home of the UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND). This gift, announced in 2025 during the conclusion of UC Irvine’s Brilliant Future campaign, inspired more than $30 million in additional philanthropic commitments for the facility. Once completed, the building aims to accelerate research into Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, enhance patient care and education, and reinforce UC Irvine’s role in neurodegenerative disease research and treatment.
Beyond facilities, their engagement with the university spans various areas. Ann Quilter has served on the UCI MIND Leadership Council since 2020. Charles Quilter received the UC Irvine Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award in 2021 for his support of the School of Humanities. Together, they recently established the Quilter Endowed Chair in the History of Technology, which supports scholarship exploring technology's societal impact.
Brian T. Hervey, vice chancellor for university advancement and alumni relations and president of the UC Irvine Foundation, stated that the Quilters "have strengthened UC Irvine through decades of leadership, engagement and generosity." He added that they have championed the university’s mission and created opportunities for future generations. Ann Quilter noted that being connected to the university’s journey and "helping create opportunities for future generations" has been a significant reward. Charles Quilter remarked that supporting UC Irvine allows them to invest in people and discoveries that will improve lives.
Both Ann and Charles Quilter come from Marine Corps families, a background that instilled in them a strong sense of service. Charles Quilter served as a Marine aviator in combat and later as a colonel in various operations, subsequently becoming a captain for Delta Air Lines. After their marriage in 1975, the couple made Laguna Beach their home, where Ann Quilter was an active civic volunteer, leading the League of Women Voters and serving as PTA president at local schools.
The Extraordinarius Award will be presented during the 55th annual Lauds & Laurels celebration, which has annually recognized individuals defining UC Irvine’s excellence since 1971. This year’s event will also introduce the inaugural Anteater Alumni Spirit Award, honoring Patrick W. Glasgow ’68, Robert G. Ernst ’67, and Schuyler H. Bassett for their role in establishing the anteater as UC Irvine’s mascot. The award will also be presented posthumously to Johnny Hart, creator of the B.C. comic strip, for inspiring the mascot.
The 2026 celebration at the Irvine Barclay Theatre will feature a refreshed format, including a theater-style awards program followed by a reception, bringing together alumni, university leaders, and community partners.
