UC Irvine School of Social Ecology staff honored in local journalism awards

June 26, 2026

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Trophy surrounded by gold confetti — Credit: Adobe Stock

On June 18, 2026, two members of the UC Irvine School of Social Ecology Communications team were honored with Excellence in Journalism Awards by the Orange County Press Club — an organization that supports, promotes and defends quality journalism in Southern California.

All winning stories were written for UC Irvine publications.

Director of Communications Mimi Ko CruzUC Irvine

Director of Communications Mimi Ko Cruz received four awards, earning the top two places in one category!

First Place — Best Culture Story, Sponsored Content: “Why Día de los Muertos is so meaningful”
First Place — Best News Story, Sponsored Content: “Six Lives Transformed”
Second Place — Best News Story, Sponsored Content: “Mental Health Lifeline”
Third Place — Best News Feature Story, Sponsored Content: “Aging brings happiness”

Social Media Manager Matt CokerCourtesy photo

Social Media Manager Matt Coker received third place in the Best Feature Story, Sponsored Content category for “A Love Story.”

Congratulations to Mimi and Matt! Learn more about the awards.

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