Dean’s Leadership Society and Women of the Dean’s Leadership Society

The DLS Experience

Membership in the Dean’s Leadership Society (DLS) is an invitation into a curated community of leaders shaping the future of Social Sciences at UCI. Members share in experiences that are intimate, inspiring, and impactful — connecting with the Dean, faculty, students, and one another in ways that can only be found at UCI School of Social Sciences.

The Women of the Dean’s Leadership Society (WDLS) offers women leaders the opportunity to deepen their engagement through a vibrant community dedicated to mentoring students, advancing women’s leadership, and enjoying uniquely curated experiences. With an additional $500 commitment at any DLS level, members join this inspiring circle and directly support signature initiatives such as the LeadHER program.

Within the DLS and WDLS, the Social Sciences Loyalty Society celebrates members whose commitment has been sustained for five or more consecutive years at the leadership level. This distinction reflects a steadfast belief in the school’s mission and a deep dedication to shaping the next generation of leaders.

Together, these societies reflect the vibrant community of supporters whose generosity sustains Social Sciences today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Membership Levels (annual leadership giving)

Associates ($1,500+ | $2,000 for WDLS)

  • Dean’s Espresso Updates — three times a year, intimate virtual conversations with Dean Maurer, exclusive to members.
  • Economic Forum (Fall & Spring) — our marquee event featuring faculty economists and global thought leaders, curated for our members.
  • Homecoming – Game Day with the Dean — DLS members receive an exclusive early registration window before general alumni.
  • Curated Experiences — invitation to intimate gatherings, with behind-the-scenes looks at Social Sciences programs, for our members.
  • LeadHER Mentorship (WDLS only) — WDLS Associate donors are invited to serve as mentors in the LeadHER program, an experience reserved for WDLS members.
  • Honor Roll Recognition — acknowledgment each year among peers whose loyalty strengthens Social Sciences. After five or more consecutive years, members are also recognized through the Social Sciences Loyalty Society.

 

 

Cornerstone ($2,500+ | $3,000 for WDLS)

All Associate experiences, plus:
  • Student Voices — annual reflection from a student sharing how philanthropy shapes their UCI experience, exclusive to members.
  • Student Connections — opportunities to be invited to select programs where students showcase their work, such as UROP and Grad Slam.

 

 

Executive ($5,000+ annually | $5,500 for WDLS)

All Cornerstone experiences, plus:
  • VIP Access at the Economic Forum — invitation to a private ”Meet & Greet“ with panelists and faculty, exclusive to Executive members.
  • Donor Spotlights – occasional recognition the School of Social Sciences communications, celebrating members’ impact as part of the broader DLS/WDLS community.

 

 

Partner ($10,000+ annually | $10,500 for WDLS)

All Executive experiences, plus:
  • Personalized Briefing — an intimate, forward-looking conversation with the Dean or faculty member, tailored to your philanthropic interests and upcoming school priorities.
  • Boutique Donor Experiences — opportunities to be invited to highly curated gatherings such as the Arts, Culture & Connection adventure with Dean Maurer, or intimate salon evenings, by invitation only.
  • Curated Engagement — proactive touchpoints that connect you with the Dean, faculty, and initiatives in ways that reflect your passions and priorities.

 

 

Dean’s Partner ($25,000+ annually | $25,500 for WDLS)

All Partner experiences, plus:
  • Premier Access — first-invitation status for all high-profile donor events and experiences, reserved for Dean’s Partner members.
  • Signature Donor Feature — in-depth recognition highlighting your leadership and impact, shared through select School of Social Sciences platforms.
  • Exclusive Connections — opportunities to engage directly with university leadership alongside Dean Maurer, by invitation only.

 

 

Young Professional Pathway (up to age 30)

For recent graduates and emerging leaders, the Young Professional Pathway offers an accessible entry point into the Dean’s Leadership Society and Women of the Dean’s Leadership Society. It is designed as a bridge toward full Associates membership — providing meaningful engagement while cultivating the next generation of philanthropic leaders.

With an additional $150 annual commitment at this level, members can join the Women of the Dean’s Leadership Society (WDLS) and engage with its vibrant community and programs.

DLS Young Professional ($500+ annually | $650 for WDLS)

Opportunities include:
  • Invitation to one Economic Forum annually (Fall or Spring), exclusive to members.
  • Opportunity to register for Homecoming with the Dean, as space allows (early registration reserved for Associates+).
  • One annual Dean’s Espresso Update session with Dean Maurer, exclusive to members.
  • Invitations to select DLS events.
  • For WDLS members: invitations to select WDLS gatherings and one annual opportunity to engage with the LeadHER program (e.g., a session or the Welcome or Closing Celebration).
  • Recognition in the annual DLS or WDLS Honor Roll.

 

*Membership in the Dean’s Leadership Society and Women of the Dean’s Leadership Society is recognized on an annual basis, beginning on the date of joining.

 

 

 

 

Connect with us: