Alumna Carolyn Brothers honored at Lauds & Laurels ceremony at UC Irvine

By Carol Jean Tomoguchi-Perez
November 16, 2023

School of Education alumna Carolyn Brothers '78, '80 was recognized by the UC Irvine Alumni Association at the 2023 Lauds & Laurels ceremony on Oct. 26. Brothers was one of sixteen recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award. The award honors UC Irvine community members for their exemplary service to the community, professional excellence and campus involvement.

​Brothers is an ANTBassador for the School of Education’s Anteaters in Education Alumni Chapter and also serves as a member of the School’s Dean’s Leadership Society, advocating for educational equity and access for underrepresented communities – particularly students in special needs programs.

Last year, Brothers established the Carolyn Irene Brothers Psychology and Special Education Teacher Scholarship Endowment, the first undergraduate scholarship endowment in the School of Education. It recognizes junior and senior level students for their leadership, dedication and desire to teach children who are exceptional learners. By providing financial assistance to deserving students, Brothers has helped empower aspiring educators to pursue their dreams of becoming special education educators.

Graduating from UC Irvine in 1978 with a degree in psychology, Brothers later earned two teaching credentials from the university. She has taught in the San Jacinto and Garden Grove Unified School Districts, and at Coastline College and Chapman University. Brothers is one of the founders of the Resource Library for the Boys & Girls Club in Garden Grove.

Award recipient Carolyn Brothers (left) and Dean Frances Contreras