The University of California, Irvine's Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) has received a $50 million lead gift from the Quilter family, along with approximately $30 million in additional commitments. This funding will support the planning and construction of a new research and care facility focused on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
UC Irvine alumni Charles Quilter and Ann Quilter, together with their family members Patrick, Chris, Matt, and Patty, made the significant contribution to UCI MIND. The donation was announced as part of the university's Brilliant Future campaign during an event on October 4. It marks the final major gift of that campaign and launches a new fundraising effort to create a dedicated center for advancing UCI MIND’s mission.
Other donors have followed the Quilters’ example by pledging support for the proposed building. These include Harriet Harris, the Brethren Community Foundation, Michael K. Hayde and Laura Khouri, and Keith Swayne. Together with the Quilters' donation, total contributions have reached nearly $80 million.
According to data from the Alzheimer’s Association, about 7.2 million Americans aged 65 or older are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease—a figure expected to rise in coming decades. In Orange County specifically, Alzheimer’s is now reported as the third-leading cause of death.
Ann Quilter initially donated $5 million to UCI MIND before her family increased it to $50 million in honor of her dedication to Alzheimer’s research.
"UC Irvine has always been part of who we are," said Ann Quilter. "Our family believes deeply in building community and in supporting the people and places that make a difference. UCI MIND represents hope – not just for scientific breakthroughs but for the families and caregivers who face Alzheimer's every day. We're proud to help strengthen the university that shaped our lives and continues to serve our community."
The Quilter family's background includes long-standing civic engagement after settling in Laguna Beach more than five decades ago.
Planning is underway for a state-of-the-art facility that will feature both research laboratories and clinical spaces where interdisciplinary teams can collaborate. The new building will also provide areas for education initiatives and community outreach programs.
"Inspired by Ann's commitment and made possible through the extraordinary generosity of the Quilter family, particularly Patrick and Chris, Ann Hutchinson Quilter Hall will be a hub for discovery and hope," said Joshua Grill, director of UCI MIND. "Here, new treatments will be tested and the path toward dementia prevention will be blazed. Thanks to the Quilter family's vision and leadership, this facility will bring together science, care and community to accelerate progress and amplify impact."
Philanthropic momentum follows a recent $21 million renewal grant awarded by the National Institute on Aging to UCI MIND's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC). This five-year federal grant supports ongoing work at one of only 35 ADRCs nationwide funded by NIA; UCI MIND is also Orange County’s sole state- and federally designated ADRC.
UCI MIND brings together over 75 faculty members from more than 25 departments across UC Irvine—including neuroscience, neurology, psychiatry, geriatrics, nursing, statistics, public health—fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration in dementia research.
The institute has pioneered specialized research cores focusing on induced pluripotent stem cells as well as studies involving unique populations such as people with Down syndrome or those considered “the oldest old.” These efforts have helped position UC Irvine as a leader in understanding how Alzheimer’s affects different groups within society.
Community engagement remains central: thousands of local residents benefit annually from free events or digital resources provided by UCI MIND regarding brain health information.
"A cornerstone of our mission is to bring science to the community," Grill said. "We provide the latest, best and most trustworthy information so that people can make choices that optimize their brain health."
More than 6,000 Orange County residents have joined UC Irvine's Consent-to-Contact Registry—a voluntary database linking individuals with relevant clinical studies—which has resulted in over 10,000 referrals for research participation opportunities including early trials for new memory loss treatments.
Donors such as Harriet Harris have played key roles at UCI MIND; Harris became involved after losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease herself.
"Each discovery brings us closer to a future where Alzheimer's is not a life sentence. Supporting UCI MIND means investing in discoveries that can change lives – not someday but soon. I'm proud to be part of a movement that brings real hope to families everywhere."
Keith Swayne—active across multiple philanthropic organizations—and his late wife Judith Swayne were instrumental figures within Orange County’s nonprofit sector; Judith founded its Community Foundation before passing away from Alzheimer’s disease in 2014.
"Philanthropy has the power to move society forward in ways nothing else can. When we combine generosity with purpose, we create momentum that transforms institutions and communities alike. UCI MIND embodies that spirit, advancing science and compassion hand in hand."
Laura Khouri noted her involvement alongside husband Michael K. Hayde stems from years supporting various health initiatives at UC Irvine; they connected with UCI MIND through Harriet Harris last year.
"Buildings are more than bricks and mortar; they're symbols of our shared values. This new facility will stand as a testament to what's possible when a community comes together to confront one of the greatest health challenges of our time."
"Great buildings tell great stories. Ann Hutchinson Quilter Hall will not only house groundbreaking research but represent the compassion, collaboration and commitment that define UC Irvine and its mission to make a lasting difference."
