brain imaging center community relations

The Brain Imaging Center (BIC) Committee support group was started in June 1987, when Athalie Clark, Jean Liechty, Blynn Bunney and Anita Ziebe met to discuss the innovative research at UCI’’s Brain Imaging Center. They realized there was an urgent need to find new techniques to combat brain disease and mental illness and to help alleviate the financial burden and tremendous stress on afflicted family units. They considered it essential to inform the community of these urgent needs and to gain their support.

Silver Ribbon dinner

Several years ago, Jean Liechty, the founding president of the Brain Imaging Center Committee, started our Silver Ribbon Campaign. Its purpose is to encourage efforts to reduce the stigma of mental illness. As an outgrowth of that successful campaign, the Brain Imaging Center Committee named its annual fund-raising event the Silver Ribbon Dinner. At this dinner we honor a public figure who has been an outspoken advocate for those with disabling brain diseases and disorders, including mental illness.

Their efforts may have been in the form of advocacy for increased research dollars, legislation for better treatments, or public appearances to reduce the stigma of all brain disorders. In addition to a public figure, we also honor a community volunteer who has contributed time and energy to benefit the Brain Imaging Center. Each honoree is given a beautiful clear statuette representing our "Silver Ribbon." The 2006 honorees were Jane Pauley and Peggy Goldwater Clay, long-time BIC chair.

Renowned NBC broadcast journalist Jane Pauley was the featured speaker at the UCI Brain Imaging Center’s 10th Silver Ribbon Award Dinner. Her brother-in-law, center Director Dr. Steven Potkin, asked her to make the appearance. Known for her work on NBC’s “Today” show and “Dateline,” Pauley proved thought-provoking and engaging at the dinner for 140 guests held April 25 at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach.

The Silver Ribbon Award was presented to Peggy Goldwater Clay, 16-year Brain Imaging Center committee president. “She is passionate about this organization and has been the backbone to its success,” said UCI School of Medicine Dean Tom Cesario. The dinner netted $30,000 for the center’s internationally recognized work in neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases.

Learn about our most exciting and rewarding volunteer programs:    

Brain Imaging Center (BIC) Committee

Docent Program

Escort Program

Volunteer Program

Website Committee

Consider joining one of our volunteer groups

Help us make a difference 

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