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Empower
Learning

February 2025

In partnership with the University of California, Irvine Cancer Research Institute, we are proud to offer students an opportunity to learn about cancer research and an internship to encourage learning and networking.

UCI CRI BEE Meeting 2-11-2025.png

Aulton Kohn Jr is the Strategic Operations Manager for UCI-Cancer Research Institute. Before working at UCI, he was the Associate Director of Operations and Development Coordinator for the business school at Chapman University. Aulton comes from South Carolina, born to a retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant and a retired high school chemistry teacher. Aulton has extensive school with obtaining a BS in Marketing and Finance along with getting a MS in Computer Programming from Syracuse University. He also completed his MBA in May 2023 from Chapman University. Aulton also was a sprinter at Syracuse University where he competed in the 100 and 200 meters making it all the way to the 2008 US Olympic Trials. In his free time, Aulton likes to work out and play sports, watch movies, read, and spend time with his pet turtle.

EVENTS

Looking Back with Gratitude and Gratefulness...

The Little Forest Grand Opening: The Beginning of Growth, Inclusion, and Endless Stories

December 2024

We were overjoyed to celebrate the grand opening of 'The Little Forest,' a reading nook thoughtfully designed to provide a calm, welcoming space for our neurodivergent peers. The event was a true community moment, bringing together our members, supportive staff, and neurodivergent classmates to share in the excitement of this milestone. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, we hosted a luncheon where laughter and heartfelt conversations filled the room, deepening our friendships and building a stronger sense of belonging. Seeing the joy and connection this space has already sparked reminded us why we created 'The Little Forest' - to celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued for years to come.

Little Forest Soft Opening: A Delightful Surprise, Sparking Joy and Discovery

November 2024

The soft opening of 'The Little Forest' was a moment of pure joy for all of us at the Beautiful Endearing Expressions Society. Our neurodivergent peers were given an exclusive first look at the fully completed space, experiencing its tranquil charm before anyone else on campus. It was incredible to see their excitement as they explored the cozy nook and browsed through the carefully curated bookshelves. Many eagerly flipped through stories, discovering titles and pictures that piqued their interest, and they became the very first to check out books from the collection. Seeing how much they loved the space and hearing their kind words made all our hard work feel worthwhile. This special preview affirmed our dedication to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can feel inspired, included, and accepted.