Derek Sabori to Deliver the UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts Commencement Address

Arts alumnus, sustainability advocate and UC Irvine alumni leader to send off the Class of 2025

Derek Sabori (B.A. Studio Art ’95, MBA ’02), president of the UC Irvine Alumni Association (UCIAA) and member of the Dean’s Arts Board at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, has been named the 2025 commencement speaker for the joint graduation ceremony of UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts, The Paul Merage School of Business and the School of Biological Sciences. As a sustainability consultant and educator, career journey podcaster and founder of The Underswell’s School of Understanding for sustainability, Sabori brings a unique perspective on the role of creativity, responsibility and connection in shaping a meaningful future.

“It’s an incredible honor to be invited to send off the Class of 2025 from three schools that have each played a meaningful role in shaping who I am, both personally and professionally,” said Sabori. “I’m proud to be an Anteater and hope to remind these amazing graduates that the future is theirs to shape. We believe in them, and the entire Anteater alumni community stands ready to support them in this exciting next chapter.”

With more than two decades of experience in the fashion and action sports industry, Sabori worked his way from aspiring graphic artist to apparel design and merchandising roles, eventually serving as Vice President of Global Sustainability at Volcom. Through his consulting platform, The Underswell, he now helps individuals and brands confidently navigate sustainability, offering practical, clear guidance on the topics that matter most to people and the planet.

As a student at UC Irvine, Sabori transitioned from engineering to studio art, where he discovered his creative voice through photography, installation art, writing and digital media. After graduation, he rose through the ranks of Volcom’s design department to become a division merchandising manager, directory of planning and analysis and later head of sustainability. He later returned to UCI to earn an MBA from the Paul Merage School of Business, combining his creative background with business expertise to champion more sustainable practices in creative industries.

A dedicated ambassador for UC Irvine, Sabori often speaks about the importance of alumni engagement and interdisciplinary thinking. His leadership on the Dean’s Arts Board and the UC Irvine Alumni Association highlights his commitment to the arts and helping future generations of students stay connected to the university long after graduation.

To learn more about Sabori’s work, visit theunderswell.com. To learn more about the UCIAA, visit engage.alumni.uci.edu.