California Today

UCSD Names New AI School After Facebook Pioneer Alumnus

28 April 2026 17:00

UC San Diego has announced a new AI-focused school named after alumnus Taner Halicioglu, Facebook's first full-time hire, funded by a $125 million donation. - The Halıcıoglu School of Data Science and Computing merges the Halıcıoglu Data Science Institute and the San Diego Supercomputer Center.

- The school aims to advance data and computing to improve society and prepare students for AI careers. - Halicioglu graduated from UCSD in 1996 and was instrumental in Facebook's early growth.

The new school represents a major investment in AI education and research at UCSD.

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