Entrepreneur and loyal UC Irvine supporter Neil Gleason is this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Physical Sciences.

Neil graduated from UC Irvine with a B.A. in physics in 1971. While working as a junior engineer undergraduate, he was introduced to emerging technologies in the aerospace industry. He gained experience decoding data and using early microprocessors.

After spending several years as an engineer, Neil founded Computer Datacom Inc. in 1979 and served as president until 1994. In 1988, he co-founded OCP Group Inc. and served as president until 2020. The company is a leading manufacturer and distributor of cables, wire harnesses and subassemblies to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across many industries. Neil now serves as principal of the Gleason Family Office, which he established in 2021.

Neil has remained dedicated to UC Irvine since his graduation. Colleagues and friends often comment on how much he values UC Irvine and how he exemplifies the highest principles of the Anteater community. He has held leadership roles with the UC Irvine Alumni Association, working to strengthen connections between alumni and the university, including serving as a board member and as president from 1979 to 1981.

Neil has participated as a member of the UC Irvine Reunion Committee and the Golden Anteater Society Committee, which honors UC Irvine alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. He also serves on the Physical Sciences Industry Advisory Board. Neil and his wife, Linda, support numerous initiatives, including education, community development and the arts. In 2019, they founded the Gleason Family Impact Foundation, he serves as president.

In 2023, Neil and Linda established the Neil and Linda Gleason Scholarship Endowment, which aims to encourage and support students interested in physical sciences and mathematics at UC Irvine.