The Dr. Samuel M. Jordan Center for Persian Studies and Culture, established by the School of Humanities in collaboration with the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, is a center dedicated to drawing on the strengths of the entire UC Irvine campus. The Center serves as a resource for the research, instruction and celebration of Persian history and culture.

The Center sponsors conferences, symposia, book launches, film presentations, musical concerts and occasional lectures. The Center also draws on the vibrant local Iranian community for events aimed at the dissemination of Iranian arts and culture.