Alyssa Johansen

UC Merced’s graduating Class of 2025 recently celebrated its achievement at the campus’s spring commencement, joined by family members, close friends and loved ones.

For two graduates, Jahaira Morales and Bryan Gutierrez, the ceremony also was an opportunity to meet with a couple of other individuals who have been invested in their higher-education journey at UC Merced – their scholarship benefactors, Dar Chen and Cheryl Matsubara.

Mechanical engineering Professor Ricardo Pinto de Castro has turned a penchant for systems-level thinking and a longtime love of cars into a climate-resilient research mission.

UC Merced students pursuing degrees in chemical sciences now have access to a new source of financial support, thanks to a gift from two of the university’s most dedicated advocates.

Alumna Laura Showalter ’16, ’18 and UC Merced Foundation Diplomat Dr. Jane Binger have established the Showalter Binger Scholarship to assist promising students who demonstrate passion and perseverance on their journeys to becoming future scientific leaders.

Hidden for a year behind two large barn-style doors, a powerful new mural now adorns the walls of the Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Center. The latest piece of public art on the UC Merced campus explores Native past and future with themes of identity and representation.

UC Merced Executive Director of Recreation & Athletics David Dunham has been named California Pacific Conference Athletic Director of the Year for the second straight year and for the third time in four years.

Under Dunham's leadership in 2024-25, UC Merced won a Cal Pac-record 13 conference championships and became the first school in NAIA history to qualify its men's and women's basketball teams, men's and women's cross country teams, men's and women's soccer teams, and men's and women's volleyball teams for NAIA national championship competition.

The University of California, Merced, will celebrate the accomplishments of more than 1,500 students during its Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies, to be held May 16 -18 on the UC Merced Recreation Field. The ceremonies will recognize graduates from all academic schools over three days of celebration.

The festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 16, with the Graduate Division ceremony, honoring 120 students receiving master's and doctoral degrees.

A new endowed chair will significantly enhance UC Merced’s work to advance research and innovation in the agricultural technology sector.

Housed in the School of Engineering, the Christine Nemec Long Endowed Chair in Agricultural Technology was created through a generous gift from longtime UC Merced Foundation Board of Trustees member Christine Long.

Thanks to a bicycle fleet donation to the campus, UC Merced students will soon have more transportation options and access to bike riding and safety programs.

The generous gift of 50 fully assembled mountain bikes is from specialty fire-glass manufacturer SAFTI FIRST and company president and owner Bill O’Keeffe. Several student organizations will benefit from the contribution, including the Bike Society, which plans to distribute 10 bicycles to new members who do not own one, host sessions on bike safety and maintenance, and lead community rides.

UC Merced is excited to welcome admitted students, their families and friends for another unforgettable Bobcat Day. Set for Saturday, April 19, this annual open house promises a full day of engaging presentations, activities and a firsthand look at life as a Bobcat. Throughout the event, faculty, staff, students and alumni will be available to share personal experiences and answer questions about academic programs, student life, clubs and organizations.

In March, UC Merced wrapped up another successful Student Philanthropy Month, an annual tradition led by the Student Alumni Association that inspires students to engage in the spirit of giving and service. The monthlong celebration offers students a deeper understanding of philanthropy and its impact on campus and beyond.