ϰٿ

Brenda Ortiz

ϰٿ campus photo of sign

Senior Public Information Representitive

Office: (209) 228-4203

Mobile: (209) 628-8263

bortiz@ucmerced.edu

Campus Conferring its Highest Number of Doctorates at Commencement

This weekend, 1,250 ϰٿ undergraduate and graduate students, including 52 doctoral candidates — the most in the campus’s 12-year history — are expected to cross the stage and embark on the next chapter of their lives.

“Commencement is the culmination of years of determination and is an exciting time for graduates and their families,” Chancellor Dorothy Leland said. “We are thrilled to celebrate the courage, commitment and spirit of ϰٿ students.”

Grad’s Ambition Continues to Motivate Her Success

The odds of Tomanik’e Banks graduating from college were slim — only slightly lower than the odds she’d go to college at all.

But Banks had one thing going for her that many others don’t. Determination.

When Banks crosses the stage May 12, she’ll be one of only about 3 percent of foster youth to graduate from college.

Campus’ Spring Open House Draws Record Attendance

More than 3,700 individuals visited ϰٿ last Saturday during the campus’s annual — a 26 percent increase over 2017 and more than any previous year.

Applied Math Grad Student Committed to Central Valley Roots

When Mario Banuelos was 12, his mother took him into the fields to tie grape vines.

The labor was tough and the wages were meager. After just one day on the job, Banuelos knew that his path in life would be different. He worked even harder in school and earned nearly straight As. His efforts paid off when he was selected for the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholars program.

Undergraduate Student Advocates for Youth at Empowerment Event

Kimberly Ramirez Gonzalez has been advocating for youth for four years and she is committed to dedicating the rest of her life to doing so.

Women’s Soccer Star, Campus Leader Wraps Four Fulfilling Years

When prospective student-athletes visit ϰٿ, standout Abbie-Leigh Meneses is among the first people they meet.

Not long ago, Meneses was a recruit herself, touring the University of California’s 10th and newest campus. She fell in love with ϰٿ and its central location within driving distance to Yosemite National Park and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Career-Minded Students Get a Helping Hand

Senior mechanical engineering major Kelvin Cheung from San Francisco got a head start on his career exploration during his first year at ϰٿ.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) career specialist Robert Goodman one of four career specialists for the in ϰٿ’s Office of Leadership, Service and Career, played a crucial role in preparing him to apply for internships.

Stand Up, Speak Out Against Sexual Assault, Sexual Violence

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and ϰٿ is hosting a series of events to provide campus community members opportunities to increase awareness and advocate for sexual assault prevention and intervention programing.

A highlight of this month’s activities is the return of “The Vagina Monologues,” a series of monologues and pieces adapted from interviews with women addressing issues of womanhood, sexuality and strength, and ending violence against women. ϰٿ undergraduate and graduate students are the cast and crew.

Campus Voices: Positioning Students as Architects of Social Change

Working in education over the years, I have learned to never let inhospitable and toxic circumstances destroy one’s soul, but to use education as a way to empower, transform, radically heal and cultivate seeds of hope.

CNN Contributor Maria Cardona, Civic Leader Lenny Mendonca to Speak at ϰٿ’s Largest Commencement Ceremonies

The University of California, Merced, has selected political commentator and public affairs professional Maria Cardona and civic leader and entrepreneur Lenny Mendonca to deliver keynote addresses at its 13th exercises, May 12 and 13.