University of California, Merced - Juan Flores

Bobcat Day Attracts Record Crowd to ��ϰٿ�

Anonymous — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:28:04 +0000

By Juan Flores, ��ϰٿ�

April 28, 2023

Bobcat Day attracted thousands of admitted and prospective students to ��ϰٿ� on April 22, 2023. Photo by Veronica Adrover.

The excitement was palpable at ��ϰٿ� as a record number of people descended on the campus for Bobcat Day. More than 5,700 students, family members and friends attended the annual open house event April 22 to learn about the university and its offerings.

Informational tables stretched from University Plaza, along Academic Walk and up to the Carol Tomlinson-Keasey Quad. Hundreds of current students, faculty and staff were on hand to provide information about majors, research opportunities, financial aid, housing, student clubs and much more.

Tour guides kept busy providing visitors a first-hand look at classrooms, labs, dorms and other buildings that make up the Merced 2020 project, as well as those that have stood since the university opened.

With the Beginnings sculpture behind him, Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz welcomed the large crowd and personally invited students to join the ��ϰٿ� family.

"Our intention with Bobcat Day is to convey uniqueness and the future-focused mission of ��ϰٿ�," he said. "We want you to come to a place that's affordable, safe and convenient; a place that acknowledges you and provides you with every opportunity to succeed and distinguish yourself in California, in the Central Valley and anywhere in the world."

The event is held every April and attracts thousands of admitted, prospective and transfer students to Merced. This year, hundreds of students who fell in love with the campus submitted their Statements of Intent to Register (SIR) right on the spot. The special moment was hard to miss because cowbells were ringing, families were cheering and some even shed a tear or two.

"Bobcat Day is truly a one-of-a-kind event because students' lives are changing over the timespan of a few hours," Director of Admissions Dustin Noji said. "Some students come with their families, not knowing really what to expect. But as soon as they set foot on campus, they are enveloped with an unmatchable experience that convinces them to say 'yes' to ��ϰٿ�."

Bobcat Day provides an opportunity for community members to explore the campus, too. Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto was in attendance to greet families and show support for the university and its students.

California was well-represented at the open house. Families arrived from southern, central and northern portions of the state.

Among the future Bobcats was Analee Muñoz Luna of Orosi, who was glad she attended.

"Bobcat Day was a great way to get to know the campus better and become more comfortable with the environment and different opportunities," she said. "The event was helpful because I was able to connect with people from the campus to answer questions I had. It made me feel more comfortable asking questions in person."

Adam Rodriguez of Tracy thought the open house event was "very informational and quite accessible."

"I was able obtain the necessary details about campus life and was able to see everything I wanted to just in the length of Bobcat Day," he said. "I am excited to begin my life at ��ϰٿ�, especially moving into campus dorms and meeting my roommate."

Anna Dickinson of Manteca was thankful she found out about the event beforehand. She and her parents were able to take their time to talk with several professors and staff members.

"Bobcat Day was a great experience because I learned much more about the university," she said. "I am greatly looking forward to attending ��ϰٿ� in the fall to study environmental engineering."

The students making up the first cohort of the new Bachelor's of Science-to-M.D. pathway were invited to a special reception to learn more about the medical education program. The new partnership between ��ϰٿ�, UCSF Fresno and UCSF will educate and support the Valley's future physicians in serving the needs of the local communities.

Each first-year student looking to start their journey at ��ϰٿ� in the fall must submit their SIR by May 1. The deadline for transfer students is June 1.

More information for admitted students, including next steps and frequently asked questions, is available online.

The ��ϰٿ� Newsroom has put together a slideshow with dozens of photos from the event. Click to scroll through the images. A recap video is also available.

A Day in the Life of a First-Year Student at ��ϰٿ�

Anonymous — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 21:42:10 +0000

By Juan Flores, ��ϰٿ�

April 21, 2023

Edwin Casillas is a first-year student from Sonora.

First-year student Edwin Casillas found everything he was looking for in a university — and more — at ��ϰٿ�. Nearly a year after the Sonora native said he "felt at home" when visiting the campus, he is confident he made the right decision to become a Bobcat.

Casillas juggles a very busy schedule. His days often consist of practicing with his teammates on the men's soccer team, running from one class to another, studying and meeting up with his friends. During a recent weekday, he provided some insight into how and why he keeps pushing to be better than the day before.

Soccer is a major part of Casillas' life. Ever since he started to walk, he's had a soccer ball in front of him. For one Christmas, he asked his parents if he could play competitively.

So it's no surprise that the first thing Casillas does after waking up in his dorm is walk across Scholars Lane to practice his soccer skills on Bobcat Field. As a center back, he knows he is the spine of the team and has to put in the time with his teammates.

Casillas admits he can feel sluggish in the morning and doesn't always feel like hitting the field, but he keeps on pushing because soccer is that important to him.

"I played club and high school soccer, so my parents sacrificed so much of their time," he said. "Every weekend, my family and I would travel to the Bay Area, LA and the Valley for games."

But it was worth it, he said. Not only did Casillas get to "expand his horizons" and experience cities other than Sonora, he also continued to make a name for himself.

During a club soccer game, ��ϰٿ� head men's soccer coach Albert Martins was in attendance and invited him to practice with the team on campus. It was a no-brainer for the young player.

"When I came to practice with the team, that already gave me a really good impression of the campus. It's a very welcoming environment. You feel accepted," Casillas said. "Soccer is what kind of put ��ϰٿ� in my mind as a good option for me."

Training doesn't end after an hour or two on the field. Next up is the gym. Casillas walks up to either the Joseph E. Gallo Recreation and Wellness Center, or the Student Activities and Wellness Center — whichever is not too crowded.

There, he focuses on lifting weights and strengthening his core, which he said is vital when it comes to game time. He said no matter how sore or tired he may be from practice, he powers through bench presses, pull-ups and other exercises to stay on top of his game.

Once lunchtime hits, Casillas usually makes his way to the Pavilion to grab a bite to eat. Given that he works out a lot during the morning and has a full day of classes and studying ahead, he said he likes to load up on protein to give him the natural energy he needs.

"I love that it's buffet style because you can get everything you want and need," Casillas said. "It makes it so much easier since I can stop by whenever I want and get a full plate of good food or just a cookie."

After sitting for a bit to enjoy his meal, talking with his friends and taking in the green spaces the campus offers, Casillas heads to his classes. As a mechanical engineering major, he knows his courses are challenging, but he's sticking with it.

"It's like running a marathon. You don't sprint the first mile; you have to pace yourself," he said. "You're not going to go and learn every little thing in class in the beginning. The most important thing is understanding the main concept that the professor is trying to teach in each lecture."

Casillas said there are sometimes misconceptions about students who are studying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). But he has seen first-hand the different backgrounds and points of views of his fellow Bobcats in his classes.

"Some people think engineering students, STEM majors, spend all their time studying, working hard and probably not socializing," he said. "But I look around in my class and it's very diverse. There are all kinds of students there."

The Sonora High School graduate said finding a university that had both a soccer team and mechanical engineering as a major was very important for him, which is why ��ϰٿ� was the perfect choice. He's excited to start his second year and participate in internships because he wants to put into practice everything he's learned so far in the classroom.

What he will do with his degree is still in the works, but he said the possibilities are intriguing.

"I love math, science and understanding what's going on around me," he said. "I've always loved cars and how they function. I'm really curious about that. I really like doing hands-on stuff."

To round out his day, Casillas heads to the ��ϰٿ� Library or the second floor of the Student Activities and Wellness Center to study. By now, it's been a long day, but his goal is always at the forefront of his mind.

"I want to be an engineer, I will stick to it, and I'm going to see it through," he said. "That's my mentality. Once I start something, I'm going to finish it."

Casillas said math and science have "always come easy" for him, but he also appreciates that there are several quiet spaces on campus where he can focus on his readings and not be distracted, like the McFadden Willis Reading Room on the fourth floor of the library.

At the end of the day, soccer has influenced just about every aspect of Casillas' life, including socializing and time-management skills. He understands that he's learned more than just kicking a ball or preventing the opposing team from scoring.

"I've been talking to a lot of engineers, and they say team-player skills are really valuable because you have to work in groups," he said. "I know and understand how to talk to people because in soccer you need to communicate what other players need to do, and they need to communicate what you need to do to help them because it's a team sport. You don't defend or score by yourself."

Casillas has worked hard to get to ��ϰٿ� and find success during his first two semesters. The first-generation college student said he hopes he's making his parents proud, especially because his family, educators and soccer coaches played big roles in preparing him to get here.

Still, there is much work to be done. Casillas said he is grateful to wake up every morning and continue doing what he loves and achieving his goals.

"When I came to college, I had really high expectations that I would get As in all my classes and that they would be a breeze," he said. "In reality, not everything is going to be perfect, but the twists and turns are what make life fun. Being at ��ϰٿ� has helped me find the best version of myself."

Environmental Conservation Takes Center Stage in Shakespeare in Yosemite's 'Romeo and Juliet'

Anonymous — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 01:25:19 +0000

By Juan Flores, ��ϰٿ�

April 18, 2023

Left to right: Madelyn Lara as Juliet and Moximo Hamright as Romeo pose in Yosemite. Photo by Darah Carrillo Vargas.

"Romeo and Juliet" is considered William Shakespeare's most famous romantic tragedy. But this Earth Day weekend, it will be transformed into a new production that will offer hope for the future of the environment.

Shakespeare in Yosemite members have put in countless hours brainstorming, scripting, casting and rehearsing for their adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet" — set to hit the stage at ��ϰٿ� April 20 and in Yosemite National Park from April 21-23.

The 90-minute performance is full of live pop music and has been adapted to address issues relevant to Earth Day and Yosemite. And this time, Romeo and Juliet won't die.

English Professor Katie Brokaw, producer and director of this production and co-founder of Shakespeare in Yosemite, said rewriting Shakespeare's plays is nothing new.

"The message of 'Romeo and Juliet' — that not getting along can be lethal — is one that is really resonant right now during a time of great division in our country and world," she said. "There's a long tradition to give the lovers a happy ending in adaptations, and we are continuing that by sharing powerful messages of reconciliation and hope."

How does one fit Yosemite and environmental messages into the play? Brokaw explained that they didn't have to rework the entire script because it already contained language necessary to make this adaptation work.

"The first few acts are pretty similar to how Shakespeare wrote it, with some obvious changes, but several existing lines worked for our purposes, like ones that could refer to fires and others about toads, so it came together really nicely," she said.

It was during a conversation with Yosemite National Park Public Affairs Officer Scott Gediman, a consulting partner for Shakespeare in Yosemite productions, that Brokaw was made aware of the red-legged frog, which would end up being a major focus of this adaptation.

The red-legged frog is indigenous to the Sierra. In the mid-20th century, a local hotel placed bullfrogs in a nearby pond; they ended up taking over the ecosystem and crowding out the other frog species.

"Several years were spent rehabilitating the red-legged frog and getting rid of the bullfrogs, and a couple years ago they reintroduced the red-legged frog species," Brokaw said. "We decided to tell that story through 'Romeo and Juliet' because we wanted there to be a strong connection to environmental conservation and the ecosystems in Yosemite."

The audience will also be witness to a fire in the show — something that, unfortunately, Yosemite has experienced in real life.

Brokaw hopes audience members will enjoy the fresh take on the Shakespearean classic and appreciate the several messages it offers.

"Our version of 'Romeo and Juliet' shows the importance of indigenous species to ecosystems, and why we need to take care of wild places instead of exploiting them for resources," she said. "But we are also putting a spotlight on intergenerational differences and misunderstandings. It's really important for generations to listen to each other with an open heart."

Moximo Hamright as Romeo and Madelyn Lara as Juliet pose in front of Half Dome. Photo by Darah Carrillo Vargas.

The new adaptation features several current and former ��ϰٿ� students, faculty and staff, as well as park rangers, Yosemite National Park employees and community members. To date, this show has the most ��ϰٿ� involvement of all Shakespeare in Yosemite productions.

Madelyn Lara ('22) is excited to be involved in Shakespeare in Yosemite for the first time. She landed the role of Juliet and is among the seven alumni in the show, which has required a lot of teamwork.

"Every step of the production has been a team effort, which is a very unique and rewarding experience as an actor," Lara said. "If you have any hang-ups about Shakespeare, you should leave them at the door when you come see our show. Yosemite lovers and even first-timers to the park will see references to a lot of the most iconic landmarks. It makes you feel so connected to the park."

Lara will be acting alongside Moximo Hamright, who plays Romeo. The community member has performed in several plays in Merced and especially enjoyed being part of this cast.

"I feel like everyone's really working together and everyone's really pleasant to be around and to be on stage with — which I think is what you need for an eco show. I feel like the vibe is important, and the vibe has been well-curated," Hamright told the Merced County Times.

Current students Mia Hinshaw and Sal Lopez Franco — who play the parts of Tybalt and Benvolio, respectively — are also performing for the first time. They are soaking in every minute and hope to inspire others to get involved.

"Playing Tybalt is amusing. Her character in this version is still fiery and bold, but in a selfish way. I'd say it's kind of fun to play someone who is reckless, since I'm usually not," Hinshaw said. "I hope anyone who watches our show can go home feeling like they can make a difference, whether it be transforming old grudges or saving our planet, one step at a time."

"Immersing myself by understanding that my character is a supportive friend has been a great experience," Lopez Franco said. "I hope our production inspires others to join theater. There are a lot of plays going on in Merced and many available options besides being an actor."

The shows are free and open to everyone; no tickets are required. Four presentations are taking place in Yosemite and one at ��ϰٿ�:

Thursday, April 20
6 p.m.
Wallace-Dutra Amphitheater, ��ϰٿ�
(Free parking in Bellevue Lot)
Friday, April 21
5 p.m.
Curry Village Amphitheater, Yosemite
Saturday, April 22
Noon and 5 p.m.
Curry Village Amphitheater, Yosemite
Sunday, April 23
Noon
Curry Village Amphitheater, Yosemite

Shakespeare in Yosemite was founded in 2017 by Brokaw and fellow English Professor Paul Prescott to help rekindle a long legacy of arts and live theater in Yosemite through short, fun and accessible productions. The shows are adapted with music and focus on relevant issues around environmentalism and the natural beauty of the world. The performances are held in April to celebrate and honor Earth Day and Shakespeare's birthday.

For more information, visit yosemiteshakes.ucmerced.edu or follow @yosemiteshakes on Instagram and TikTok.

We are so excited to be bringing our new adaptation of #RomeoAndJuliet to @ucmerced and @YosemiteNPS for #EarthDay weekend, April 20-23. The show is full of live music, environmental themes, and this time they don't die!#shakespeare #adaptation #ecotheatre #ecoarts @MisfitPress pic.twitter.com/aSSc9nRG3H

— Shakespeare in Yosemite (@yosemiteshakes) April 4, 2023

Bobcat Day Gives Future Bobcats a Taste of ��ϰٿ�

Anonymous — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 20:17:23 +0000

By Juan Flores, ��ϰٿ�

April 17, 2023

Bobcat Day is set for Saturday, April 22, 2023. Photo by Veronica Adrover.

��ϰٿ� is hosting its annual open house event Saturday, April 22, to give admitted, prospective and transfer students the opportunity to learn more about what the university has to offer.

Bobcat Day kicks off at 9 a.m. with a campus information fair, as well as tours of the campus, housing and labs. Attendees are invited to the Carol Tomlinson-Keasey Quad, where Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz will provide welcome remarks.

Faculty and staff from the School of Engineering, the School of Natural Sciences and the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts will be on hand to provide information about majors, minors and research opportunities.

While the event is the perfect opportunity for future Bobcats to get answers to questions about admissions, academic programs, financial aid and more, it's also a great way for their families and the local community to explore the campus.

Families are also invited to a presentation on how they can be partners in their students' success.

To give students an idea of what they can experience outside the classroom, members from student clubs, organizations and athletics will share their experiences in extracurricular activities. Musical and cultural performances will also hit the stage.

Alumni are available at the "Ask an Alum" table to answer questions and share stories of their journeys at ��ϰٿ� and beyond. Prospective students can network with them and even get some insider tips, such as where are the best spots to study in the library and how to land internships.

Food is without a doubt an important part of a student's daily routine. Future Bobcats can get a taste of the meals and snacks available on campus at the Pavilion and Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Center.

Throughout the day, future Bobcats will be encouraged to submit their Statements of Intent to Register at SIR Central, located next to the registration table at University Plaza, where they will ring a cowbell and take photos to memorialize the special moment.

Students are encouraged to share their event photos and videos on social media using #BecomeABobcat. ��ϰٿ� will post memorable moments and highlights on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

Visitors can expect to spend a lot of time outdoors, so sunscreen, a hat and comfortable shoes are recommended. Multiple stations are available where reusable water bottles can be refilled. Parking is free in the Bellevue lot.

More information about Bobcat Day, including the day's agenda, is available online.

��ϰٿ� and College Track Partner to Democratize Potential Through Higher Education

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 21:37:27 +0000

April 13, 2023

��ϰٿ� and College Track have partnered to provide more students access to higher education.

The University of California, Merced, and College Track are pleased to announce a new partnership focused on ensuring that college students from underserved communities who want to be the first in their families to graduate from college are provided the tools, guidance, and environment to do so.

��ϰٿ� proudly serves the most ethnically and culturally diverse student body among all University of California campuses and has been designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. The university has the highest percentage of Pell Grant recipients in the UC system, with 60 percent of its undergraduate students benefitting from the federal financial aid program for low-income families. More than 70 percent of ��ϰٿ� students are first-generation, and over 80 percent are members of historically under-represented groups.

"��ϰٿ� is proud to partner with College Track to provide more students, no matter their backgrounds or other circumstances, with access to a first-class education in the heart of California's Central Valley," said ��ϰٿ� Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz, Ph.D. "We share College Track's mission to empower students from underserved communities to graduate from college and look forward to help prepare these students for success in a world that desperately needs their ideas and problem-solving skills."

Founded 25 years ago in East Palo Alto, CA, College Track is a comprehensive college-completion nonprofit whose mission is to equip students confronting systemic barriers to earn a bachelor's degree in pursuit of a life of opportunity, choice, and power. College Track begins working with students in ninth grade and makes a 10-year commitment to accompanying them on their journey to, through, and beyond college. College Track scholars graduate at more than 2.5 times the rates of their first-generation peers from similar backgrounds.

"This is a powerful moment for College Track and for ��ϰٿ�, as we formalize a partnership that reflects our shared commitment to educational equity and to the vibrant communities we are honored to be a part of," said College Track President & CEO Shirley M. Collado, Ph.D. "For 25 years, College Track has been dedicated to democratizing potential by equipping first-generation scholars to earn a bachelor's degree and pursue a life of opportunity, choice, and power. This partnership represents the next chapter of this work, as we formalize connections that affirm an educational ecosystem that centers student success."

��ϰٿ� Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz, College Track President & CEO Shirley M. Collado and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speak with students on April 12, 2023.

��ϰٿ� has been a top destination for College Track scholars since the campus opened in 2005: Since 2015, 52 have graduated from ��ϰٿ�, and 72 are currently enrolled. The new alliance will formalize the two organizations' shared vision of the importance of a holistic, affirming, and asset-based approach to working with first-generation college scholars. Key elements of the partnership include:

Strength in numbers: ��ϰٿ� will admit College Track scholars through the UC admission process, with a minimum annual target of 25 eligible students. Having a network of peers from similar backgrounds has been shown to increase graduation rates. ��ϰٿ� will use the financial aid award process to cover tuition and fees for each College Track scholar who is a California resident and enrolled full time. Financial aid will also be offered to Western Undergraduate Exchange-eligible College Track scholars who are not California residents.

College Track scholars who are income-eligible may be invited to ��ϰٿ�'s Fiat Lux Scholars Program, which provides:

A first-year living-learning community for income-eligible, first-generation undergraduate scholars
Holistic support for scholars in the program throughout the duration of all four years at ��ϰٿ�, including workshops, peer advising, professional development, faculty mentors, and research opportunities
A financial aid package of $100,000 throughout the scholars' four years ($25,000 each academic year) at ��ϰٿ�
Dedicated ��ϰٿ� professional and student staff who help guide scholars to achieve academic success

Designated co-leadership, staff, and space: To indicate the importance of the partnership to both organizations, ��ϰٿ�'s Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will work directly with a member of College Track's College Team to ensure the success of scholars. A position for a jointly funded, full-time, on-site staff member who will be dedicated solely to the College Track cohort will also be created, and space will be set aside for them.

Both ��ϰٿ� and College Track have received generous grants from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott for their work to bridge this nation's racial and economic divide by improving higher education access for students who come from chronically underserved communities.

"For students to truly thrive in college, campus communities must be prepared to support the whole student-their intellectual curiosity, their academic interests, their sense of belonging, their authenticity and lived experience. This is the key to student success," said Rosanna Ferro, Ed.D., College Track Chief of Education. "Our partnership with ��ϰٿ� puts a structure in place that creates such an environment, and enables a seamless transition for College Track scholars to move from high school onto a college campus that is built to foster their educational aspirations and big dreams for the future."

��ϰٿ� Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz poses for a photo with students at College Track on April 12, 2023.

��ϰٿ� Library Hosts Opening Reception for Farmworker Movement Exhibit

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 23:18:23 +0000

By Juan Flores, ��ϰٿ�

April 10, 2023

"Building a New Future: Art and Activism in the Central Valley" is on display through July 28. Photo by George Ballis.

The ��ϰٿ� Library is hosting an opening reception for a new art exhibit that showcases the farmworker movement in the Central Valley through the lens of the late photographer and labor activist George Ballis.

"Building a New Future: Art and Activism in the Central Valley" is on display on the library's second floor through July 28. The exhibit documents housing and working conditions in the Valley beginning in the 1950s, and chronicles farm labor organizing efforts by the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee, National Farm Workers Association and United Farm Workers (UFW).

The exhibit features key moments of the farmworker movement but also cultural and community-based elements, including the work of El Teatro Campesino. Founded in 1965 on the Delano grape strike picket lines of the UFW, the Farmworker's Theater produced short skits on flatbed trucks and in union halls to dramatize the plight and cause of farmworkers.

In 2022, the ��ϰٿ� Library acquired more than 31,000 photographs by Ballis. His images, which include key figures such as César Chávez and Dolores Huerta, are part of the largest body of work by a photographer covering the farmworker movement.

The narrative power of Ballis' images served to catalyze support for the movement and provide a historical lens to consider how people came together to enact change.

"We got a lot of power. We can do a lot of things, if we just go out and do them," Ballis said in a 1979 interview. "A lot of folks do not use their power not because they are afraid, but because they don't want to accept the responsibility for freedom."

The opening reception is set for Thursday, April 13, at 5 p.m. on the library's second floor. The event is free, and all are welcome to attend.

These images are part of the largest body of work by a photographer covering the farmworker movement. Photo by George Ballis.

Following the reception will be a conversation with Agustín Lira, singer, songwriter, director and co-founder of El Teatro Campesino, at 6:30 p.m. in Classroom and Office Building 1, room 116.

Lira first met Ballis on the picket line as the photographer was clicking away.

"We, the members of El Teatro Campesino, were extremely lucky to form a very close relationship with him and almost right away he began photographing our performances, cataloguing all our movements as we moved from one stage to another, or in the fields on the back of flatbed trucks, or for special union functions or campaigns, or during the march to Sacramento," Lira said. "George had something special about him and the way he captured the people involved in the struggle, he seemed to catch the heart and soul of that precise moment that mattered the most, translating it into powerful emotions that move and change whoever views his work today."

Lira was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship in 2007 and the California Arts Council Legacy Award in 2022. He has taught theater, music and creative writing in academic, community and arts organizations throughout California. His most recent recording is "Songs of Struggle and Hope."

The event will also include a selection of songs performed by Lira and Patricia Wells. The two have worked together since 1979 and toured nationally.

Literature Professor Manuel M. Martín-Rodríguez will moderate the discussion.

"This event reminds us of the important role that our very own Central Valley played in the fight for social justice, as well as in developing a Chicano ethics and aesthetics during the 1960s and 1970s," Martín-Rodríguez said. "It is wonderful to see the Ballis collection find a home at ��ϰٿ�, and a distinct honor to host the visit of Agustín Lira, a legendary figure who remains firmly rooted in the Valley."

As part of the events surrounding the exhibit, the Center for the Humanities will host a Distinguished Lecture in the Humanities with Activist Dolores Huerta on Monday, May 1. The lecture will take place at 5:30 p.m. in Classroom and Office Building 1, room 102, followed by an exhibit reception on the library's second floor at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in attending should register online.

More information about the exhibit can be found on the library's webpage.

Save the Date! Join us Thursday, April 13th, for the opening reception for Building a New Future: Art and Activism in the Central Valley, Photos by George Ballis. Conversation with Agustín Lira at 6:30pm, COB1-116. #UCMercedLibrary #BallisArtActivism #GeorgeBallis #farmworker pic.twitter.com/ykI5XETLYe

— ��ϰٿ� Library (@ucmercedlib) April 7, 2023

'Listen to Your Gut': First-Year Student Offers Tips for Success to Incoming Bobcats

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 22:31:05 +0000

By Juan Flores, ��ϰٿ�

April 4, 2023

Isabella Mitchell is a first-year student majoring in sociology. Photo by Juan Rodriguez.

Bobcat Day turned out to be one of the most important days in Isabella Mitchell's life. Her experience at ��ϰٿ�'s open house event in April 2022 assured her that she belonged at the newest UC campus — so much so that she submitted her Statement of Intent to Register that afternoon.

Fast-forward one year. Mitchell said she trusted her instincts back then, and that decision continues to benefit her as her first year winds down. Still, challenges have crept in, and emotions have tested her. But what she's learned in and out of the classroom has helped her in more ways than she could have imagined.

The Big Move North

Preparing to move from Lynwood to Merced took more than stocking up on school supplies and dorm must-haves. Mitchell said beginning on Bobcat Day, the university detailed exactly what she would and would not need, though she admitted she over-prepared by buying too many notebooks.

What she was not ready for was the mental preparation. She knew she was about to leave her parents, four younger siblings and friends, so she made it a point to spend as much time as possible with them during the summer.

The next step Mitchell took was contacting her soon-to-be roommate, who hailed from Southern California as well. She joked that they would either be the best of friends or hate each other. Luckily, she said, they "clicked" right away.

With the U-Haul packed, Mitchell and her family hopped on the freeway and ventured into the Central Valley. That's when reality started to sink in.

"I knew when my parents drove back there was going to be one less kid in the car," she said. "It was very emotional because I kept thinking I'm not going back with them."

But she kept thinking about the highly anticipated adventure that was in store. That calmed her nerves a bit.

Move in and Goodbyes

The family's trip to Merced consisted of touring the city and campus, taking a lot of photos with the Beginnings sculpture, enjoying waffles for breakfast and setting up Mitchell in her dorm. There wasn't a sea of students moving in when she arrived, which made the process much easier. Planning ahead and arriving early took away the stress.

The easy part was done. Next it was time for the most difficult part about moving away: the goodbyes.

"My dad was not looking at me in the eye. He was emotional, and we hugged," Mitchell said. "My brother also hugged me, and I don't remember the last time he had hugged me. Then my mom hugged me, and I saw that she was crying, and it made me teary-eyed because I didn't know when I would see them again."

Her family waved goodbye and started the drive back home. Mitchell walked to her dorm room and pulled out her cellphone, but she didn't use it to call or text them.

"I had my sister's location on my phone, so I was in my dorm watching them drive back home," she said. "It was super sad. I was like, 'They're leaving without me.'"

First Days

Mitchell knew she had to remember the reasons she was at ��ϰٿ�. She thought back to Bobcat Day and re-envisioned the excitement she felt that day. She and her roommate quickly met other first-year students while venturing out to campus-sponsored events. She tried to keep busy and immerse herself in as many experiences as possible.

When asked how she got through the first few days, Mitchell responded, "You just have to take it one day at a time and put yourself out of your comfort zone. Be the person that goes out of the way to say 'hi' and ask, 'how's your day?' That's how I made most of my friends."

She made even more friends through the Living Learning Community (LLC) she's a part of and the leadership events it hosted, including a clean-up event at Lake Yosemite.

"The LLC provided me with a lot of connections, so joining one of those could be beneficial to anybody," she said.

Classes Begin

Mitchell's first class was a sociology course. It had been her plan to study sociology; after the first few days in the class, she knew she definitely wanted to major in it.

"Professor Kyle Dodson was very interactive and made it fun to learn about sociology," she said. "Although there was a lot of reading, it felt very natural, and I loved learning about it."

But not everything went according to plan — at least, not initially. Mitchell said she started feeling homesick very quickly, which affected her studies.

"It was definitely a wake-up call," she said. "This is not high school. It was a huge change for me."

Mitchell didn't earn a great score on her first quiz, but she reached out for help. She emailed her professor and set up a meeting to go over how she could improve. She soon realized she had to change her study methods.

"I am much more organized now," she said. "I don't feel as stressed as I did my first semester because now I have a bunch of organizing apps and calendars to keep myself organized. That's definitely what I was lacking."

To help her not miss home as much, she makes it a point to talk and text with her family often and visits every few weeks as well.

Thoughtful Decisions

The thought of having classes later in the day seemed very attractive. However, Mitchell said she had to have a tough conversation with herself — something she encourages other students to do.

"Listen to your gut. I knew I wanted later classes my first semester, so I didn't have to wake up early in the morning," she said. "But it ended up working against me. I didn't want to go to my evening classes. It was late, and all my friends were done with their classes by that time.

"I was like, 'Isabella, do you really want to be in class until 7 p.m.?' I didn't want to wake up for a morning class, and now I wake up for my 8:30 a.m. class. In everything you do, you just have to listen to yourself and stick to it. Do what works best for you."

Universities have started sending out their acceptance letters, which means students have to make difficult decisions over the next few months. As this year's Bobcat Day approaches, Mitchell hopes students will visit and consider ��ϰٿ�.

"I love this university," she said. "I really like being here and the people here. It's just a good environment. My advice to new students is to check it out and experience everything because ��ϰٿ� has a lot to offer."

Advisory Committee Hit Hard by COVID-19 Rebuilding to Continue Supporting Women

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 21:31:03 +0000

By Juan Flores, ��ϰٿ�

April 3, 2023

The Chancellor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (CACSW) was formed in fall 2008.

The Chancellor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (CACSW) has brought awareness to issues related to the campus climate for women since its founding at ��ϰٿ� in 2008. But after being greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the group is working to move forward promoting gender equity on campus.

CACSW, which is part of the Division of Equity, Justice, and Inclusive Excellence, is charged with:

Identifying and analyzing issues related to the status of women at ��ϰٿ�, including faculty, staff and students;
Informing and educating campus community members about conditions that impact women within the university;
Advising and making recommendations to the chancellor regarding policies and procedures that will improve conditions for women.

Faculty, staff and students make up the committee. Members have worked on a variety of initiatives, including informing the campus community about the need for more lactation rooms and menstrual products.

"It's more than equity. These things are basic life needs. They are part of life and not any type of special treatment," CACSW staff chair Jennifer Heinrich said.

Events have been an integral part of CACSW's mission. With the goal of highlighting women professionals in the community, the committee hosted "Womxn in the Spotlight" in early March. Priya Lakireddy, a contract administrator in the Division of Finance and Administration and past president of the ��ϰٿ� Staff Assembly, was this semester's featured speaker.

The event series, originally known as "Women We Admire," invites speakers to campus to discuss their careers, workplace challenges, work-life balance and other topics of interest to women and individuals who identify as women. Former Chancellor Dorothy Leland was selected as the speaker for the first event in 2017.

Following virtual events in 2022, this year's "Womxn in the Spotlight" was the first in-person event CACSW organized since the pandemic, which made it that much more significant for committee members and attendees.

"COVID-19 was particularly hard on women because we were at home with the children, so our committee was hit pretty hard," Heinrich said. "We lost a lot of women who were on our committee. Many have left the university altogether, so it's been a hard transition back because there's a lot that's happened."

Heinrich said CACSW is trying to rebuild the committee and get back to the prior momentum, including enacting changes to how it operates and making it more people- and life-friendly so more people will want to get involved.

CACSW is hosting its first campus open meeting Tuesday, April 4, at 3 p.m. in KL 360. Everyone is invited to learn more about the committee and the initiatives and projects its members are working on. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to RSVP online.

"In these open meetings, if there are people who have concerns or things they want to put on our radar, that would be a good time to chat with somebody," Heinrich said. "Let us know if anything is happening on campus that we can help or get involved with."

An annual recruitment event is scheduled for Thursday, May 4, in the solar breezeway of Science and Engineering Building 2. It will consist of a dessert social, but additional details surrounding the event, including start time, are still being determined. All are invited as well.

Another way people can get involved is by applying to the UC Women's Initiative for Professional Development (UC WI). The program is designed to help support the success and advancement of mid-career, woman-identified professionals. It's open to all employees who support and are committed to the mission, and brings together faculty and staff from every UC location.

"We are given 12 spaces for UC WI, and we hope to fill each and every one of them," Heinrich said. "The program is a commitment, so participants must be ready to take advantage of the interactive sessions."

Once completed, program participants will be able to advocate for their own needs in the workplace, coach others, demonstrate an increased awareness of diverse UC career paths and more.

UC WI is sponsored by the UC Office of the President and the Systemwide Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (SACSW) and offered by Systemwide Human Resources in partnership with Coro Northern California and SACSW.

More information about CACSW and its ongoing initiatives is available on the committee's webpage.

Student Philanthropy Month Puts Spotlight on Giving Back to ��ϰٿ� and Community

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 23:33:30 +0000

By Juan Flores, ��ϰٿ�

March 23, 2023

Student Philanthropy Month empowers students to raise funds for different projects and take part in community service activities.

For the second year, ��ϰٿ�'s Student Alumni Association (SAA) and Office of Alumni Relations have partnered to host Student Philanthropy Month in March. The monthlong initiative is dedicated to building a culture of philanthropy and awareness at ��ϰٿ�.

Through events and fundraising opportunities, students have learned how philanthropy affects the campus, community and beyond. Following the initiative's success in 2022, organizers have been excited to see increased interest this year.

"Philanthropy doesn't only refer to the act of giving money. Each week, students have been engaged in events and opportunities with different themes — leading, serving, giving and engaging — to understand how much of a positive impact one can make by also sharing expertise, time and experiences," Executive Director of Annual and Special Giving Amber Flores said. "It's been amazing to see even more students participating in Student Philanthropy Month, and our hope is that they will one day give back in the same spirit as others have generously given to them."

Dinner for Champvocates

A "Dinner for Champvocates" March 2 helped kick off the monthlong celebration. More than 50 students attended the dinner at the ��ϰٿ� Conference Center, where they learned what philanthropy means and how they can engage in meaningful activities to give back.

��ϰٿ� alumni were on hand to share the philanthropic work they have been involved in within the nonprofit sector, including Ahmed "Mike" Alamari ('12) and Keith Ellis ('12).

Alamari graduated with bachelor's degrees in economics and management. After working with the California Association of Agricultural Laborers and noticing that the vast number of regulations affecting farm labor contractors correlated to payroll processing, he opened his company, Precise Payroll & Bookkeeping in Madera, to address that need.

Since 2019, Alamari has supported and coordinated clothing drives, fundraisers, sponsorships for scholarships and more.

Ellis obtained bachelor's degrees in political science and management at ��ϰٿ�. He also holds master's and doctoral degrees in education from other institutions. He is the treasurer of the Alumni Associations of the University of California and an Alumni Regent-designate; he will serve as an Alumni Regent for one year beginning July 1.

Ellis has been part of several boards and commissions, and has also volunteered for multiple organizations, including the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.

Community advocate, educator and paralegal Michael Baldwin served as the keynote speaker for the "Champvocates" event. He discussed how after serving 26 years of a double-life sentence, he was released with a specific goal to use his life experience to bring healing and understanding to traumatized and marginalized groups, as well as equity to the community.

"There comes a point in all of our lives where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river, and we need to go upstream and find out why they're falling in," he told the crowd.

Baldwin started MBS Consultants to educate and train teachers, law enforcement, civil servants and paraprofessionals to be the bridge between those who serve and those in need of services. He also founded Legacy Alliance Outreach, a nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of disadvantaged youth. Formerly incarcerated individuals are also trained to share their experiences with young people.

"It's been revolutionary to be able to teach people that we can give more than just money to issues; sometimes we have to give up our perspective in order to hear other people's perspectives," Baldwin said. "As a result of that, I felt it was important to do more than just educate our educators and law enforcement; if we don't do anything for our youth, then we haven't solved anything."

"Dinner for Champvocates" featured several speakers, including ��ϰٿ� alumni, who shared details about the philanthropic work they have done in the nonprofit sector.

Crowdfunding for a Cause

A major part of Student Philanthropy Month is guiding students on how to fundraise and use a crowdfunding platform to raise money and generate support for their student-focused projects. This year, six student organizations that applied were approved to participate.

Alumni Relations staff met with each group and provided them with training, a fundraising fundamentals toolkit and access to a custom crowdfunding giving page.

"Creating a plan with realistic goals, identifying donors, communicating needs and using multiple marketing platforms were among the skills we shared with the participating students," Associate Director of Alumni Relations Jessica "JaeJae" Julian said. "Their goal now is to use that toolkit to explain to potential donors why their projects are so meaningful and deserving of support."

The student organizations and accompanying projects include:

Ballet Folklorico de UCM looks to raise $1,000 for folklorico attire such as dresses, charro suits and hairpieces. The funds would also be used to help pay for other equipment and supplies.
Black Student Coalition (BSC) has a goal to raise $1,000 to buy uniforms and materials, pay for travel to performances and fund a step coach.
Bobcat Band hopes to raise $1,000 to purchase new instruments, including tenor and baritone saxophones, sousaphones, trombones and percussion instruments.
Martial Arts Club looks to raise $1,000 to buy protective equipment, including Muay Thai pads and sparring gear, as well as cleaning supplies.
Pilipinx American Alliance (PAA) seeks to raise $850 for cultural clothing and equipment needed in order to perform at their events.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) is working to raise $600 for the "Manitos" program, which provides mentorship opportunities for its members to support each other to achieve personal, academic and career goals.

Students are encouraged to reach out to fellow Bobcats, alumni, family, friends and community members to help them achieve their fundraising goals. All six projects will be matched dollar for dollar (up to $1,000 each) through the generosity of the Scholar Transformational Impact Fund provided by Student Affairs.

Anyone who would like to make a contribution to any of the projects can do so online before March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

Bobcats Give Back

"Bobcats Give Back: Day of Service" was held on Saturday, March 18, at Lake Yosemite. About 70 ��ϰٿ� students, alumni and staff members spent the morning picking up litter and pulling weeds.

The lake and park were chosen once again for the cleanup project because they're a short walk from campus.

"��ϰٿ� students, staff and faculty often visit Lake Yosemite, so it makes sense to help beautify this space," Community Engagement Center (CEC) Director Vernette Doty said. "This is a simple way that we can give back to our community, and you can immediately see the impact of direct service."

At the end of the cleanup, volunteers were thanked with free ��ϰٿ� T-shirts, pizza and other snacks. The event was hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations and SAA in partnership with CEC.

Dozens of @UCMerced students, alumni and staff members spent their Saturday morning cleaning up the Lake Yosemite area. The event was part of Student Philanthropy Month. #BobcatsGiveBack #GoCats pic.twitter.com/biGIbQYsQl

— Juan Carlos Flores (@JuanUCMerced) March 20, 2023

More Than Fun and Games

As the festivities wrap up at the end of the month, the campus community is invited to be part of the audience for Game Night. The event will be held Thursday, March 23, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Grand Ballroom.

While there won't be any $1 bids or massive wheel spins, there will be a chance to witness Bobcats taking on other Bobcats in a variety of games. The contestants will be members of the student organizations participating in the fundraising initiative. The winning group will be eligible to receive a grand prize to support their project.

Additional information about Student Philanthropy Month can be found on the initiative's webpage.

Alumnus Shares His ��ϰٿ� Experiences to Guide Youth to College

Anonymous — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:23:30 +0000

By Juan Flores, ��ϰٿ�

February 16, 2023

Donald Carter graduated from ��ϰٿ� in 2021 and now works as a college guidance specialist with United College Action Network. Photo by Kieran "Key" Dela Virgen.

While growing up in the Sacramento area, Donald Carter ('21) said he didn't see many people who looked like him pursuing higher education. As the oldest of four boys in a single-parent household, he spent most of his time setting examples instead of learning from them.

But after graduating from John F. Kennedy High School and deciding to attend ��ϰٿ�, Carter realized he could use his experiences to guide other students who may have had similar upbringings.

His mentoring nature is even more prominent now as he works as a college guidance specialist with a nonprofit organization.

In high school, Carter was active inside and outside the classroom. Athletics were a major part of his life given that he played football, baseball and basketball.

"Around my senior year when I realized I wasn't going pro and that wasn't my journey, I heavily leaned on my academics," he said. "My grades were relatively high even though I transferred high schools."

A high GPA, hunger for knowledge and his mother were catalysts for him to apply to a four-year university.

"My mom is definitely one of my biggest supporters," he said. "She told me, 'Apply for the skies. You'll never know unless you apply.'"

Ultimately, ��ϰٿ�'s being part of the prestigious UC system, its financial aid package and proximity to his hometown won him over.

Carter said he knew he belonged at ��ϰٿ� as soon as he first stepped foot on campus at orientation. He met students who genuinely wanted to be there and succeed — just like he did.

During that initial visit, he came across Afrikans for Retention and Outreach (AFRO) Hall, a living-learning community that welcomes first- and second-year students who are interested in exploring their African and Black identities. The program provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, community engagement and academic support.

"I knew I wanted to sign up for AFRO Hall on the spot," he said. "Being in that living-learning community changed everything. It helped me acclimate a lot faster and it helped me find resources."

As time went on, he became more involved with other groups and organizations, including the Black Student Union and the Willie Lewis Brown Jr. Youth Leadership Development Program, nicknamed the Brown Youth Academy. He was among several people who supported the fraternity and sorority expansion process and advocated for the Divine 9/National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations to establish a chapter at ��ϰٿ�.

Carter also had the opportunity to network and build lasting relationships with faculty and staff, including management Professor Mark Harris and his wife, Mari, director of education programs with ��ϰٿ� Extension.

"They became like my college parents — the people I went to for advice. They were the ones I took classes with or went to events with," he said. "To be around them imparting this wisdom and believing in me, it changed the motor in me, and it changed the belief in me. I started feeling like it wasn't imposter syndrome anymore; I thought I can really be here and succeed."

Throughout his entire university career, Carter knew he wanted to continue to be a role model for his siblings, especially because he needed more mentorship himself when he was their age.

"For me it was all about setting that example, trying to let my three younger brothers know that regardless of what circumstances you come from, whatever issues you deal with, you can change your life in a matter of four years by going to college," he said. "That was always in the back of my mind on why I went and why I tried to really push myself to succeed in that space."

Carter originally majored in psychology but changed to sociology. He was supposed to study abroad in Barbados, but the coronavirus hit. Like many, he used the pandemic to his advantage.

"Once COVID-19 happened, I was stuck inside, surrounded by four walls," he said. "I was already taking a lot of ethnic studies classes, so I decided to double major in sociology and critical race and ethnic studies."

Carter said he is now able to be a resource for others, thanks in part to the opportunities and even the challenges he experienced at ��ϰٿ�. He has embarked on a career where he can be a spokesperson and role model for youth who might need direction.

It was really thanks to all my involvement at ��ϰٿ� that allowed me to build this confidence to see myself as somebody who can be successful during and after college, and help others be successful too.

Donald Carter

As a college guidance specialist with United College Action Network (U-CAN), he focuses on African American youth to help increase their college-going rate, get them accepted into Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and more.

"I can't tell them what to do but I can tell them about my experiences so when they decide to go to college, they're a bit more prepared than I was," he said. "I want them to have more options."

U-CAN is sometimes the first connection its participants have with colleges and universities. Carter has traveled with students to college fairs across California and to Las Vegas, where they connect with recruiters from HBCUs and can even get accepted into schools on the spot.

When he's not at U-CAN, Carter is working on his master's degree in higher education, leadership and policy studies at Sacramento State. His goal is to work at a higher education institution to continue paying it forward.

"I do the nonprofit work and am enrolled in graduate school so I can be that same professor, believer and supporter that I got through the Black faculty, staff and organizations at ��ϰٿ�," he said.

University of California, Merced - Juan Flores

Bobcat Day Attracts Record Crowd to ���ϰٿ�

A Day in the Life of a First-Year Student at ���ϰٿ�

Environmental Conservation Takes Center Stage in Shakespeare in Yosemite's 'Romeo and Juliet'

Bobcat Day Gives Future Bobcats a Taste of ���ϰٿ�

���ϰٿ� and College Track Partner to Democratize Potential Through Higher Education

���ϰٿ� Library Hosts Opening Reception for Farmworker Movement Exhibit

'Listen to Your Gut': First-Year Student Offers Tips for Success to Incoming Bobcats

The Big Move North

Move in and Goodbyes

First Days

Classes Begin

Thoughtful Decisions

Advisory Committee Hit Hard by COVID-19 Rebuilding to Continue Supporting Women

Student Philanthropy Month Puts Spotlight on Giving Back to ���ϰٿ� and Community

Dinner for Champvocates

Crowdfunding for a Cause

Bobcats Give Back

More Than Fun and Games

Alumnus Shares His ���ϰٿ� Experiences to Guide Youth to College

Bobcat Day Attracts Record Crowd to ��ϰٿ�

A Day in the Life of a First-Year Student at ��ϰٿ�

Bobcat Day Gives Future Bobcats a Taste of ��ϰٿ�

��ϰٿ� and College Track Partner to Democratize Potential Through Higher Education

��ϰٿ� Library Hosts Opening Reception for Farmworker Movement Exhibit

Student Philanthropy Month Puts Spotlight on Giving Back to ��ϰٿ� and Community

Alumnus Shares His ��ϰٿ� Experiences to Guide Youth to College