University of California, Merced - Alyssa Johansen

Winery Executive Stephanie Gallo Joins ��ϰٿ� Foundation Board of Trustees

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:58:06 +0000

By Francesca Dinglasan, ��ϰٿ�

October 23, 2025

GALLO Chief Marketing Officer Stephanie Gallo

The ��ϰٿ� Foundation has named Stephanie Gallo, chief marketing officer at GALLO, to its Board of Trustees. A respected community leader and seasoned executive, Gallo brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to advancing educational initiatives and regional innovation.

As CMO of GALLO — the world’s largest family-owned winery, co-founded by her grandfather, Ernest, and great uncle, Julio — Gallo oversees the global management and strategic direction of the company’s brand portfolio.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Gallo continues to give back to her alma mater, serving as a Notre Dame fellow, board trustee, student mentor and guest speaker.

Gallo and her family live in Modesto, where she is involved in professional and community pursuits, including membership on the boards of E.& J. Gallo Winery, the California Wine Institute and the Gallo Center for the Arts.

The Gallo family has long been among ��ϰٿ�’s most generous and influential supporters. Her late uncle, Bob Gallo, served for many years on the ��ϰٿ� Foundation board and was named its first trustee emeritus. He and his wife, Marie, were lead donors behind the campus’s iconic Beginnings sculpture, a lasting symbol of their commitment to the university’s growth and legacy.

“We are honored to welcome Stephanie to the Board of Trustees,” said ��ϰٿ� Chief External Relations Officer and ��ϰٿ� Foundation President E. Edward Klotzbier. “Her family’s long-time and enduring dedication to our university is reflected across our campus. We look forward to the leadership and insight she will bring as she continues a proud legacy of service.”

“Stephanie’s appointment reflects our continuing commitment to aligning the Board of Trustees with the values and industries that define our region,” added ��ϰٿ� Foundation Chair Monya Lane. “Her experience and strategic insight will help guide ��ϰٿ� in achieving its vision and mission.”

Gallo’s tenure on the ��ϰٿ� Foundation Board began July 1.

Agricultural Leader Jay Mahil Appointed to ��ϰٿ� Foundation Board of Trustees

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:58:06 +0000

By Francesca Dinglasan, ��ϰٿ�

October 23, 2025

Madera-based Creekside Company co-owner Jay Mahil

Community leader and Creekside Company co-owner Jay Mahil has been named to the ��ϰٿ� Foundation Board of Trustees.

A fourth-generation farmer and the first in his family born in the United States, Mahil grew up in Lodi and is a longtime Fresno resident. After graduating from Lodi High School and Fresno State, he joined his family’s farming business, playing a key role in its modernization and expansion across the region.

Mahil and his family own and operate Madera-based Creekside Land Company, LLC; Creekside Farming Company, Inc.; and other affiliated Creekside entities. The family’s agricultural enterprise covers thousands of acres and encompasses the cultivation of a variety of produce, including almonds, citrus, pistachios, grapes and walnuts.

A recognized leader in California agriculture, Mahil served as past president of the Madera County Farm Bureau, past director of Madera Community Hospital, and on the University Foundation and Governance Board at Fresno State. He currently serves as District 9 director for the California Farm Bureau, chairman of the Chowchilla Subbasin Growers and chair of the Liberty Ag Advisory Committee.

“We are delighted that Jay has joined the Board of Trustees,” said ��ϰٿ� Chief External Relations Officer and ��ϰٿ� Foundation President E. Edward Klotzbier. “His deep roots in the Valley and strong commitment to innovation, sustainability and community make him an invaluable addition. With his strong understanding of our region’s most important industry, his perspective will enrich our work and help us better serve our mission.”

“Jay’s appointment to the board strengthens our capacity to serve the region, particularly through the valuable expertise he brings in agriculture and innovation,” added ��ϰٿ� Foundation Chair Monya Lane. “His perspective will be a tremendous asset as we look to the future.”

Mahil assumed his new role as a ��ϰٿ� Foundation board trustee July 1.

United for Education: Merced Institutions Forge a Stronger Future Together at ��ϰٿ� Summit

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 23:53:16 +0000

By Sam Yniguez, ��ϰٿ�

October 21, 2025

Pictured left to right: Merced College President Chris Vitelli, Merced Union High School District Superintendent Alan Peterson, Merced City School District Superintendent Juliana Stocking, ��ϰٿ� Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz

In an unprecedented show of unity, leaders from Merced City School District, Merced Union High School District, Merced College and ��ϰٿ� came together to discuss how continued collaboration can transform education and opportunities across the region.

Hosted at ��ϰٿ� and attended by local educators, community leaders and public officials, the State of Merced Education Summit provided an inspiring look at how each organization is addressing its students’ needs and outlined a shared vision: aligning programs, resources and innovation to ensure students in the region can thrive at every stage of their educational journeys.

��ϰٿ� Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz opened the summit by noting that, to the university’s knowledge, this gathering marked the first time leaders from all four institutions had gathered this way – a testament, he said, to a “new era of coordination and cooperation.”

“Each of you lead with dedication and skill,” Muñoz told the audience. “��ϰٿ� is proud to be part of this endeavor of collaboration.”

During his opening remarks, he also mentioned an example of what’s possible when educators collaborate. The Promise Housing Project, a partnership with Merced College, will provide affordable housing for transfer students and serve as a physical extension of the Merced Promise, which already guarantees local college students a pathway to ��ϰٿ�.

“The goal today isn’t to solve all our challenges,” Muñoz said, “but to give you a glimpse of where things stand, from kindergarten through Ph.D., and to recognize that this community is uniquely positioned for success.”

Alan Peterson, superintendent of the Merced Union High School District, reflected on nearly a decade of progress since he first took the helm in 2015.

“Back then,” he said, “we asked ourselves what all students truly need during their time in one of our schools. The answer was that every student should walk off the graduation stage with a diploma in one hand, CTE certification in the other and college credit already on their transcript.”

That philosophy fueled the school district’s rapid growth of dual enrollment with Merced College, which increased from 277 students to more than 1,800 in a few short years. It also helped spark conversations with ��ϰٿ� about access and readiness that ultimately led to the Merced Automatic Admissions Program.

Peterson emphasized that this work isn’t just about education; it’s about economic development and community strength.

“When institutions collaborate,” he said, “the whole community wins.”

Merced City School District Superintendent Juliana Stocking (Photo credit: Shawn Jansen, MUHSD)

Juliana Stocking, superintendent of the Merced City School District, reminded the audience that the pathway to college and a career begins long before high school.

“Our purpose,” she said, “is to focus on our students’ talents and to recognize that families are our students’ first teachers.”

Stocking, who oversees more than 11,000 students across the city’s K–8 schools, described efforts to cultivate a college-going culture through literacy initiatives, dual language immersion and early career-awareness programs.

“We don’t just want to bring programs,” she said. “We want to bring high-quality programs.”

She also shared examples of collaborations already underway, including career technical education in middle schools, partnerships with Merced College such as “College For Kids” and student tutoring, and new summer camps, along with arts and athletic collaborations with ��ϰٿ� that help students and families see themselves on college campuses.

And while there is much work to be done, Stocking said some headway has been made in addressing long-standing literacy issues and aging facilities. She said ongoing partnerships such as this “aren’t just helpful – they are required for the success of our students and our community.”

Merced College President Chris Vitelli (Photo credit: Shawn Jansen, MUHSD)

Chris Vitelli, president of Merced College, called the gathering a moment of both reflection and possibility.

“Together, we are good,” he said, “but we can be much, much better.”

He thanked Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria for her presence and support, emphasizing the shared responsibility of educators and policymakers to invest in the region’s students.

“Education remains the most powerful tool for economic mobility,” Vitelli said, reaffirming his commitment to provide a high-quality education at an affordable price.

Vitelli shared that Merced College now serves more than 20,000 students – the most in its history – with nearly 70 percent identifying as first-generation. The college’s annual economic impact exceeds $325 million and supports more than 4,000 jobs locally.

He spotlighted innovative initiatives such as HyFlex Fridays for flexible learning, competency-based education, and immersive learning through programs such as the AgTech Innovation Center and Dreamscape Learn.

Vitelli also pointed to the Promise Housing project as embodying the spirit of partnership driving this effort.

“We’re sending a message to students from kindergarten on: If you want to stay here, learn here and grow here, we will invest in you,” he said.

When Muñoz returned to the podium, he connected these individual efforts to ��ϰٿ�’s broader mission of teaching, research and public service.

“The mission of the University of California is to serve the people of this state,” he said. “For ��ϰٿ�, that means providing opportunity to an underserved region, and we’ve done just that.”

He noted that ��ϰٿ�’s annual economic impact now exceeds $1 billion, supporting one in every 15 jobs in the region, and that the university continues to attract new investment and people to enrich the local community.

“��ϰٿ�’s growth is tied to the vitality of the community around it,” Muñoz said. “We are proud to stand with our partners, to share success, face challenges honestly and build toward a future that reflects the very best of Merced.”

Flavors & Stories: Chef Sean Sherman Brings Indigenous Culinary Wisdom to ��ϰٿ�

Anonymous — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:36:32 +0000

By Seth Allen, ��ϰٿ�

October 14, 2025

"Sioux Chef" Sean Sherman was the honored guest for ��ϰٿ� Dining's "Foof For Thought" event.

The beat of drums and the scent of cedar filled ��ϰٿ�’s Conference Center as acclaimed chef, author and activist Sean Sherman shared stories of tradition, resilience and culinary innovation during “Flavors & Stories: A Fireside Chat with the Sioux Chef.”

The New York Times bestselling author and founder of North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS) engaged the audience in a conversation about his journey to revitalize Indigenous cuisine and reconnect communities with the ingredients and methods that sustained their ancestors for generations.

“There wasn’t a lot of Native food when I was growing up,” Sherman reflected. “But I have a strong memory of chokecherry wojape. We’d harvest the berries, and my grandmother would prepare it for us all.”

Sherman, a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe, spoke about the evolution of his culinary philosophy and his mission to redefine Indigenous cuisine in the modern era. “I had to identify what it meant to me to identify pre-colonial foods,” he said. “We’re not trying to cook like it’s 1491. I’m a futurist, not a traditionalist.”

The conversation at the Oct. 8 event was moderated by executive chef and culinary director for ��ϰٿ� Dining Anthony Pangelina, who guided the discussion through Sherman’s early influences, the founding of NATIFS and his work to promote Native food sovereignty.

In a moment that drew laughter from the audience, Sherman recounted the frequent question he receives about his award-winning Minneapolis restaurant, Owamni. “People ask how they can get a reservation at my sold-out restaurant,” he said with a smile. “I tell them ‘I don’t know, I just grew up on one.’”

The event opened with a performance by Medicine For My Sisters, a women’s drum group whose rhythmic songs set a powerful tone for the evening. Following the conversation, guests enjoyed a reception featuring Indigenous dishes prepared by ��ϰٿ� Dining chefs using recipes from Sherman’s “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen,” including cedar-braised bison, three sisters mash and maple-sage roasted vegetables.

“Flavors & Stories” is part of ��ϰٿ� Dining’s Food for Thought speaker series, created by Executive Chef Mitch Vanagten. It fosters conversations around food, culture and sustainability. In partnership with the Division of Equity, Justice & Inclusive Excellence, the series has welcomed chefs, authors and innovators who inspire the campus community to view food as a bridge between identity and understanding.

“Having Chef Sean Sherman share his knowledge of Indigenous foods and food sovereignty with our ��ϰٿ� community was a true honor, especially leading into Indigenous Peoples' Day,” Vanagten said.

Sherman’s visit left attendees with a renewed appreciation for the deep roots and future possibilities of Indigenous cuisine — a reminder, as he noted, that food carries not just flavor, but story and history.

SJV PRIME+ Expands Training with Sutter Gould, Modesto Hospital Partnership

Anonymous — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:36:26 +0000

By Jessica Gardezy, ��ϰٿ�

October 12, 2025

Second and third year SJV PRIME+ students are welcomed by Sutter Gould Medical Foundation and Sutter's Memorial Medical Center leadership

��ϰٿ�’s San Joaquin Valley PRIME+ (B.S. to M.D.) pathway continues to grow as it teams up with Sutter Gould Medical Foundation and Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center in Modesto. The collaboration will give undergraduate students in the pathway the opportunity to complete immersive, eight-week clinical experiences alongside physicians in a range of specialties, bringing them one step closer to their goal of serving communities throughout the Valley.

“This collaboration is a meaningful expansion of our students’ exposure to real-world medical settings in the region they are preparing to serve,” said Emily Bauer, community engagement coordinator for ��ϰٿ�’s Department of Medical Education (DOME). “Our team has worked closely with organizations like Sutter to establish these opportunities, and we’re proud to see this partnership come to life.”

Each participating student will make the hourlong journey from Merced to Modesto each week to shadow clinicians in primary care and other specialties, often returning to campus just in time for afternoon classes — a testament to their dedication to serving Valley communities. Over the course of the semester, students will gain firsthand insight into the realities of patient care and health systems across the Central Valley.

The agreement was championed by ��ϰٿ� alumnus Dr. Zi Wang ’11, medical director of the stroke program at Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center. Dr. Wang, who grew up in the Bay Area and chose ��ϰٿ� as part of its early graduating classes, reflected on the personal significance of the moment.

“This program unites the two institutions that shaped me as a physician,” Wang said. “��ϰٿ� taught me to be a trailblazer — to build something from the ground up. That pioneering spirit is what brought me back to serve the Central Valley and to help create opportunities for those who will follow.”

Dr. Wang told students his first exposure to medicine came as an undergraduate at ��ϰٿ�, when he began scribing for physicians at Memorial Medical Center. “That front-row seat to health care in the Valley changed my life,” he said. “It showed me both the challenges and the promise of medicine here — and it made me realize that this community deserves better. I wanted to be part of delivering that better care.”

He also emphasized the enduring values of the profession. “You will not always have the answers,” he said. “But what you can always do — what you must always do — is be present for your patients. As the saying goes, ‘Cure sometimes, relieve often, comfort always.’ That's the essence of medicine.”

The Sutter partnership is one of several clinical collaborations underway as DOME continues to build the SJV PRIME+ pathway. Additional partnerships in development with local, Merced County-based health centers will expand student placements across the region, allowing for experiences ranging from observation-based shadowing to community-based health education.

The first SJV PRIME+ cohort will transition into the program’s medical education phase in 2027, completing their first year and a half of medical training at ��ϰٿ� before moving to UCSF Fresno for their clinical rotations.

Each of these partnerships represents years of groundwork, and many more such partnerships are needed as ��ϰٿ� works toward its own full-fledged medical school.

“We are working toward not just a program or pathway,” Bauer said, “but a continuous pipeline of locally trained, community-centered physicians who will ultimately improve health care across the San Joaquin Valley.”

��ϰٿ� Arts Opens Season with East L.A. Band Las Cafeteras

Anonymous — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:11:30 +0000

October 3, 2025

Las Cafeteras opens the ��ϰٿ� Arts season with a performance that celebrates Día de Los Muertos

��ϰٿ� Arts has announced its 2025-26 season of performances, exhibitions and public art programs, beginning with the return of East L.A.’s electrifying band Las Cafeteras.

The band’s Día de los Muertos-themed production, “Hasta La Muerte,” comes to Merced on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Art Kamangar Center at The Merced Theatre. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets – $15 for general admission and free for students with ID and for children – are available at arts.ucmerced.edu/boxoffice and at the door starting 30 minutes before the performance.

“This season, we’re excited to celebrate artistry that is both homegrown and international — highlighting the extraordinary talent of Merced artists and presenting them alongside other world-class creators from across California and the United States,” said Collin Lewis, Executive Director for the Arts at ��ϰٿ�.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Las Cafeteras back to Merced to celebrate Día de los Muertos and to open the season with ‘Hasta La Muerte,’ a celebration of life and memory.”

The 2025-26 ��ϰٿ� Arts season also will feature concerts, theater, dance, film and exhibitions across multiple venues. Many programs are offered free of charge, including visual art exhibitions at La Galería, the annual ��ϰٿ� Children’s Opera, and the nationally recognized Shakespeare in Yosemite program with a new production of “Love’s Labor’s Lost.”

The season schedule:

Las Cafeteras, “Hasta La Muerte,” 8, Merced Theatre
“20 Years of ��ϰٿ� Art & Architecture” – through Dec. 13, La Galería at ��ϰٿ�
Merced Symphony: Side-by-Side Spectacular – Oct. 29, Wallace-Dutra Amphitheatre at ��ϰٿ�
“Central Valley Landscapes:” paintings and photographs by Richard Gomez and Christopher Viney – Jan. 29 - March 13, La Galería at ��ϰٿ�
American Patchwork Quartet – Feb. 6, Merced Theatre
“A Song for Cesar” screening and concert – March 17, Merced Theatre
PUSH Dance Company – April 3, Merced Multicultural Arts Center
Shakespeare in Yosemite: “Love’s Labor’s Lost” – April 23–26, ��ϰٿ� & Yosemite National Park
“If All the Sky Were Paper” – May 1–3, Merced Multicultural Arts Center
��ϰٿ� Children’s Opera: “The Ghost in the Opera Houseˆ– May 23, Merced Theatre

Tickets for “Hasta La Muerte” and other performances are available at arts.ucmerced.edu/boxoffice

��ϰٿ� Named the 14th Best College in the Nation by Wall Street Journal

Anonymous — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:08:09 +0000

By Sam Yniguez, ��ϰٿ�

October 1, 2025

��ϰٿ� was ranked the 14th best college in the nation and No. 3 amongst public universities by Wall Street Journal.

Following recognition as a Top 25 university by U.S. News & World Report, ��ϰٿ� has once again earned national acclaim, this time from the Wall Street Journal. In its 2026 report of the Best Colleges in the U.S., the highly respected media outlet has named ��ϰٿ� the 14th best college in the nation.

Among public institutions, ��ϰٿ� ranked third nationwide – right after UC Berkeley and UC Davis – and placed fifth among all California universities, public and private. The university was also recognized for its leadership in expanding opportunity, earning the No. 3 spot nationally in social mobility.

“This recognition from the Wall Street Journal underscores the incredible momentum at ��ϰٿ�,” said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “To be ranked among the very best colleges in the country and recognized for our social mobility efforts speaks to the talent of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff and the transformative impact of our mission.”

According to the WSJ’s website, the rankings – developed in partnership with College Pulse and Statista – evaluate colleges on factors that matter most to students and families, including student outcomes, learning environment and diversity. Like U.S. News, the methodology used by the WSJ rewards student experience and academic excellence more equitably.

��ϰٿ� received high marks across all student outcome categories, especially for “Salary Impact” and “Graduation Rate Impact.” The university also performed well in the “Diversity” category, which looks at not only the ethnic makeup of students and faculty but also the inclusion of students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and students with disabilities.

Social mobility remains an area in which ��ϰٿ� excels. According to the report, universities that do well in this category enroll a high proportion of students “coming from lower-income families, while maintaining high graduation rates and having a positive impact on graduate salaries and minimizing the costs of attending the college.”

“What sets ��ϰٿ� apart is not just the quality of education we provide, but the opportunities we create for students who have historically been left out of higher education,” Muñoz said. “These rankings affirm that we are delivering on our promise of opening doors, supporting student success and preparing graduates to make an impact on the world.”

��ϰٿ� Launches Distinguished Speaker Series with World-Renowned Bioengineer David Kaplan

Anonymous — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 23:05:41 +0000

By Sam Yniguez, ��ϰٿ�

September 30, 2025

Tufts University professor David Kaplan will be the inaugural guest for HSRI's speaker series.

The Health Sciences Research Institute (HSRI) at ��ϰٿ� is preparing to launch its long-envisioned distinguished speaker series on Oct. 6 with a visit from David Kaplan, a Tufts University professor internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in bioengineering.

“This is something we’ve wanted to develop for a number of years,” said HSRI Director Professor Deb Wiebe. “The idea is to bring someone with a national or international reputation whose work has broad applications across disciplines. We wanted a speaker who could engage not only our researchers but also our broader community. Kaplan’s work does exactly that.”

Kaplan has authored more than 700 publications exploring the use of silk as a biomaterial with applications in medicine, food, agriculture and beyond. His research in regenerative medicine has opened up new possibilities for creating replacement organs and medical technologies while also sparking advances across industries worldwide.

Wiebe emphasized that Kaplan’s career illustrates why fundamental research matters.

“It’s easy to underplay the importance of basic scientific discoveries,” she said. “What you see with his work is how complicated, technical research in the lab can translate into solutions with real-world impact.”

Kaplan’s visit will be more than just a lecture. Trevor Hirst, HSRI’s executive director, said Kaplan will spend the day meeting with groups of faculty and graduate students across campus. The highlight will be his evening public lecture at the Merced on Main location, followed by a community reception.

“The lecture itself will be about an hour, with time for questions, and then a reception where attendees can meet him,” Hirst said. “We’re hoping that the mixer element brings as much to the community as the talk itself.”

Hirst said that while Kaplan’s research is deeply technical, his reputation as an effective communicator makes him an ideal inaugural speaker.

“Think of science communicators like Bill Nye or Carl Sagan,” Hirst said. “Kaplan has that ability to make complex ideas accessible. He helps audiences understand that science isn’t mysterious – it’s just people, people like them, doing the work.”

The event also reflects a broader effort by UC campuses to highlight the value of research at a time when federal funding faces increasing uncertainty.

“That’s exactly the idea here, that science matters and it matters a lot,” Wiebe said. “ Kaplan’s work shows how discoveries in the lab can lead to innovations in medicine, agriculture and so many other fields. That’s the message we want to share with our community.”

HSRI hopes this is only the beginning of an annual series that brings diverse perspectives to Merced.

“We want to identify speakers who, like Kaplan, are not only exceptional health science researchers but are also great communicators,” Wiebe said. “We don’t have a wish list yet, but we’re thrilled to be starting with him and look forward to seeing where the series goes.”

Hirst added that the community itself may help shape future events.

“Maybe someone attends this lecture and says, ‘I have the perfect person for your next speaker,’” he said.

For HSRI, the series is more than just an opportunity to showcase health science research — it’s a chance to build connections.

“This is one way for people to get involved with the university and with HSRI,” Hirst said. “We want to welcome anyone with an interest in science to be part of that conversation.”

The public event will take place on Monday, October 6th at the Merced on Main, located at 1635 M Street in Downtown Merced at 5:30pm.

20th Anniversary Exhibit Presents ��ϰٿ� Architecture as Art

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:04:03 +0000

By Seth Allen, ��ϰٿ�

September 29, 2025

An exhibit at La Galería explores how artistic and architectural expression shaped ��ϰٿ�. (Grace Garnica photo)

Before the first walls were raised or walkways paved, ��ϰٿ� existed as an idea on paper. The vision consisted of a campus master plan, detailed architectural designs and artistic renderings that illustrated a bold vision for a university at the heart of California’s Central Valley.

In celebration of the university’s 20th anniversary, ��ϰٿ� Arts is presenting “20 Years of ��ϰٿ� Art & Architecture” at La Galería. The exhibit explores how artistic and architectural expression shaped the campus and continues to guide its direction. The exhibition features original architectural conceptual designs, historical maps, architectural models of planned buildings and a brief history of art exhibits at ��ϰٿ�.

The exhibit opened with a reception Aug. 28 and will remain on display through Dec. 13. Admission is free and the gallery welcomes visitors from the Merced community and beyond.

La Galería is located in El Portal, Room 120, and open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Inspired by the Valley’s unique agricultural and industrial heritage, ��ϰٿ�’s earliest design concepts established an architectural language rooted in the region’s values. Campus buildings embody sustainability, durability and adaptability while borrowing design cues from the Valley’s agrarian landscape, such as agricultural metal structures and large grain silos.

Every building on campus is LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and many structures incorporate design strategies to reduce energy demands, including large overhangs and open-air walkways that provide natural shade.

Ongoing development follows the Physical Design Framework, a document that guides the planning and design of buildings and . This framework emphasizes creating an authentic sense of place and establishing memorable outdoor spaces that encourage gathering and interaction. It also promotes visual variety and architectural complexity, so each building contributes to a unique yet unified design.

“From early design renderings to models of upcoming capital projects, the exhibition traces the evolution of ��ϰٿ�’s architectural aesthetic ..."

Collin Lewis

The exhibition features architectural models of two buildings currently in development: the Classroom and Office Building 3 and the Field Education and Research Center. COB3 will include a performing arts auditorium and two lecture halls. The Field Education and Research Center will be located adjacent to the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve and provide a space for students and researchers to explore the local ecosystem.

Visitors are encouraged to engage with the different displays, beginning with a vintage drafting table. Another table features several site maps, including topography and land use diagrams.

“We’re excited to share this anniversary exhibition with our campus and the wider Merced community," said Collin Lewis, ��ϰٿ�’s executive director for the arts. “From early design renderings to models of upcoming capital projects, the exhibition traces the evolution of ��ϰٿ�’s architectural aesthetic while also highlighting our history of presenting art and building a permanent collection rooted in the Central Valley.”

The Kolligian Library was one of the first spaces on campus to host art exhibitions. When the library opened in 2005, it featured “The Great Central Valley,” a photodocumentary project by Robert Dawson and Stephen Johnson, which remains on display. Over two decades, the library has hosted a variety of exhibitions, including student projects, research showcases, and other works drawn from the university archives.

The ��ϰٿ� Art Gallery, located in the Social Sciences & Management Building, was established in 2011 by Professor ShiPu Wang and has a rich history of giving the campus and surrounding community access to museum-quality art. Exhibitions showcase the artworks of students as well as local, national and international artists.

Last year, the gallery brought more than 300 pieces of art from Chicano artists to the Central Valley in an exhibition titled “Alma, Corazón y Vida.” It was presented at three venues in partnership with La Galería and the Merced Multicultural Arts Center.

Under the direction of Professor Tonya Lopez-Craig, the gallery also works with undergraduates in the Global Arts Studies Program to provide real-world experience in curating, installing and hosting public art exhibitions.

In 2022, Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz established the ��ϰٿ� Permanent Collection. The collection highlights work by California artists with a strong emphasis on those connected to the Central Valley. It includes paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures and mixed media. Highlights from the Collection are featured in the “20 Years” exhibition.

“Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have watched the campus grow over the past two decades, we hope '20 Years of ��ϰٿ� Art & Architecture' inspires reflection on ��ϰٿ�’s innovation and beauty.” Lewis said. “We’re excited to bring people to campus this fall to celebrate ��ϰٿ�’s 20th anniversary and to reflect on the university’s past, present and future.”

��ϰٿ� Named Top 25 Public University by U.S. News & World Report

Anonymous — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:51:44 +0000

By Sam Yniguez, ��ϰٿ�

September 22, 2025

��ϰٿ� has been named the 25th best public university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

��ϰٿ�’s upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing as the university has cracked the Top 25 of U.S. News & World Report’s best public schools in the nation.

The annual survey, which evaluates nearly 1,700 national public and private colleges and universities, also placed ��ϰٿ� No. 57 overall among all universities and No. 3 in the nation for social mobility.

“��ϰٿ� was built to advance discovery, expand opportunity and transform lives,” Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said. “Earning a place among the top 25 public universities in our first 20 years and ranking third in social mobility demonstrates that this vision is not only being realized but gaining national recognition. We are proud to be shaping the future of higher education right here in the Central Valley.”

To compile its list, U.S. News weighs 17 factors, including graduation rate, peer assessment, student-to-faculty ratio and student financial resources. ��ϰٿ� also excelled in categories pertaining to student outcomes such as manageable debt, post-graduate success and social mobility, which measures how well schools serve disadvantaged students.

This is the second consecutive year that ��ϰٿ� has earned the No. 3 ranking for social mobility, further cementing the university’s standing as a national leader in advancing student success. U.S. News highlighted the fact that the university’s Pell-recipient and non-Pell-recipient graduation rates are identical, meaning a student’s socioeconomic background does not hinder academic excellence at ��ϰٿ�.

The university’s academic reputation continues to rise, with gains in key undergraduate programs. Psychology climbed an impressive 33 spaces from No. 118 in 2024 to No. 85 in 2025, reflecting the strength of its faculty and research opportunities. Engineering also advanced, moving from No. 139 to No. 135, underscoring the program’s steady growth and the university’s commitment to preparing graduates for high-demand careers in science and technology fields.

Within California, ��ϰٿ� ranks 10th overall among all universities and seventh among public universities, placing it in the company of some of the state’s most established and prestigious campuses. The ranking is the latest marker of the momentum building across campus, where 2025 has already been defined by major milestones.

On top of celebrating the 20th anniversary of its opening, ��ϰٿ� attained R1 research classification this year by the Carnegie Foundation, placing it in the upper echelon of research institutions in the nation. The university also made the jump to NCAA DII this fall, ushering in a higher level of competition and exposure for the athletics program, the campus and its supporters.

��ϰٿ� was also featured in the following annual rankings:

Forbes’ America’s Top Colleges
Washington Monthly’s Best Colleges for Your Tuition and Tax Dollars.
Money Magazine’s Best Colleges in the U.S.

“These rankings affirm what we see every day,” Muñoz said. “��ϰٿ� is providing students with a well-rounded, world-class education and ensuring that students from all backgrounds can succeed. Our momentum continues to grow, and we are proud to represent the future of higher education in California and beyond.”

University of California, Merced - Alyssa Johansen

Winery Executive Stephanie Gallo Joins ���ϰٿ� Foundation Board of Trustees

Agricultural Leader Jay Mahil Appointed to ���ϰٿ� Foundation Board of Trustees

United for Education: Merced Institutions Forge a Stronger Future Together at ���ϰٿ� Summit

Flavors & Stories: Chef Sean Sherman Brings Indigenous Culinary Wisdom to ���ϰٿ�

SJV PRIME+ Expands Training with Sutter Gould, Modesto Hospital Partnership

���ϰٿ� Arts Opens Season with East L.A. Band Las Cafeteras

���ϰٿ� Named the 14th Best College in the Nation by Wall Street Journal

���ϰٿ� Launches Distinguished Speaker Series with World-Renowned Bioengineer David Kaplan

20th Anniversary Exhibit Presents ���ϰٿ� Architecture as Art

���ϰٿ� Named Top 25 Public University by U.S. News & World Report

Winery Executive Stephanie Gallo Joins ��ϰٿ� Foundation Board of Trustees

Agricultural Leader Jay Mahil Appointed to ��ϰٿ� Foundation Board of Trustees

United for Education: Merced Institutions Forge a Stronger Future Together at ��ϰٿ� Summit

Flavors & Stories: Chef Sean Sherman Brings Indigenous Culinary Wisdom to ��ϰٿ�

��ϰٿ� Arts Opens Season with East L.A. Band Las Cafeteras

��ϰٿ� Named the 14th Best College in the Nation by Wall Street Journal

��ϰٿ� Launches Distinguished Speaker Series with World-Renowned Bioengineer David Kaplan

20th Anniversary Exhibit Presents ��ϰٿ� Architecture as Art

��ϰٿ� Named Top 25 Public University by U.S. News & World Report