Celebrating 20 Years of UC Merced

Dear Bobcat Community,

Twenty years ago today, the first UC Merced students walked across Scholars Bridge, stepping into history and beginning their journey as Bobcats. Our founding Chancellor, Carol Tomlinson-Keasey, captured the spirit of that moment with a bold proclamation:

“Our university will not be finished in 20 years, not in 50 years, not in many lifetimes…but let us begin.”

And begin we did.

Today, more than 20,000 proud alumni have earned degrees from one of the most dynamic and impactful institutions in the country. This remarkable achievement is the result of a dream fueled by determination, and the unwavering commitment of thousands—from civic volunteers and local schoolchildren to faculty, staff, and neighbors—who believed in the transformative power of education.

The community that made this possible started with civic volunteers who had an idea. That idea grew into a movement, carried forward by local elementary school students who built momentum and named our mascot. It became a legacy, nurtured by faculty, staff, and neighbors who continue to grow and sustain our university every day.

UC Merced was built in the Central Valley, for the Central Valley. And today, we continue to fulfill our promise: nearly 40% of our incoming class is from Central California, and our university stands among only 21 in the nation—and just three in California—recognized as both R1 for top-tier research and for opportunity and access. We are changing lives, advancing knowledge, and creating pathways to success.

Tonight, our student-athletes will make history as they compete for the first time in NCAA Division II. Following the game, the community will gather for a Fiat Lux drone show—a celebration of light, legacy, and the future.

Throughout the semester, we invite you to join us on campus for special exhibitions like 20 Years of UC Merced Art and Architecture at La Galería , and Foundation to Future: 20 Years of the UC Merced Library , showcasing the creativity and scholarship that have shaped our university.

We’ll also be celebrating across the state with alumni events in San Francisco and Los Angeles—because our story belongs to all of California.

UC Merced began with vision, courage, and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives. We are still building. And today, we honor our past, celebrate our success, and look ahead to a future filled with promise.

Fiat Lux,

Juan Sánchez Muñoz, Ph.D.

Chancellor