December 14, 2022
Dear Campus Community,
As we approach our annual holiday break, a period we hope can offer rest and renewal, I want to remind you of the extraordinary year we have had at UC Merced — the 20th anniversary year of our groundbreaking:
- Another record high first-year class joining our community.
- The launch of our Boldly Forward comprehensive campaign with the Illuminate event, which lit up campus and showcased our students’ passion for UC Merced.
- Our largest ever family gift, from Fred and Mitzie Ruiz — $15 million for student support.
- A third successive year as a top-50 public university, as assessed by US News & World Report.
- Total research grant awards that are nearly triple from two years ago.
- Partnership in a $65.1 million award to the Fresno-Merced Future of Food Coalition — the largest federal grant ever awarded to the Central Valley.
- Groundbreaking on our new “smart farm.”
- The first step in Regental approval for our medical education building.
- Officially named an Agricultural Experiment Station by the University of California — the first time in more than half a century that a campus has been so designated.
I hope everyone at UC Merced finds the time to refresh mind, body and spirit and renew acquaintances over this holiday break, and returns to a 2023 that promises even more momentum, progress and success.
Our best days and years are still ahead.
Go ‘Cats,
Juan Sánchez Muñoz
Chancellor
Remarks and Addresses
