Thousands of incoming UC Merced students participated in the Scholars Bridge Crossing, one of the university's earliest traditions. The annual event is a rite of passage for new Bobcats who also walked through the "Beginnings" sculpture, signifying the beginning of their journey at UC Merced.
New this year, a group of "Bob-kittens" from the Early Childhood Education Center led the spirit-filled procession. Following these future Bobcats was the inaugural "Paw-rade" - a line of more-than-30 golf carts, decked out in various colorful themes by campus departments and groups.
Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz then led the group of new students through the blue and gold tunnel comprised of cheering faculty, staff and alumni. Capping off the event, the students were organized into a formation that made for a "paw-some" overhead photo opp! (Click to scroll)
