University of California President Janet Napolitano issued the following statement regarding the Board of Regents' approval today of UC Merced's expansion plans:
“This is a great day for the University of California, the Merced campus and Californians across the state. On behalf of the UC community, it’s truly a pleasure to offer heartfelt congratulations to Chancellor Leland, her 2020 team, the students and faculty of UC Merced, and their partners at the UC Office of the President.
“I have had a special place in my heart for UC Merced since my earliest days as UC president. It was the first campus I visited. I know that the expansion of physical facilities is much needed, as the Regents recognized in taking the action needed to move ahead with the Merced 2020 Project.
“This is all about opportunity, and delivering the future. The 2020 Project, once construction is completed, will enable the campus to admit thousands more students in the coming years. So this is a signature moment for future generations of Californians who aspire to learn in the classroom and the laboratory at the first new research university of the 21st Century. Bobcat strong!”
