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Remarks and Writings

A Historic Gift

December 8, 2025
Friends, I am profoundly excited to share that UC Merced has received a second major gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, an extraordinary reaffirmation of confidence in our mission and momentum as we continue to grow as one of the nation’s preeminent research universities. This new commitment builds on Ms. Scott’s earlier... Read More

UC Merced at 20: The Dream is Real

October 24, 2025
Dear Bobcat Community... Read More

Celebrating the Many Cultures That Make Us Bobcats

October 14, 2025
Dear Bobcat Community, As we close out Hispanic Heritage Month this week, celebrate Diwali beginning Oct. 20 with our South Asian community, and begin Native American Heritage Month in November, I’m reminded of what makes UC Merced so special: our people, our history, and the vibrant blend of cultures, traditions, and experiences that... Read More

Campus Response to the Federal Shutdown and Other Updates

October 1, 2025
Dear UC Merced Community, As you may know, the federal government has largely shutdown due to an impasse in Washington DC. UC Merced has been preparing for this possibility. While the duration and impacts are uncertain, I want to share a brief update on what this means for our campus. UC Merced remains open and operating normally. Federal... Read More

Celebrating 20 Years of UC Merced

September 5, 2025
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... Read More

Welcome + Celebrating 20 Remarkable Years

August 27, 2025
Dear Bobcat Community... Read More

Safeguarding Our Research Mission Amid Federal Shifts

August 4, 2025
Dear Campus Community, As many of you are aware, the federal government has suspended a significant number of research grants to UCLA, citing ongoing investigations. While UC Merced is not the target of this action, we are not untouched. Four of our federally funded research projects currently receive subawards through UCLA, and this action... Read More

UC Merced Joins Prestigious List of Hispanic Serving Research Universities

July 29, 2025
Dear Colleagues, It is with great pride that we share the news that UC Merced has been formally welcomed into the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU) – a milestone that affirms our university’s growing national impact and our deepening commitment to research excellence and student success. This... Read More

Federal Update

May 9, 2025
Re: Federal Update To: All faculty and staff   Dear Campus Community,  Last week, I had the privilege of representing UC Merced in Washington, D.C. and, as board chair of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), to convene the 30th National Capitol Forum. This event brought together ... Read More

Federal Update

April 25, 2025
Dear Colleagues,   Last weekend, more than 5000 prospective students and their families visited campus for Bobcat Day. It was a tremendous show of campus spirit to see our staff, faculty, and students create a truly memorable experience for future Bobcats and their families. I want to again express my gratitude to the various divisions... Read More

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