UC Merced Magazine - Volume XVII, Issue 3

Twenty-one years ago, when ground was broken on the newest University of California campus, in Merced, so many people in the community had already embraced the university's goal of transforming our region through education, research and service.

People generously helped build the campus and supported the students, many of whom came from the education-starved Central Valley, eager to make bright futures for themselves. Those pioneering students also went all in on the new university. They persevered through construction, found their community in each other and laid the foundations for the generations of students who would come after them by forming their own clubs and organizations, almost all of which centered on giving back to the community through volunteering. Many people also invested in the community itself, based on the idea that Merced would grow rapidly to accommodate students, faculty and staff. They anticipated a huge transformation. And to be sure, the billions of dollars the university has generated through jobs, research expenditures and retail sales have accelerated the Valley's economic evolution. Building a university and the community that inevitably grows around it takes time. But UC Merced is also positively impacting the region in ways that are not always so evident. This issue of UC Merced Magazine highlights many of those transformational programs and initiatives. Some of our first graduates have stayed or returned to start their own businesses here, helping grow the community. Our first cohort of students will be taking part this fall in our medical education programwith the intent to return to the Valley after medical school because they recognize the area's need for more quality health care. Other students are giving back by cleaning up parks, caring for animals at local shelters, running food banks and mentoring and inspiring younger students to graduate from high school and go on to attain higher education. Faculty and staff are running for office, volunteering with nonprofit organizations, holding diaper and food drives and even building a children'smuseum. We are thankful for the many generousfriends who believe in the university and have invested in transforming the region and people's lives. We are also thankful for UC Merced faculty, staff and students who have made their own investments of time and energy to make the university, the Valley and California shine more brightly.

Chancellor Juan Sanchez Munoz is committed to being part ofthe Merced community, pitching in at community clean-ups, student-led food distributions and dressing up as Jolly Old St. Nick for a Christmas toy giveaway to local children.

Fiat Lux, Juan Sanchez Munoz, Ph.D. Chancellor