University of California, Merced - Alyssa Johansen

From the Valley, for the Valley: New SJV PRIME+ Students Embark on Journey to Transform Health Care

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 20:35:07 +0000

By Jessica Gardezy, ��һ��

September 12, 2025

The newest cohort of SJV PRIME+ students embarks on their eight year BS-to-MD journey.

The stethoscopes may come later, but the commitment to community was clear as ��һ�� welcomed its newest SJV PRIME+ students last weekend. The Student and Family Welcome event marked the beginning of an eight-year journey for 15 students who will progress from bachelor’s degrees at ��һ�� to medical degrees from the UCSF School of Medicine, and complete clinical training at UCSF Fresno — all with a shared mission to strengthen health care in the San Joaquin Valley.

A Celebration of Purpose

Faculty, staff and leaders from all three campuses gathered to mark the occasion, underscoring the critical role of the new pathway in addressing the San Joaquin Valley’s severe physician shortage. For students, the day was both celebratory and humbling, as they accepted their place in an academic journey that carries responsibility far beyond themselves.

“This is truly a magnificent moment,” said Dr. Margo Vener, Chair of ��һ��’s Department of Medical Education. “We have the best job in the world — to train future doctors for the Valley. Our students are beginning a journey to become physicians who are worthy of their patients’ trust.”

Vener reminded students and families that medical training is never an individual pursuit, but a collective one. “When we take a journey like this, we don’t do it alone,” she said, recognizing the sacrifices of families, staff and faculty across ��һ��, UCSF and UCSF Fresno whose efforts have made the pathway possible.

A Call to Serve

In his remarks, ��һ�� Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz celebrated the students’ achievements while issuing a challenge: to remember the Valley communities that made their education possible.

“You distinguished yourself through your hard work, your talent and your commitment, and you’ve chosen the call to serve,” Muñoz said. “There will be opportunities in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and the Bay Area, but I hope you remember that it was the Valley; Chowchilla, Fresno, Madera – that afforded you this professional life.”

He underscored the Valley’s role as the nation’s agricultural heartland, noting that the people who sustain global food supplies “deserve the best doctors in the world.” To the families in attendance, he added, “This achievement is also yours. No one gets to this podium by themselves; no one puts on that white coat alone.”

Bringing Training Home

For Dr. Kenny Banh, UCSF Fresno Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education, the launch of SJV PRIME+ in 2023 builds on UCSF Fresno’s 50 years of graduate medical education in the region. Each year, nearly 300 residents and fellows train at UCSF Fresno, making it a longstanding anchor for advanced medical training in the Central Valley.

“To truly expand access to health care for all, we must increase the quantity and quality of physicians practicing in the San Joaquin Valley, particularly those who grew up in the region and understand the health conditions pertinent to the Valley,” Banh said.

Banh, who was born in a refugee camp in Pennsylvania and now oversees UCSF Fresno’s mobile medical clinic, reminded students that their own unique backgrounds equip them to serve Valley communities. “We expect you to be leaders in the communities you are privileged to serve in public health, in community engagement, and with all patient populations,” he said. “That’s why we looked for you.”

A Shared Commitment

Throughout the program, students expressed gratitude for the opportunity and a collective pledge to serve the region. “Together, we dedicate our future as physicians to advancing health equity in the Central Valley,” said Caden Cal, who described medicine as the “perfect intersection between science and service.”

Several students shared deeply personal motivations for pursuing medicine:

Sanya Nath, credited her pediatrician’s care with inspiring her to become a physician for underserved children.
Aminah Carter hopes to become an endocrinologist and a “catalyst for education and change.”
Mariah Dhillon pointed to her lifelong fascination with neurology and promised to bring empathy and passion to every patient encounter.
Adam Badawia emphasized that his cultural and community experiences would allow him to build trust with future patients.

The cohort spoke with one voice about their mission. “Our goal is to become doctors that the San Joaquin Valley can rely on to surpass their expectations,” said Litzy Ramirez Paz-Caruthers, echoing a shared commitment that resonated throughout the event.

Looking Forward

For ��һ�� and its partners, the launch of SJV PRIME+ is more than the creation of an academic pathway – it is a promise to the Valley. It represents a new generation of physicians who will not only train in the region but remain here to serve. Their path forward is more than a personal achievement; it is a collective step toward stronger, more accessible and more equitable health care for the San Joaquin Valley.

��һ�� Receives 2025 Higher Education Excellence and Distinction Award

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:34:47 +0000

September 12, 2025

The annual HEED Award recognizes diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at ��һ��.

The University of California, Merced, has received the 2025 Higher Education Excellence and Distinction Award from Insight Into Academia magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. The annual HEED Award is a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to academic excellence, belonging and community building across all levels of campus life.

��һ�� will be featured, along with 60 other recipients, in the October 2025 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine.

“The Division of Equity, Justice and Inclusive Excellence deeply appreciates this recognition, which celebrates our ongoing efforts to promote academic excellence and foster a campus community where everyone feels a true sense of belonging,” said Christine Tumonong, director of administration and budget for ��һ��’s Division of Equity, Justice and Inclusive Excellence.

Recipients are chosen through an extensive, months-long evaluation in which a review committee examines multiple facets of each institution’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

“We take a detailed and somewhat holistic approach to reviewing each application in determining who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where academic excellence and belonging are woven into the work being done every day across their campus,” said Lenore Pearlstein, co-publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine.

Tumonong credited Zulema Valdez and Wendy Puquirre for spearheading ��һ��'s HEED application efforts, saying, “The time, thoughtfulness and collaboration that went into this application reflect the core values of our university and help elevate ��һ�� as a leader in inclusive excellence.”

For more information about the 2025 HEED Award, visit insightintoacademia.com.

Campos Foundation’s $5 Million Gift to ��һ�� Supports Track and Field Facility, STEM Scholarships

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 18:25:04 +0000

By Francesca Dinglasan

September 6, 2025

��һ�� leadership, Athletics staff and scholar-athletes with the Campos Foundation and Campos EPC team unveiled a $5 million gift and the campus’s new Campos Field.

The Campos Foundation, one of ��һ��’s most dedicated supporters and partners, has made a $5 million gift for the development of a new state-of-the-art campus facility dedicated to track and field. The university shared plans to name the facility Campos Field in recognition of the foundation’s transformative contribution.

The announcement to name the field was made during halftime of the women’s soccer team season opener Sept.5. The celebratory and symbolic moment also marked the Bobcats’ first time competing in NCAA Division II.

The foundation’s philanthropic commitment will establish a scholarship endowment for both STEM students and STEM scholar-athletes. This fund will provide vital financial support to students who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and competing in collegiate athletics, reflecting the donor’s mission to advance access to higher education and ensure that students have the resources to excel both in the classroom and on the field.

A lifelong advocate for student wellness and personal development, Marco Campos – founder, executive chairman and chief culture officer of Campos Companies – credits his own athletic experiences with helping to shape his character and future success.

“Athletics taught me resilience, discipline, leadership and the importance of working as a team,” he said. “These are the characteristics we hope to help support and cultivate in generations of ��һ�� scholar-athletes.”

The $5 million gift strengthens the university’s ability to enhance its athletics infrastructure, supporting scholar-athlete recruitment and expanded programming. It also lays the groundwork for broader civic engagement by creating a vibrant space where regional and state audiences can gather in support of intercollegiate sports and student achievement.

Campos Field will be a core component of ��һ��’s future athletics complex. As a central hub for athletic events, the space will draw students, faculty, staff and community members together to root for the Bobcats as a point of regional pride.

The Campos Foundation is financially supported in whole by Campos Companies, a portfolio of energy infrastructure companies focused on engineering, construction and fabrication throughout North America. Campos Companies donates one percent of its revenues to supporting underrepresented communities in STEM through the Campos Foundation.

“The Campos Foundation’s mission is to elevate underrepresented minority and female students through STEM education initiatives, and we are delighted to partner with ��һ�� in supporting future generations of scientific and engineering leaders as well as promising scholar-athletes,” said Campos Foundation President Deanna Campos-Miller.

“Thanks to this generous gift, ��һ�� is better positioned to support the holistic well-being of our scholar-athletes while also strengthening ties with our community and region,” said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “The Campos Foundation’s ongoing commitment and investment in our university will benefit countless students and inspire a new era of competitive and academic excellence – and we could not be more grateful for their enduring support and partnership.”

The gift from the Campos Foundation joins philanthropic milestones advancing Boldly Forward: The Campaign for ��һ��. Boldly Forward aims to raise $200 million for campus support by 2030, with gifts and pledges received since the campaign's launch totaling $117.4 million.

��һ�� and Campos Foundation Host ENgage Summer Bridge Academy for Students in STEM

Anonymous — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 18:23:21 +0000

By Francesca Dinglasan, ��һ��

September 5, 2025

Central Valley and Southern California high-school students participated in the STEM-focused Campos ENgage Summer Bridge Academy at ��һ��.

��һ��, in conjunction with longtime campus partner the Campos Foundation, launched the pilot Campos ENgage Summer Bridge Academy, a weeklong summer program aimed at supporting underrepresented minority and female students interested in STEM.

Held from Aug. 4–9, the program welcomed 23 rising high-school seniors from Central Valley and Southern California schools, including Le Grand High School, Pacheco High School, Golden Valley High School and Samueli Academy. The initiative is designed to offer students exposure to engineering through hands-on experiences, mentoring, and academic workshops.

In addition to STEM exploration, participants were introduced to the ��һ�� campus and learned about the university’s welcoming and accessible environment. “This school seems like a place that cares about their students and their futures,” noted one student-participant.

The Campos Foundation’s mission is to elevate underrepresented students in STEM fields by creating pathways and access to early exposure and experiences. Through the Summer Bridge Academy, students are given the opportunity to visualize themselves as future engineers — a particularly critical focus in communities where many youth are first-generation college students.

“��һ�� did not disappoint with our first Summer Engage cohort,” said Campos Foundation President Deanna Miller Campos. “The coordinators and student mentors really embraced our mantra — "powered by heart” — and created an environment where students could see their potential, get excited about learning and feel the power of community. We’re so proud of every student for taking this opportunity seriously and leaving with a deep belief that they belong at ��һ��, in Campos and in whatever field they choose to pursue.”

“We’re grateful for our partnership with ��һ�� and can’t wait to keep creating opportunities that foster access, inclusion and lifelong learning,” she added.

Play Ball! Bobcats Enjoy Grizzlies Baseball Game

Anonymous — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 22:19:46 +0000

September 2, 2025

��һ�� Alumni Association President Miguel Lopez '12, center, is joined by Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz and Professor Zenaida Aguirre-Muñoz. Lopez threw the ceremonial first pitch.

Baseball fans from the ��һ�� campus community celebrated the start of the fall semester by witnessing a barnburner of a game at Fresno’s Chukchansi Park.

More than 250 Bobcat students, along with 100 alumni and their families, received tickets to the Aug. 29 game. ��һ�� staff and faculty, along with Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz, also attended at the downtown stadium.

Each alumnus received a box filled with mementos that commemorate ��һ��’s 20th anniversary this semester of the start of undergraduate instruction.

Miguel Lopez, ’12, president of the ��һ�� Alumni Association, threw the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Grizzlies and Inland Empire 66ers, members of the professional Single A California League.

The Grizzlies treated the Bobcats to a wild, high-scoring contest. Tied at seven runs each in the bottom of the ninth, with two outs and a runner at first and third, leftfielder Kevin Fitzer poked a single to center for a walk-off home team victory.

“��һ�� has been working with the Fresno Grizzlies all season to build connections between our students, alumni and the community,” Vice Chancellor for External Relations E. Edward Klotzbier said. “This was a great evening to have fun together at the ballpark as our academic year starts and the Grizzlies' regular season winds down.”

The game capped several busy days for the campus. Students began moving into residence halls the week of Aug. 18. On Aug. 26, the annual Scholars Bridge Crossing for first-year and transfer students was held under a rare cloudburst. Fall semester classes began the next day.

New Bobcat Looks to Expand Impressive Research Resume

Anonymous — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 18:04:55 +0000

August 29, 2025

Adriana Ponce Mata has a passion for science and helping others.

This is the final entry of a series of profiles of new ��һ�� Bobcats enrolled for the fall 2025 semester.

Adriana Ponce Mata spent the last two summers working in one of the largest and oldest companies in the Bay Area. This fall, she joins ��һ�� to begin her next chapter. Through Project SEED, she gained hands-on research experience testing fuels in an oil refinery, sparking her passion for science and helping others.

Where I come from: I’m from Richmond, California and graduated from Leadership Public Schools.

What I've done: In high school I participated in both soccer and cross country. As a member of ASB, I would help organize events on campus. I was the co-founder of a community service club that would partner with the Bay Area Rescue Mission to support their events, serve meals and distribute clothes to those in need. In the summer of my junior and senior years I was an intern for Project SEED (Summer Experiences for the Economically Disadvantaged), a nationwide program hosted by the American Chemical Society that pairs students with scientists in laboratories. I was placed at the Chevron refinery in Richmond, where we tested products for chemists. I worked with oil, diesel, gas and jet fuel to test viscosity levels before using them in industrial machinery. It was a full-time job; for nine weeks I was at the lab Monday through Friday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. It was a great opportunity to develop my research skills, and I learned that education is a pathway to make real changes. At the conclusion of the internship, I presented my work to friends, family, mentors and fellow Chevron employees and was awarded the Mark Frishberg Award that honors the late president of the American Chemical Society.

Why are you excited about coming to ��һ��? I’m ready to continue developing my research skills. During Bobcat Day I met some of my professors and everyone seemed so personable. I’m really excited to learn from them. ��һ�� was recommended to me by my college counselors and friends, and the peaceful environment seems like a great place to develop into an independent adult.

Academic and personal goals: I plan to major in public health because I want to help people, but I also want to use my courses to explore different career paths. I’m considering focusing more on biology or community outreach and hope to get involved as much as possible on campus. I also want to take advantage of any research opportunities that come my way. Since ��һ�� offers a study abroad program, I would love the chance to study in another country and broaden my perspective.

You can keep only three apps on your phone. What are they? I would keep Tik Tok, of course. I would also keep the clock app because I rely on all my alarms to wake up. And probably the messages app.

Favorite Food: Pozole!

It's karaoke night. What’s your go-to song? Something by Adele, for sure. Probably “Someone Like You.” It’s such an emotional song.

Quotable: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made” - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Cal-Bridge Scholar Rolando Ortega Wants to Build the Future

Anonymous — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 17:50:38 +0000

August 22, 2025

Grad student Rolando Ortega begins his doctoral journey at ��һ�� this fall.

This is part of a series of profiles of new ��һ�� Bobcats enrolled for the fall 2025 semester.

Rolando Ortega is closing in on his dream of earning a Ph.D. This fall, the Cal-Bridge scholar from Los Angeles County joins ��һ�� to start his doctoral journey. With experience spanning national labs, NASA outreach and cutting-edge research, Ortega is ready to design devices that push the boundaries of science and technology.

Where I come from: I was born and raised in Baldwin Park and graduated from Baldwin Park High School in 2018.

What I've done: After earning my associate’s degree from Citrus Community College in 2021, I transferred to California State University, San Bernardino, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in physics in fall 2024. I graduated cum laude and made the dean’s list in five of my six semesters. I helped reestablish the Society of Physics Students, which informs undergraduates about research and scholarship opportunities. I volunteered to be a NASA-partnered ambassador during the April 2024 solar eclipse, educating the community at a viewing event. For two years, I’ve worked at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, developing a code to assist in the calculation of lead contamination from radon exposure during the Super Cryogenic Dark Matter Search experiment.

I’m participating in the Cal-Bridge program, a pathway designed to help CSU undergraduate students gain admission into a University of California Ph.D. program. Professors David Strubbe and Jay Sharping are Cal-Bridge mentors at ��һ��.

Why are you excited about coming to ��һ��? The opportunity to work in a system at the forefront of fundamental physics and real-world applications. I’m excited to work alongside professors such as Sayantani Ghosh, whose lab focuses on characterizing novel semiconductors for next-generation optoelectronic devices that find, detect and control light. I’m interested in the study of perovskite materials, a low-cost alternative to traditional semiconductors like silicon. This research will allow me to study multiple fields of science such as physics, chemistry and engineering. I am drawn to building devices that can change the world for the better, such as developing a gamma ray detector for space exploration.

Academic and personal goals: I hope to one day be a physics professor. I’ve always liked helping others and my time in the Cal-Bridge program has shown me how impactful a great mentor can be. I would like to open my own research laboratory and help first-generation students obtain research opportunities.

What do you do to relax? I usually play video games such as Smite 2 and Hi-Fi Rush. I also enjoy playing Dungeons and Dragons once a week to keep in touch with my SoCal friends. Going to the gym with my friends is also relaxing for me.

My secret talent is: I am proficient in playing the euphonium after playing in classical ensembles and marching bands for eight years. I can also whistle any tune I hear.

It’s karaoke night, what is your go-to song? “Upside Down” by Jack Johnson because it also brings up the vibes at a party.

Quotable: "Changing is our normal state. Even if we're not changing on the outside, we're changing on the inside constantly. … As long as I know the shape of my soul, I'll be alright." -- Jake the Dog from “Adventure Time”

��һ�� Marks 20th Year with New Academic Programs, First DII Season and Celebration

Anonymous — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 23:49:20 +0000

Alyssa Johansen, ��һ��

August 21, 2025

This year's incoming class is made up of more Central Valley natives than ever before.

The new academic year is a momentous milestone for ��һ�� — two decades of growth, innovation and achievement. In 2005, the first undergraduate students were welcomed on the new campus. Now, 20 years later, thousands more new students will begin their own journeys that will shape their futures and the future of ��һ��.

“To all of our new and returning students: You are critical drivers of our university and among the primary reasons we continue to push boundaries and strive for excellence in all that we do,” said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “In merely two decades, ��һ�� has unequivocally transformed lives, advanced research and built a vibrant community in the heart of the Central Valley. This anniversary is a well-earned reminder of how far we’ve come and an inspiration for what lies ahead.”

Staff and student volunteers are preparing to welcome new Bobcats to their on-campus housing during move-in weekend, Aug. 21-24. To ensure a smooth transition for all students, they must make a move-in appointment and check in at the ��һ�� Conference Center upon arrival.

Before delving into classes and coursework, about 2,000 first-year and transfer students are invited to take part in one of ��һ��’s oldest traditions — Scholars Bridge Crossing. On Aug. 26, new Bobcats will gather near the Pavilion dining hall to receive a warm welcome from university leadership. Then, surrounded by the cheers of staff and faculty and led by Muñoz and campus leaders, students will walk across Scholars Bridge and through the Beginnings sculpture. Since the first Scholars Bridge Crossing in 2005, this symbolic walk has marked the beginning of students’ academic journeys at ��һ��.

To further foster a sense of community and academic belonging, students will be greeted by their respective schools. New this year: Immediately following the celebration, the schools of Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts will host welcome receptions for their students. Those who have not yet declared majors are invited to attend a reception hosted by Undergraduate Education.

With the celebrations concluded, the academic journey begins. Classes will be back in session Aug. 27. Starting this semester, students will have additional academic offerings to choose from. New majors include communication and media; neuroscience; science, technology and ethics; aerospace engineering; biochemical and biomolecular engineering; biochemistry; biological sciences; management of innovation, sustainability and technology; and ecology, evolution and conservation biology.

In tandem with academic expansion, ��һ�� is enhancing campus safety. The campus community will have access to the new Bobcat Safety App — the university's official safety tool launched by the ��һ�� Police Department. The app offers students, faculty and staff essential campus safety resources and communication tools. It is free and available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Each user must register with a ��һ�� email address.

Beyond academics, ��һ�� is also making strides in athletics. This fall, ��һ�� will compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II. The Bobcats will join the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), one of the nation’s most prestigious Division II conferences. Nearby CCAA institutions will provide new regional rivalries and opportunities for community engagement. With Bobcat athletics leveling up, the university is launching the Bobcat Club — an initiative to support scholar-athletes and fuel the growth of intercollegiate sports at ��һ��.

The university’s first home Division II athletics competition also serves as the perfect occasion to celebrate ��һ��’s 20th anniversary. On Sept. 5, the campus community and public are invited to watch the women’s soccer team take on Simon Fraser University at Bobcat Field at 7 p.m. The evening will kick off with a pregame tailgate with food trucks, performances and student-athlete meet-and-greets. After the game, the night sky will light up with the Fiat Lux drone show.

Summer Programs Give Students a Jump Start on Academic Year

Anonymous — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:45:00 +0000

By Brenda Ortiz, ��һ��

August 19, 2025

Seventy-seven middle school students from Madera Unified School District participated in a five-week Math Academy hosted at ��һ��.

For more than 1,300 Central Valley students, this summer break wasn’t all about fun — it included strengthening their math and science skills to prepare them for the new school year and beyond.

��һ��’s Center for Educational Partnerships offered a wealth of summer programming led by its three offices: K-20 Regional Alliances, State College Preparatory Programs and K-14 Federal Programs.

“We at CEP recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to student success, and that is why, in partnership with school districts, we customize our summer academies to meet the academic needs of each student, positioning them for postsecondary success,” said Orquidea Largo, associate vice chancellor and chief outreach officer.

The Office of K-20 Regional Alliances hosted three Summer Math Academies on campus and throughout the Valley.

Through strong intersegmental partnerships, dedicated educators and support from regional K-16 collaborators, more than 480 students were served, each gaining critical math skills, academic confidence and exposure to higher education environments.

“These efforts not only addressed immediate learning goals but also contributed to a broader vision of sustained student success, educator development and community engagement throughout the region,” said McKenna Salazar, executive director of the Office of K-20 Regional Alliances and WE Will! K-16 Educational Collaborative.

This summer, seventh- and eighth-grade students from Madera Unified School District participated in a five-week Math Academy hosted at ��һ��. The academy offered students early exposure to Math 7 and Math 8 content designed to strengthen foundational skills and build confidence to better prepare students for the school year and success on state assessments.

In addition to student support, the initiative also served as a professional learning opportunity for educators. Math teachers from Madera Unified School District were selected to lead instruction, and high school students from the district were hired as learning assistants, gaining valuable experience through paid internships.

“This impactful effort was made possible through funding from the Central San Joaquin Valley K-16 Partnership, demonstrating a shared commitment to academic preparation, career exploration and educational equity in the region,” Salazar said.

Students from the Parlier and Corcoran Unified School districts took part in the Summer Math Academy held at Fresno Pacific University. The program was designed to strengthen skills, build confidence and accelerate academic progress for grades 4 through 10. Funding for the academy was provided through the Fresno-Madera K-16 Collaborative, supporting regional goals to strengthen college and career readiness across the Central Valley.

Students from the McFarland Unified School District participated in the Summer Math Academy hosted at California State University, Bakersfield. The academy provided targeted instruction to students in grades 4 through 8, focusing on key math concepts and building academic confidence. The partnership between McFarland Unified and CEP — now in its second year — was made possible through funding from the Kern K-16 Collaborative, advancing efforts to support college and career readiness across the region.

Results from student surveys at the end of each of the K-20 Regional Alliances academy indicated:

98% of students said the math academy increased their confidence in math;
99% of students said the math academy increased their knowledge in math; and
99% of students said if given the opportunity they would attend another math academy.

CEP’s mission, according to its website, is “to provide student, school and parent-centered services that ultimately result in students having the greatest number of postsecondary choices from the widest array of options upon graduation."

The Office of State College Preparatory Programs led five distinct summer programs reaching nearly 300 students.

In June, the 1300 Campaign Summer Youth Leadership Academy, an intersegmental residential academy between ��һ��, California State University, Stanislaus, and the Improve Your Tomorrow college access program, served students as far north as Stockton and far south as Visalia. The program aims to increase the number of young men of color attending University of California and California State universities.
The Explore STEM! Conference, a multi-day collaboration between CEP and the NSF-CREST Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines, provided seventh- through 10th-grade students with hands-on STEM activities led by ��һ�� faculty and graduate students. Students met with faculty members, took lab tours and attended workshops.

Eighth-grade students from Fresno Unified School District participated in the African American Student Leadership Academy, a residential program focused on creating awareness of the University of California. Students were provided English and mathematics enrichment, A-G college access workshops and a nature experience in Yosemite National Park.
In collaboration with the Calvin E. Bright Success Center, CEP hosted high school students at the Gateway Academy. The academy provided students with workshops on college readiness, A-G requirements, social and emotional health, career readiness, financial aid, group projects and presentation skills. The academy was facilitated by Gateway Ambassadors, graduate student assistants and professional staff.
In collaboration with the School of Engineering, CEP hosted Campos Engage in Engineering, a residential engineering academy for rising seniors in high school. Students conducted a full research project on robotics and competed against each other. Students had the opportunity to present their projects to the Campos Foundation, which included eight engineers who visited campus to speak to the students. The program was facilitated by undergraduate students and staff.

CEP’s K-14 Federal Programs’ federally funded academic outreach programs offered approximately 350 students from underserved communities throughout the Central Valley summer opportunities to promote college readiness and academic success.

Ninth- through 12th-grade students from the Upward Bound – Gustine and Upward Bound Math and Science – Orosi programs participated in the Summer Residential Program at ��һ�� to strengthen their math skills. They explored STEM topics through collaborations with the campus’ Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers chapter and Valley Institute for Sustainability, Technology and Agriculture. Students lived on campus, allowing them to gain firsthand exposure to college life, university expectations and the academic environment.
In partnership with Fresno City College and the Fresno Unified School District, Upward Bound students from Hoover and Sunnyside high schools participated in dual enrollment courses to earn college credit and provide a smoother transition to college-level coursework.
Students from Fresno, Roosevelt, McLane and Edison high schools in the Talent Search program were offered the opportunity to earn original geometry credit and advance to higher-level math courses by their senior year. Courses were held at Fresno City College and provided students with a college campus experience and reinforced a college-going mindset.
Incoming freshmen from the Farmersville and Corcoran high school Talent Search program took part in a Math Academy aimed at building foundational skills to introduce them to the rigor of high school academics.
Talent Search students from high schools in the Merced Union High School District and Livingston, Delhi and Le Grand participated in a four-week Summer Math Academy hosted at ��һ��. This immersive program boosted academic readiness while inspiring students to pursue postsecondary education.

“These summer initiatives reflect the CEP’s unwavering commitment to educational equity by offering meaningful enrichment experiences and early exposure to college life,” said Amelia Herrera Bomhoff, director of K-14 Federal Programs. “Together, these programs serve as a powerful catalyst for academic advancement and post-secondary success in Central Valley communities.”

��һ�� also hosted the Campos ENgage Summer Bridge Academy, a weeklong program sponsored by the Campos Foundation for rising high-school seniors interested in STEM. Read about the pilot program online.

��һ�� Launches Bobcat Club to Support Scholar-Athletes in NCAA Division II Competition

Anonymous — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 18:21:27 +0000

By Francesca Dinglasan, ��һ��

August 8, 2025

The Bobcat Club will directly support the student-athlete experience, with giving levels and benefits available for contributions across all tiers.

To mark ��һ��’s entry into National Collegiate Athletics Association NCAA Division II competition, the university is launching the Bobcat Club – an initiative designed to support scholar-athletes and the campus’s elevated level of intercollegiate sports.

The Bobcat Club will represent a network of alumni, families and fans committed to the holistic development of scholar-athletes at ��һ��. In addition to providing much-needed resources to promising Bobcats pursuing their athletic and academic goals, club members will be part of a platform for community connection and impact.

Every donation designated to the Bobcat Club will directly support the scholar-athlete experience, with giving levels and benefits available for contributions across all tiers. To help fuel ��һ�� Athletics’ long-term success, Bobcat Club members can allocate their gifts to the Bobcat Excellence Fund or directly contribute to one of the university’s 12 athletic programs.

��һ�� is also introducing the Director’s Society, an elite giving program for leadership donors. This initiative will provide access to exclusive team experiences and athletic events, with the goal of encouraging higher levels of engagement for the Bobcats’ top supporters.

Beyond the Bobcat Club, university donors passionate about elevating ��һ�� Athletics can support capital projects that fund new or upgraded training and performance facilities. These strategic investments help ensure ��һ�� meets the standards of top-tier collegiate competition and create spaces that energize campus life while fostering stronger ties with the surrounding community.

Bobcat scholar-athlete alumni also have the option to participate in the Locker Legacy program and leave a lasting impact by naming a locker in the men’s or women’s soccer, basketball or volleyball locker rooms.

“Our mission is to enhance and support the student-athlete experience,” Executive Director of Recreation and Athletics David Dunham said. “We are proud that the greater ��һ�� community shares our commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared to succeed both on the field and in the classroom.”

In Division II, the university is joining nearly 300 colleges and universities nationwide that maintain a balance of academic achievement and athletic competition. These institutions are known for advancing competitive athletics while prioritizing student success.

Exemplifying ��һ��’s commitment to student excellence in all areas is the university’s status as one of the highest-ranked schools in the nation among NCAA Division II institutions, according to U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges rankings. ��һ��’s academic distinction, paired with its philanthropic focus on awarding athletic scholarships, will be leveraged to attract and retain elite student-athletes from across the region and beyond.

Starting this season, ��һ�� will compete in the prestigious California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), widely regarded as the nation’s premier NCAA Division II conference. With five member institutions located within 150 miles of campus, the conference offers intense regional rivalries and several opportunities for local fan engagement.

“Athletics has long been an area of interest for our supporters, and now with the Bobcat Club and our move to the NCAA, donors can directly support our scholar-athletes and championship-winning athletic programs,” Vice Chancellor and Chief External Relations Officer E. Edward Klotzbier said. “There’s never been a better time to support Bobcat Athletics!”

Visit www.ucmercedbobcatclub.com to learn more about Bobcat Club and other ways to support ��һ�� Athletics.