Alyssa Johansen

UC Merced Receives Transformational $38 Million Gift from MacKenzie Scott

December 8, 2025

The University of California, Merced today announced the largest philanthropic gift in its history, an extraordinary new commitment from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This transformational investment, Ms. Scott’s second major gift to UC Merced, underscores growing national recognition of UC...

Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz shaking hands with Las Positas College President Dyrell Foster. Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz shaking hands with Madera College President Angel Reyna.

Two Community Colleges Join UC Merced Transfer Pathway for Students

UC Merced has partnered with two California community colleges to further extend access to students transferring to a four-year university. In April, ceremonies were held to sign agreements with...

Members of Lambda Alliance posing inside of a booth

Pride Week Puts the Focus on Self-healing

The campus and community are invited to participate in this year’s Pride Week at UC Merced, taking place April 8-12. Lambda Alliance (LAMBDA) is spearheading efforts once again in collaboration...

UC Merced’s Chef Jonathan Gutierrez Santiago Wins 3rd Annual CASA Chef Cookoff

In an impressive display of his culinary capabilities, Executive Sous Chef Jonathon Gutierrez Santiago was crowned champion of the 2024 CASA Chef Cookoff. With a team of fellow UC Merced staff...

A photo montage depicts several students at UC Merced.

Student Philanthropy Month Encourages Bobcats to Give Time, Talent, Treasure

UC Merced invites all Bobcats to give back to the university and campus community by participating in numerous events planned throughout March as part of the third annual Student Philanthropy Month...

Current students holding signs welcoming new students

UC Merced: Another Double-digit Rise in Applications

Nearly 33,000 prospective first-year and transfer students applied to UC Merced for the fall 2024 semester — a 12% increase from last year’s applicant pool. “It is clear that the...

Education Council and Fidelity Honor Transformation at UC Merced

The American Council on Education (ACE) and Fidelity Investments this week presented the 2024 Award for Institutional Transformation to UC Merced and to Florida Atlantic University. The award,...

Women's History Month Events at UC Merced

Join us as we celebrate International Women's Month at UC Merced! We're dedicated to empowering women and fostering their success both on campus and beyond. Throughout the month, a lineup of...

Orquidea Largo and Zenaida Aguirre-Muñoz are seen in side-by-side images.

Grant Supports UC Merced Effort to Improve College Readiness in Valley

A significant grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will advance UC Merced's efforts to create a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of college readiness among high-school...

Climate and Carbon Dioxide ‘Roads to Removal’ Discussion Set for UC Merced

What does the greater Merced community need to know about climate change? How might the Central Valley play a significant role in discussions and solutions about carbon dioxide removal? What new...