Arts and Culture

Into the Woods: Nature Works its Magic in Shakespeare in Yosemite

April 15, 2025

As Yosemite Likes It UC Merced performers

If Arden, the sprawling, wild forest in William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” were in the United States instead of the Bard’s imagination, it would certainly be a national park. Like Yosemite. That is why this light comedy is an ideal fit for the annual UC Merced...

Common Read Builds Community, Connections with Shared Book

A richly illustrated book tracing centuries of change in the California landscape is this year’s Common Read, a program that connects students and faculty across disciplines by putting the same text...

Campus Humanities Center to Expand Mission with Private Gift

With the help of a $2 million gift, UC Merced’s humanities center will support scholars in conducting interdisciplinary research, engaging the public and addressing issues critical to the San Joaquin...

Campus Brings Urban Dance Troupe to Merced Theatre

UC Merced will bring the acclaimed Lula Washington Dance Theater to Merced on Sept. 29. Renowned for its mix of jazz, ballet and urban street styles, the troupe will perform at the recently-restored...

Doctoral Student Researches Area History, Pursues New Career

An academic focus on the Central Valley region’s historically African-American communities brought Michael Eissinger to UC Merced. He decided the UC’s newest campus was the best...

'Ugh the Duck' to Entertain Local Youth

“Ugh the Duck,” a retelling of the classic tale, “The Ugly Duckling,” will be performed at UC Merced in May as part of an effort to expose Merced County youth to opera and theater. The project is...

Thirst for Knowledge Leads History Buff Back to School

Like many others, 38-year-old Micah Chandler of Merced found himself laid off and without options after the economy nosedived in 2007. When he couldn’t find work, Chandler’s wife suggested he...

Ph.D. Alum Applies a Scholar's Mind to Patriotic Service

When Trevor Albertson (’09) started as the California deputy secretary for veterans services last summer, his longtime focus on higher education came in handy right away. Considering his department...

Graduate Student's Urban Art Research has Global Reach

Graduate student Marco Valesi is turning a scholarly lens on an emerging form of expression. He searches cities for art that appears without the approval of authorities. Few scholars across the globe...

Library Digitizes Civil War Diaries from Valley Family

Diaries belonging to a Civil War soldier who witnessed the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln have been digitized and published by UC Merced’s Kolligian Library. Henry O. Nightingale was an...