First. Further. Forward

'It's Ours!' Merced Selected for UC's Newest Campus 30 Years Ago

May 19, 2025

A student holds a copy of the Merced Sun-Star, with a large headline proclaiming "It's Ours!"

On May 18, 1995, the University of California Board of Regents voted to select Merced as the site for its ninth undergraduate campus. To get to that point, Merced had to beat out what started as a list of 85 potential sites drawn up in 1989, after regents announced the year before they wanted to...

Members of the UC Merced team at the Design/Build/Fly drone competition in Tucson, Arizona.

UC Merced Drone Team Soars to New Heights in Global Competition

After seven months of working for hours each weekend to design, build and fly a drone, it all came down to a nervous moment for UC Merced students taking part in a worldwide competition. Their...

Students walk across campus at UC Merced.

UC Merced First Among Young Universities in New Ranking

On the heels of Money magazine's impressive rating, UC Merced has risen to the top of another list. The university has claimed the No.1 spot in the nation on Times Higher Education's (THE)...

Mechanical engineering Professor Ashlie Martini

Science Publishes Mechanochemistry Research by UC Merced Professor

Most organic reactions involve use of a solvent and heat, resulting in chemical manufacturing waste that can be toxic. Mechanochemistry, applying mechanical force to influence chemical reactions,...

Hayden Elliott of Turlock will start at UC Merced in the fall.

New Bobcat Brings Wealth of Experience to College Career

Incoming first-year student Hayden Elliott will hit the UC Merced campus this fall with quite a bit of college already under his belt. A 2023 graduate of Turlock High School, Elliott has earned...

Students stroll along Academic Walk at UC Merced.

UC Merced Shines in Money Magazine's 'Best Colleges 2023' Report

UC Merced ranks among the top universities in the nation, according to a new report by Money magazine that scored over 700 four-year colleges. To compile its annual "Best Colleges in America...

Josh Viers, Rakesh Goel, Yosuke Yamashiki, Hrant Hratchian, Sarah Naumes and Chase Yamauchi at the MOU signing. Photo by Leigh Bernacchi

Collaboration Across Continents: Agreement Brings Merced, Kyoto Campuses Closer

Merced, California, and Kyoto, Japan, are nearly 5,500 miles apart, but their research universities' shared goals to improve society is bringing them together. A new agreement between...

After more than 15 years at UC Merced, Associate Director for Educational Equity and Access for the Calvin E. Bright Success Center Alejandro Delgadillo is retiring.

Delgadillo Reflects on 30 Years of Serving Students

When Associate Director for Educational Equity and Access for the Calvin E. Bright Success Center Alejandro Delgadillo announced his plans for retirement earlier this year in a social media post,...

Incoming UC Merced student Delia Rodriguez

Incoming Fresno Student Prepares to Launch Her Health Career at UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2023 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Delia Rodriguez poured her heart into college prep — ...

Two students pose for a photo in the Carol Tomlinson-Keasey Quad at UC Merced.

Orosi Friends Seek Community, Diversity and the Written Word at UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2023 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. With a population of about 8,700 people, the Tulare County town of...