Staff

Dunham Named Cal Pac Athletic Director of the Year

June 4, 2025

UC Merced Executive Director of Recreation & Athletics David Dunham has been named California Pacific Conference Athletic Director of the Year for the second straight year and for the third time in four years. Under Dunham's leadership in 2024-25, UC Merced won a Cal Pac-record 13...

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...

Mother and daughter conduct a science experiment.

Mother Daughter Science Camp Offers Girls Insight into Future Pathways

Merced area fourth- and fifth-grade girls and their mothers recently participated in hands-on scientific projects in a UC Merced classroom laboratory that was transformed for one day into an exciting...

UC Merced’s Chef Mitch Earns Top Honor from Peers

Mitchell Vanagten, executive chef for UC Merced’s Lakeside Catering , has been named Chef of the Year by the Monterey Bay chapter of the American Culinary Federation. The award from the...

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...

Public Radio Highlights Natural Reserves, New Program for Undergraduates

The latest installment of North State Public Radio’s Blue Dot podcast focuses on the UC Natural Reserve System and the national parks and features a segment about the UC Merced ¿field...

A portrait of Charah Coleman, director of the UC Merced Black Alliance

Black Alliance at UC Merced Growing, Serving and Advocating

Editor's note: In honor of Black History Month, the UC Merced newsroom is highlighting some of the organizations, services and people who serve or represent the Black community on campus. An...

UC Merced student pose for a photo. The image reads, "Give to UC Merced. We did it! Boldly Forward. Thank you for your commitment to the University of California Mrced."

Give to UC Merced 2023 Raises Nearly $1.3 Million, Shattering Year-Old Record

Hundreds of UC Merced supporters made it crystal clear they believe in the university's mission, giving a record-breaking amount to support current Bobcats and other members of the campus...

¿Field Curious? Smashes Barriers to Outdoor Science

When Carlos Martinez was growing up in Southern California, his experience outdoors largely consisted of the irrigated lawns and tidy trees of his local park. Camping and hiking were not in his...

UC Merced women’s soccer wins their first Cal Pac Conference Tournament Championship, beating Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 2-1 on Bobcat Field on Nov. 11, 2023.

2023 Brought Many More Firsts for Bobcat Athletics

The year just ending has been one for the college sports record books and many kudos are due to the Bobcat athletes and their coaches. UC Merced men’s and women’s outdoor track swept...