Student & Alumni Success

First-generation Students Shine at UC Merced. This Week Celebrates Them

November 3, 2025

UC Merced Professor Rose Scott, student Narciso Martinez Solorio

More than six in 10 UC Merced undergraduates are the first in their families to attend a university. The national average for four-year universities is about two in 10. Opening doors to opportunity for first-generation students is infused into UC Merced’s DNA. Young people who had little...

Meet incoming first-year student Lizet Martin-Martinez.

Incoming Atwater Student Drawing on Discipline and Training for College Success

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Lizet Martin-Martinez might not have had any family role...

Incoming student Narciso Martinez Solorio is seen in a split image with a UC Merced building.

Atwater Valedictorian Ready to Grow with UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Narciso Martinez Solorio applied to 31 colleges and universities...

Christian Boyd, an incoming student at UC Merced, and the Beginnings Sculpture are seen in an image.

Driven Student from Los Angeles Excited for Possibilities at UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 - a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Christian Boyd is ready for the next chapter of his life. The...

incoming first-year student Joselle Talabong

High Achiever from Delano Headed to UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. It’s no surprise Joselle Talabong was named Student...

Kamil Williams-Fisher, of Los Angeles, dons her high school graduation cap and gown.

Count Me In Program Helps LA Student Choose UC Merced

Kamil Williams-Fisher is enjoying the summer in her hometown of Los Angeles before starting classes this fall at UC Merced. A graduate of St. Mary's Academy in Inglewood, she first heard about...

Nohely Aguilar (’12) has established a scholarship to assist students.

Alumna Establishes Scholarship to Help Future Generations of Students

As part of her goal to give back to her alma mater as well as the San Jose community that supported and fostered her growth, UC Merced alumna Nohely Aguilar (’12) has established a scholarship...

Meet Ariana Valera an incoming first-year student for fall 2022.

Local Athlete, Student Leader Chooses UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Ariana Valera was born and raised in Merced. The fact that...

Applied Mathematics Ph.D. student Sarah Downs

DOD Fellowship Helps Grad Student Advance Machine Learning Research

Ph.D. student Sarah Downs was awarded the prestigious Department of Defense (DOD) Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarship. The Department of Defense is committed...

Meet Edwin Casillas an incoming first-year students for fall 2022

Highlighting a Dynamic, Diverse and Accomplished Cohort of New Bobcats

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Edwin Casillas chose UC Merced for many reasons, he said. He...

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