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Regents Honor Student for Support of Foster Youth

January 29, 2025

UC Merced student Maddison Crump, who works to help ensure foster youth and formerly incarcerated students have resources to thrive, was among several young scholars recognized recently by University of California President Michael V. Drake and the UC Board of Regents for their leadership, resilience and significant contributions to the university.

Crump, who serves as the Belonging and Resilience Fellow in the UC Merced Calvin E. Bright Success Center , received the Regents Foster Youth Award. Crump also serves as a Merced County court-appointed special advocate in support of children in foster care. In this role she collaborates with social workers, foster parents, school personnel and others involved in a child’s case, preparing detailed court reports to assist in making decisions about the child’s future.

“Whether it’s advocating for foster youth in court or higher education, or supporting impacted individuals or mentoring others, I’m motivated by the belief that we all deserve the opportunity to thrive, no matter what hand we’re dealt in life,” said Crump, a fourth-year student majoring in psychology. “This award is a reminder of what’s possible when we come together to support one another.”

At the award ceremony, held during the Regents’ meeting Jan. 22-23 in San Francisco, UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said Crump exemplifies “what it means to be a member of the Fiat Lux family and certainly a UC Merced Bobcat.”