Campus Community

Open Arms, Open Skies: Students Welcomed at Spirited, Soggy Scholars Bridge Crossing

August 26, 2025

Spirits were high and futures bright while all else was soaked in a summer storm that made Tuesday morning’s Scholars Bridge Crossing, UC Merced’s traditional greeting to new students, a welcome unlike any before. Call them Thunder ‘Cats. The ceremony embraced about 2,000...

Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy pose for a photo.

UC Merced Celebrates Official Dedication of the Lakireddy Grand Ballroom

Longtime UC Merced supporters Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy were recently honored as part of an intimate event to mark the official dedication of the campus ballroom bearing their names. The Dr....

Sharee Sok, Korynn Maravilla and Diana Maravilla pose for a photo at UC Merced.

Working at UC Merced Is a Family Affair for Three Generations

"A family that works together, stays together" is not usually how the saying goes. But for one family at UC Merced, it describes their relationship perfectly. Diana Maravilla has worked...

Graduate Summer Bridge Program Recognized as a ‘Program to Watch’

Graduate Division’s Competitive Edge Summer Bridge program for incoming Ph.D. students was identified as a Program to Watch by Excelencia in Education, a national effort to identify evidence-...

UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz and alumni pose for a photo at Dodger Stadium.

UC Merced Alumni Hit Home Runs in 2022

UC Merced alumni gave back to their alma mater in several big ways in 2022. From endowed scholarships to events, Bobcats are ensuring that current and future students have access to the best...

A graduating student holds up a diploma cover.

'Courage' and 'Idealism' Take Center Stage at Fall 2022 Commencement

Neither chilly temperatures nor a thick blanket of dense fog could dampen the smiles and spirits of hundreds of Bobcats as they participated in UC Merced's Fall 2022 Commencement. Nearly 450...

UC Merced graduating students pose for a photo with their regalia.

Fall 2022 Commencement to Include First Graduate Division Ceremony

Downtown Merced will be covered in a sea of blue and gold over two days as hundreds of UC Merced Bobcats take part in fall commencement. Also, for the first time, graduate students will have their...

Trees have been placed in four locations for people to select families for whom to buy gifts.

UC Merced Students, Faculty, Staff Help the Needy at the Holidays

Throughout the year, the UC Merced Community Engagement Center (CEC) offers a variety of opportunities for students to work for the betterment of the area. But at the holidays, faculty and staff...

Dual Language Bobcat Day Connect Module Earns Modo Award

UC Merced’s commitment to keeping its students and their families informed about all the incredible opportunities the campus offers on Bobcat Day has been awarded first place in the Best...

UC Merced Holds Toloma 5k Run in Honor of Native American Heritage Month (Slideshow)

Members of the community joined UC Merced students, faculty and staff and their families for the annual "UC Merced Toloma 5k Fun Run". The event is held every year in honor of Native...