Nearly 400 Bobcats celebrated Fall Commencement in downtown Merced. From first-gen milestones to powerful reminders to write your own story, the Class of 2025 made it official.🎓💛💙 ucm.edu/cw2nwb

Three weeks into Give to UC Merced, the support continues to lift students and strengthen opportunities across our campus. Every gift matters. Every gift makes a difference. 🔗 giveto.ucmerced.edu

“This university taught me that the greatest accomplishments aren’t always measured by grades or awards, but by perseverance and by the people we touch along the way.” - Heriberto Paz Benitez (’25), School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts Congrats, Bobcats!

“...You will continue to have firsts in your journey ahead. The question is, How do you take charge of those moments?” - Anthony ‘AJ’ Heard, ('25), School of Engineering and School of Natural Sciences Student Keynote Speaker Congratulations, Bobcats!

“Think of all the sacrifice and hard work that has gotten you to this moment and be proud. ” - Omar DeGuchy, Ph.d (’20), Graduate Division Keynote Speaker The first commencement ceremony began last night, honoring 13 master’s candidates and 24 Ph.D candidates who were hooded.

Years of research, resilience and curiosity lead to this moment. Graduate Division Commencement begins at 6 p.m. Celebrate our master’s and Ph.D. graduates live. 🎓 Stream here: 🔗 commencement.ucmerced.edu

We are grateful for the generosity shown so far through Give to UC Merced. Because of our community, students are being supported, research is moving forward and opportunity continues to grow. Thank you for being part of what makes UC Merced thrive. 🔗 giveto.ucmerced.edu

This year, we took Gobble & Gather (on the Go!) to Planada, where we partnered with Cultiva Central Valley to distribute turkeys, along with hot cocoa, treats and a lot of holiday cheer. Thank you to our volunteers and to the Planada community for making yesterday so special.

The season of giving is here, and there is still time to make an impact at UC Merced. Your support through Give to UC Merced helps students thrive, fuels research and expands opportunity. 🔗 giveto.ucmerced.edu

UC Merced receives a donation from MacKenzie Scott, marking the largest donation in the university's history. 🔗 ucm.edu/zv4a6u

The Downtown Merced Christmas Parade was a night full of community, cheer, and Bobcat pride! 💛💙 We had so much fun showcasing our UC Merced gold and blue and celebrating 20 years with our community.

We broke new ground in the Central Valley, and now we are leading in sustainability, research and innovation. 💙 Your gift helps students and scholars drive the future. 🔗 giveto.ucmerced.edu/

From our very first class in 2005 to becoming a top 25 public university, your support helped make it possible. Celebrate our progress and help shape what comes next. 🔗 giveto.ucmerced.edu/

This Giving Tuesday, we launch Give to UC Merced, not as a single day of giving but as a month dedicated to hope, opportunity and impact. 💛 Your support fuels the next generation. Learn more 🔗 ucm.edu/wggg2p or give now 🔗 giveto.ucmerced.edu/

Today’s Merced Promise Housing Beam Signing was made possible through the leadership of Senator Anna Caballero, Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria and Merced College President Chris Vitelli. Opening 2027 with 488 affordable beds, this project expands access and opportunity for Central Valley students.

As the campus settles into fall, we wish you a restful and restorative break. 🍂 Campus will be closed Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28.

A new UC Merced–led study shows that most people aren’t too worried about AI’s impact on jobs, even when told automation could arrive as soon as 2026. 🔗 ucm.edu/nuk732

UC Merced marks Native American Heritage Month by spotlighting our student-led NISC, where leaders like Chance Zucco and Marissa Bigfeather-Garcia are building community, visibility and belonging on campus. 🔗 https://ow.ly/gjXl50XuSij

Campus today 🤌🏾

UC Merced was recognized again as a national leader in sustainability, earning a perfect Green Rating score and ranking No. 7 in the nation on The Princeton Review’s 2025 list of Top 50 Green Colleges. 🔗 ucm.edu/vbahfr

Higher education is key to unlocking the full potential of California’s Central Valley. UC Merced and regional partners are collaborating to expand access, strengthen communities and shape California’s future. 🔗 ucm.edu/scysyu

What if your old T-shirt could feed a field? UC Merced researchers are leading a project to recycle cotton waste into compost, helping build a more sustainable future from the ground up. 🔗 ucm.edu/o75o1l

Today and every day, UC Merced honors those who have served, will serve and continue to serve our country. We’re proud to sponsor the Merced Sunrise Rotary Field of Honor at Merced College, featuring more than 2,000 flags honoring veterans and public safety members. 📸 Timothy Olsen, UC Merced

Bzzz-worthy news 🐝 UC Merced has officially been certified as a Bee Campus USA affiliate, joining campuses nationwide working to create healthier habitats for pollinators. 🔗 ucm.edu/zbj8li

UC Merced biologist Néstor Oviedo is exploring how the brain may hold the key to controlling cancer. Supported by a $2 million NIH grant, his lab is studying how molecular signals influence the earliest stages of cancer development. 🔗 ucm.edu/orzdvg

From empowering workshops to inspiring stories, UC Merced is celebrating #FirstGenWeek, honoring those who are first in their families to blaze new trails. 🔗 ucm.edu/8h0f3r

This #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, UC Merced honors the Yokut and Miwuk peoples, the original stewards of the land where our campus resides. We remain committed to recognizing their rich heritage, enduring presence, and lasting contributions to our community, today and every day.

enjoying the Merced Symphony in concert alongside student musicians at @ucmerced.bsky.social

I had my first real visit to @ucmerced.bsky.social to meet students and leaders and give a public talk, and had a wonderful time - hoping to come back some time soon.

In a first-of-its-kind gathering, leaders from UC Merced, Merced College, Merced Union High School District and Merced City School District came together to align efforts and strengthen educational pathways across the region. 🔗 ucm.edu/d84gpj

Only 20 years since undergraduate instruction began, UC Merced’s pioneering spirit is stronger than ever. Chancellor Muñoz’s State of the University address celebrated progress in research, economic impact and student success. 🔗 ucm.edu/tbq2hb

Happy Diwali 🪔 Wishing our Bobcat community a joyful Diwali filled with tradition, friendship and community.

As Hispanic Heritage Month concludes, UC Merced celebrates 15 years as a HSI, empowering students and families across the Central Valley and beyond. Proud to be one of five UC campuses advancing access and opportunity for our community. 🔗 ucm.edu/vt5x1v

UC Merced’s partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory provides students with the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research through the annual Data Science Challenge, strengthening their skills, resumes and career paths in the sciences. 🔗 ucm.edu/my8pjw

Dr. Michael Galvez, a surgeon at Valley Children’s Hospital, came to the Central Valley with a mission: to inspire the next generation of Latino physicians. 🔗 ucm.edu/u98nhj

The public is invited to an evening of cosmic discovery on Thurs., Oct. 23, featuring a lecture by Bruce Macintosh, director of the University of California Observatories followed by telescope viewing with the campus Astronomy Club. 🔗 ucm.edu/e49fvk

An almond orchard in Parlier offers a glimpse into the future of farming! @ucmerced.bsky.social and #UCANR researchers are testing an AI-guided irrigation system at Kearney REC that delivers the right amount of water to boost efficiency and conserve resources. bit.ly/47fvpav

Every university has a story. UC Merced’s began with sketches and a dream to expand access to higher education. Now, 20 years later, UC Merced Arts presents "20 Years of UC Merced Art & Architecture", on view at La Galería through Dec. 13. 🔗 ucm.edu/olasz1

UC Merced is ranked in the Top 25 Best Public Schools by @usnews.com and holds the No. 3 spot in social mobility for the second year in a row. 🔗 ucm.edu/nwhjdw

New season, new beginnings. Happy first day of fall, y’all!🍃🍂

Thank you to all the amazing Bobcats who joined us in SF for an evening of connection, celebration, and community. It was inspiring to see our alumni come together to share stories, build networks, and strengthen the @ucmerced.bsky.social spirit! Join us as we head from the Bay to LA - ucm.edu/LA25

As a proud HSI, UC Merced honors the vibrant culture and contributions of our Hispanic community this Hispanic Heritage Month. 💙💜🧡💖 Explore curated newsroom features and join the celebration here 🔗 ucm.edu/vwp1qr

Friday night we celebrated UC Merced’s past, present and future. From a $5M Campos Foundation gift and our first NCAA DII women’s soccer home game to the Fiat Lux drone show. Thank you for celebrating twenty years of firsts with us! 🎉💙

What a way to kick off the @ucmerced.bsky.social academic year! Political Science and CAPE hosted the inaugural Fall Kick-Off for faculty and students last week, featuring a celebration of Professor Christopher Ojeda's new book The Sad Citizen: How Politics is Depressing and Why It Matters.

Join us in San Francisco as we celebrate 20 incredible years of @ucmerced.bsky.social with an unforgettable evening at Waterfront. engage.ucmerced.edu/SF25 🎉 Connect with fellow alumni, meet campus leaders, and be part of the milestone as our 20th anniversary celebration hits the Bay! 🏙

Rain, thunder, lightning — nothing could stop UCMerced’s 2025 Scholars Bridge Crossing. About 2,000 new Bobcats crossed the bridge, proving that nothing can dampen Bobcat spirit. Welcome to the family, (Thunder) ’Cats! 🐾💙 ucm.edu/79e108

Chancellor Munoz joined colleagues in San Diego today for the California–Mexico College and University Opportunities Forum hosted by @davidalvarezca.bsky.social to share UC Merced's partnerships in summer research and discuss expanding collaboration across the US and Mexico.

Meet Leslie Perez-Cruz, a Merced native who’s already achieving big things. From high school courses at Merced College to becoming a certified nursing assistant, Leslie’s on track to become an ER tech and one day, a medical student. 🔗 ucm.edu/2nhozm

Ahmed Sabbir Arif, an associate professor in electrical engineering and computer science, is co-investigator on a project with @ucdavis.bsky.social professor Lee Miller: an AR system that substantially enhances speech comprehension for older adults with hearing loss. ucm.edu/dlkr2g

@ucmerced.bsky.social Prof Christopher Ojeda spoke on @kvprnews.bsky.social's Central Valley Daily podcast about his new book "The Sad Citizen: How Politics Is Depressing And Why It Matters", addressing the depressing divisiveness in modern politics. Listen here: www.kvpr.org/podcast/cent...