University of California, Merced - Alyssa Johansen

Giving Tuesday at ��ý: Collective Generosity Transforms Lives

Anonymous — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:02:51 +0000

December 1, 2025

Every gift during the Give to ��ý 2025 campaign supports students on their educational journeys.

When ��ý launches Give to ��ý 2025 on Dec. 2, it won’t just be about one day of giving; the month-long campaign will be about hope, opportunity and community impact.

For the 12th year, the campus joins the global Giving Tuesday movement, inviting donors to power change through the university’s ��ý Fund. Contributions to Give to ��ý will support the campus’s greatest needs, ensuring ��ý has the flexibility to fund emerging opportunities, expand programs and student support initiatives, and assist promising scholars with direct financial assistance.

Every dollar raised will also count toward Boldly Forward, the campus’s 10-year comprehensive fundraising campaign, which aims to raise $200 million by 2030.

Every gift touches lives in profound ways and empowers students to thrive.

One way donations help is through direct financial aid. ��ý has the highest percentage of Pell Grant-eligible students of all the University of California campuses, and nearly three-quarters of its student body are the first in their families to attend college.

Donor support gives students the freedom to focus on academics, research and internships, rather than financial stress.

Gifts also open doors to discovery. Research is at the heart of ��ý’s mission, driving solutions to real-world challenges. These efforts earned ��ý Carnegie R1 status, placing it among the nation’s top research universities.

��ý Fund contributions fuel this momentum. They support every facet of the campus research enterprise, including the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center, which empowers students to engage in faculty-mentored projects across disciplines. Through UROC, undergraduates receive structured training, hands-on experience, and guidance that prepares them for graduate school and competitive careers.

Donations help make it possible for students to tackle pressing questions, explore cutting-edge technologies and contribute to discoveries that shape the future.

“��ý's success and continuing growth stem from the generosity of our campus community, partners, alumni, family and friends,” Vice Chancellor and Chief External Relations Officer E. Edward Klotzbier said. “As the season of giving begins, we welcome both returning supporters and new donors to join us in shaping positive change and expanding opportunity for the students we serve through Give to ��ý.”

Together, all Give to ��ý contributions create a ripple effect, strengthening access, equity and excellence across campus. This Giving Tuesday, every gift matters. To learn more about Give to ��ý or to participate in the fundraising initiative, visit giveto.ucmerced.edu.

Native and Indigenous Student Coalition Promotes Culture and Community at ��ý

Anonymous — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:02:23 +0000

November 17, 2025

The 2025 Resilience in Native Student Empowerment Conference welcomed new Native students to campus with workshops, community-building and traditional Indian fry bread tacos.

November marks Native American Heritage Month — a time to celebrate, honor and amplify Indigenous traditions and histories. At ��ý, the student-led Native and Indigenous Student Coalition has become a powerful source of community and cultural pride since its founding in 2012.

At the center of this movement are student leaders such as Chance Zucco, president of NISC, and Marissa Bigfeather-Garcia, the group’s vice president. Both are dedicated to uplifting Indigenous representation and belonging on campus.

“My main motivator to join NISC was to get in touch with other Indigenous students on campus and support each other,”said Zucco, a member of the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe of California. “I feel like I’m always smiling when I’m with the club.”

After the challenges of the pandemic, NISC made a strong comeback in 2023, reaffirming its mission to celebrate Native identity through events, cultural education and advocacy. The organization continues to expand its impact, from hosting traditional food offerings to organizing programs that highlight Indigenous perspectives and history.

“Native American Heritage Month is about supporting Indigenous communities, learning about our history and our culture,” Zucco said. “It’s about honoring the people, the languages and the traditions we have lost. It’s about teaching people who we really are and the history they weren’t taught.”

Bigfeather-Garcia, a member of the Cherokee Nation from Oklahoma, shared that NISC has been instrumental in deepening her connection to her roots.

“Although I wasn’t always confident in embracing my Native heritage, I’ve come to recognize how important it is to acknowledge this part of who I am and how meaningful it is to celebrate being Indigenous,” she said.

Bigfeather-Garcia noted that though ��ý’s Indigenous student population is made up of less than 20 students, that strengthens her commitment to visibility.

“It can be frustrating to want progress and feel as though it’s slow to come, but I’m determined to be part of that change,” she said. “I joined NISC to use my voice in support of our small yet strong Indigenous community — one that I am very proud to represent.”

She honors her heritage through family powwows, traditional beading and the use of Cherokee language in everyday life. One of her most cherished memories is receiving a symbolic feather from her mother at her high school graduation — an intergenerational tradition of honoring milestones.

“The feather holds deep significance for us not only because of our Indigenous heritage, but also because it reflects our family name, Bigfeather,” she said.

At ��ý, Bigfeather-Garcia found her sense of belonging through NISC. That feeling inspired her to help organize the 2025 Resilience in Native Student Empowerment Conference, which welcomed new Native students to campus with workshops, community-building and traditional Indian fry bread tacos served in collaboration with the Pavilion.

“As a first-year student adjusting to a new environment and living away from home for the first time, that sense of belonging made a tremendous difference,” she said.

Looking ahead, she hopes to continue giving back to Indigenous communities through a career in art therapy.

“My Indigenous roots influence my future goals in my career and community work,” she said. “I want to work with Native individuals in areas that are much-needed — potentially on Indian reservations in Oklahoma, where my tribe originates.”

To learn more about NISC meetings and events throughout the year, follow the group on social media.

��ý Earns Perfect Score, Ranks 7th in Nation on Princeton Review’s ‘Top 50 Green Colleges’ List

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:01:09 +0000

By Sam Yniguez, ��ý

November 9, 2025

Students table at an on-campus Earth Day event

��ý 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.

The ranking highlights universities that set the standard for environmental stewardship through sustainable operations, curriculum and community engagement. ��ý’s perfect score underscores its deep commitment to sustainability – from its zero net energy goals to its emphasis on preparing students to lead in a greener global economy.

“This distinction reflects the collective effort of our students, faculty and staff who live out our sustainability values every day,” Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said. “Together, we’re proving that meaningful environmental stewardship can thrive right here in our region.”

The Princeton Review surveyed 388 colleges and universities for its 2024-25 ratings, analyzing more than 25 data points drawn from detailed questionnaires completed by campus administrators and students.

The survey evaluated policies and programs related to environmental responsibility such as energy and waste management, food sourcing and climate action planning. Student surveys provided additional insights into the campus culture of sustainability, including administrative support and opportunities for student engagement.

The Princeton Review partnered with the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education to streamline reporting through its Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, ensuring consistent, verified data across institutions.

From its inception, ��ý has woven sustainability into every aspect of campus life. All campus buildings are LEED certified, and the university’s commitment to sustainable construction and renewable energy has earned multiple national accolades.

In 2023, ��ý became the first public research university in the nation to achieve carbon neutrality, years ahead of the University of California systemwide goal. The campus continues to model sustainable practices through initiatives in waste diversion, water conservation and climate education.

"The sustainability body of work that takes place at ��ý is impressive and touches so many areas around campus," said Daryl Pierson, the university’s director of sustainability. "Through our sustainability initiatives, climate action, numerous course offerings, research activity, LEED certified buildings, and natural campus setting, ��ý clearly stands out as a sustainability leader among higher education institutions."

Winery Executive Stephanie Gallo Joins ��ý Foundation Board of Trustees

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:58:06 +0000

By Francesca Dinglasan, ��ý

October 23, 2025

GALLO Chief Marketing Officer Stephanie Gallo

The ��ý Foundation has named Stephanie Gallo, chief marketing officer at GALLO, to its Board of Trustees. A respected community leader and seasoned executive, Gallo brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to advancing educational initiatives and regional innovation.

As CMO of GALLO — the world’s largest family-owned winery, co-founded by her grandfather, Ernest, and great uncle, Julio — Gallo oversees the global management and strategic direction of the company’s brand portfolio.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Gallo continues to give back to her alma mater, serving as a Notre Dame fellow, board trustee, student mentor and guest speaker.

Gallo and her family live in Modesto, where she is involved in professional and community pursuits, including membership on the boards of E.& J. Gallo Winery, the California Wine Institute and the Gallo Center for the Arts.

The Gallo family has long been among ��ý’s most generous and influential supporters. Her late uncle, Bob Gallo, served for many years on the ��ý Foundation board and was named its first trustee emeritus. He and his wife, Marie, were lead donors behind the campus’s iconic Beginnings sculpture, a lasting symbol of their commitment to the university’s growth and legacy.

“We are honored to welcome Stephanie to the Board of Trustees,” said ��ý Chief External Relations Officer and ��ý Foundation President E. Edward Klotzbier. “Her family’s long-time and enduring dedication to our university is reflected across our campus. We look forward to the leadership and insight she will bring as she continues a proud legacy of service.”

“Stephanie’s appointment reflects our continuing commitment to aligning the Board of Trustees with the values and industries that define our region,” added ��ý Foundation Chair Monya Lane. “Her experience and strategic insight will help guide ��ý in achieving its vision and mission.”

Gallo’s tenure on the ��ý Foundation Board began July 1.

Agricultural Leader Jay Mahil Appointed to ��ý Foundation Board of Trustees

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:58:06 +0000

By Francesca Dinglasan, ��ý

October 23, 2025

Madera-based Creekside Company co-owner Jay Mahil

Community leader and Creekside Company co-owner Jay Mahil has been named to the ��ý Foundation Board of Trustees.

A fourth-generation farmer and the first in his family born in the United States, Mahil grew up in Lodi and is a longtime Fresno resident. After graduating from Lodi High School and Fresno State, he joined his family’s farming business, playing a key role in its modernization and expansion across the region.

Mahil and his family own and operate Madera-based Creekside Land Company, LLC; Creekside Farming Company, Inc.; and other affiliated Creekside entities. The family’s agricultural enterprise covers thousands of acres and encompasses the cultivation of a variety of produce, including almonds, citrus, pistachios, grapes and walnuts.

A recognized leader in California agriculture, Mahil served as past president of the Madera County Farm Bureau, past director of Madera Community Hospital, and on the University Foundation and Governance Board at Fresno State. He currently serves as District 9 director for the California Farm Bureau, chairman of the Chowchilla Subbasin Growers and chair of the Liberty Ag Advisory Committee.

“We are delighted that Jay has joined the Board of Trustees,” said ��ý Chief External Relations Officer and ��ý Foundation President E. Edward Klotzbier. “His deep roots in the Valley and strong commitment to innovation, sustainability and community make him an invaluable addition. With his strong understanding of our region’s most important industry, his perspective will enrich our work and help us better serve our mission.”

“Jay’s appointment to the board strengthens our capacity to serve the region, particularly through the valuable expertise he brings in agriculture and innovation,” added ��ý Foundation Chair Monya Lane. “His perspective will be a tremendous asset as we look to the future.”

Mahil assumed his new role as a ��ý Foundation board trustee July 1.

United for Education: Merced Institutions Forge a Stronger Future Together at ��ý Summit

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 23:53:16 +0000

By Sam Yniguez, ��ý

October 21, 2025

Pictured left to right: Merced College President Chris Vitelli, Merced Union High School District Superintendent Alan Peterson, Merced City School District Superintendent Juliana Stocking, ��ý Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz

In an unprecedented show of unity, leaders from Merced City School District, Merced Union High School District, Merced College and ��ý came together to discuss how continued collaboration can transform education and opportunities across the region.

Hosted at ��ý and attended by local educators, community leaders and public officials, the State of Merced Education Summit provided an inspiring look at how each organization is addressing its students’ needs and outlined a shared vision: aligning programs, resources and innovation to ensure students in the region can thrive at every stage of their educational journeys.

��ý Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz opened the summit by noting that, to the university’s knowledge, this gathering marked the first time leaders from all four institutions had gathered this way – a testament, he said, to a “new era of coordination and cooperation.”

“Each of you lead with dedication and skill,” Muñoz told the audience. “��ý is proud to be part of this endeavor of collaboration.”

During his opening remarks, he also mentioned an example of what’s possible when educators collaborate. The Promise Housing Project, a partnership with Merced College, will provide affordable housing for transfer students and serve as a physical extension of the Merced Promise, which already guarantees local college students a pathway to ��ý.

“The goal today isn’t to solve all our challenges,” Muñoz said, “but to give you a glimpse of where things stand, from kindergarten through Ph.D., and to recognize that this community is uniquely positioned for success.”

Alan Peterson, superintendent of the Merced Union High School District, reflected on nearly a decade of progress since he first took the helm in 2015.

“Back then,” he said, “we asked ourselves what all students truly need during their time in one of our schools. The answer was that every student should walk off the graduation stage with a diploma in one hand, CTE certification in the other and college credit already on their transcript.”

That philosophy fueled the school district’s rapid growth of dual enrollment with Merced College, which increased from 277 students to more than 1,800 in a few short years. It also helped spark conversations with ��ý about access and readiness that ultimately led to the Merced Automatic Admissions Program.

Peterson emphasized that this work isn’t just about education; it’s about economic development and community strength.

“When institutions collaborate,” he said, “the whole community wins.”

Merced City School District Superintendent Juliana Stocking (Photo credit: Shawn Jansen, MUHSD)

Juliana Stocking, superintendent of the Merced City School District, reminded the audience that the pathway to college and a career begins long before high school.

“Our purpose,” she said, “is to focus on our students’ talents and to recognize that families are our students’ first teachers.”

Stocking, who oversees more than 11,000 students across the city’s K–8 schools, described efforts to cultivate a college-going culture through literacy initiatives, dual language immersion and early career-awareness programs.

“We don’t just want to bring programs,” she said. “We want to bring high-quality programs.”

She also shared examples of collaborations already underway, including career technical education in middle schools, partnerships with Merced College such as “College For Kids” and student tutoring, and new summer camps, along with arts and athletic collaborations with ��ý that help students and families see themselves on college campuses.

And while there is much work to be done, Stocking said some headway has been made in addressing long-standing literacy issues and aging facilities. She said ongoing partnerships such as this “aren’t just helpful – they are required for the success of our students and our community.”

Merced College President Chris Vitelli (Photo credit: Shawn Jansen, MUHSD)

Chris Vitelli, president of Merced College, called the gathering a moment of both reflection and possibility.

“Together, we are good,” he said, “but we can be much, much better.”

He thanked Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria for her presence and support, emphasizing the shared responsibility of educators and policymakers to invest in the region’s students.

“Education remains the most powerful tool for economic mobility,” Vitelli said, reaffirming his commitment to provide a high-quality education at an affordable price.

Vitelli shared that Merced College now serves more than 20,000 students – the most in its history – with nearly 70 percent identifying as first-generation. The college’s annual economic impact exceeds $325 million and supports more than 4,000 jobs locally.

He spotlighted innovative initiatives such as HyFlex Fridays for flexible learning, competency-based education, and immersive learning through programs such as the AgTech Innovation Center and Dreamscape Learn.

Vitelli also pointed to the Promise Housing project as embodying the spirit of partnership driving this effort.

“We’re sending a message to students from kindergarten on: If you want to stay here, learn here and grow here, we will invest in you,” he said.

When Muñoz returned to the podium, he connected these individual efforts to ��ý’s broader mission of teaching, research and public service.

“The mission of the University of California is to serve the people of this state,” he said. “For ��ý, that means providing opportunity to an underserved region, and we’ve done just that.”

He noted that ��ý’s annual economic impact now exceeds $1 billion, supporting one in every 15 jobs in the region, and that the university continues to attract new investment and people to enrich the local community.

“��ý’s growth is tied to the vitality of the community around it,” Muñoz said. “We are proud to stand with our partners, to share success, face challenges honestly and build toward a future that reflects the very best of Merced.”

Flavors & Stories: Chef Sean Sherman Brings Indigenous Culinary Wisdom to ��ý

Anonymous — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:36:32 +0000

By Seth Allen, ��ý

October 14, 2025

"Sioux Chef" Sean Sherman was the honored guest for ��ý Dining's "Foof For Thought" event.

The beat of drums and the scent of cedar filled ��ý’s Conference Center as acclaimed chef, author and activist Sean Sherman shared stories of tradition, resilience and culinary innovation during “Flavors & Stories: A Fireside Chat with the Sioux Chef.”

The New York Times bestselling author and founder of North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS) engaged the audience in a conversation about his journey to revitalize Indigenous cuisine and reconnect communities with the ingredients and methods that sustained their ancestors for generations.

“There wasn’t a lot of Native food when I was growing up,” Sherman reflected. “But I have a strong memory of chokecherry wojape. We’d harvest the berries, and my grandmother would prepare it for us all.”

Sherman, a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe, spoke about the evolution of his culinary philosophy and his mission to redefine Indigenous cuisine in the modern era. “I had to identify what it meant to me to identify pre-colonial foods,” he said. “We’re not trying to cook like it’s 1491. I’m a futurist, not a traditionalist.”

The conversation at the Oct. 8 event was moderated by executive chef and culinary director for ��ý Dining Anthony Pangelina, who guided the discussion through Sherman’s early influences, the founding of NATIFS and his work to promote Native food sovereignty.

In a moment that drew laughter from the audience, Sherman recounted the frequent question he receives about his award-winning Minneapolis restaurant, Owamni. “People ask how they can get a reservation at my sold-out restaurant,” he said with a smile. “I tell them ‘I don’t know, I just grew up on one.’”

The event opened with a performance by Medicine For My Sisters, a women’s drum group whose rhythmic songs set a powerful tone for the evening. Following the conversation, guests enjoyed a reception featuring Indigenous dishes prepared by ��ý Dining chefs using recipes from Sherman’s “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen,” including cedar-braised bison, three sisters mash and maple-sage roasted vegetables.

“Flavors & Stories” is part of ��ý Dining’s Food for Thought speaker series, created by Executive Chef Mitch Vanagten. It fosters conversations around food, culture and sustainability. In partnership with the Division of Equity, Justice & Inclusive Excellence, the series has welcomed chefs, authors and innovators who inspire the campus community to view food as a bridge between identity and understanding.

“Having Chef Sean Sherman share his knowledge of Indigenous foods and food sovereignty with our ��ý community was a true honor, especially leading into Indigenous Peoples' Day,” Vanagten said.

Sherman’s visit left attendees with a renewed appreciation for the deep roots and future possibilities of Indigenous cuisine — a reminder, as he noted, that food carries not just flavor, but story and history.

SJV PRIME+ Expands Training with Sutter Gould, Modesto Hospital Partnership

Anonymous — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:36:26 +0000

By Jessica Gardezy, ��ý

October 12, 2025

Second and third year SJV PRIME+ students are welcomed by Sutter Gould Medical Foundation and Sutter's Memorial Medical Center leadership

��ý’s San Joaquin Valley PRIME+ (B.S. to M.D.) pathway continues to grow as it teams up with Sutter Gould Medical Foundation and Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center in Modesto. The collaboration will give undergraduate students in the pathway the opportunity to complete immersive, eight-week clinical experiences alongside physicians in a range of specialties, bringing them one step closer to their goal of serving communities throughout the Valley.

“This collaboration is a meaningful expansion of our students’ exposure to real-world medical settings in the region they are preparing to serve,” said Emily Bauer, community engagement coordinator for ��ý’s Department of Medical Education (DOME). “Our team has worked closely with organizations like Sutter to establish these opportunities, and we’re proud to see this partnership come to life.”

Each participating student will make the hourlong journey from Merced to Modesto each week to shadow clinicians in primary care and other specialties, often returning to campus just in time for afternoon classes — a testament to their dedication to serving Valley communities. Over the course of the semester, students will gain firsthand insight into the realities of patient care and health systems across the Central Valley.

The agreement was championed by ��ý alumnus Dr. Zi Wang ’11, medical director of the stroke program at Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center. Dr. Wang, who grew up in the Bay Area and chose ��ý as part of its early graduating classes, reflected on the personal significance of the moment.

“This program unites the two institutions that shaped me as a physician,” Wang said. “��ý taught me to be a trailblazer — to build something from the ground up. That pioneering spirit is what brought me back to serve the Central Valley and to help create opportunities for those who will follow.”

Dr. Wang told students his first exposure to medicine came as an undergraduate at ��ý, when he began scribing for physicians at Memorial Medical Center. “That front-row seat to health care in the Valley changed my life,” he said. “It showed me both the challenges and the promise of medicine here — and it made me realize that this community deserves better. I wanted to be part of delivering that better care.”

He also emphasized the enduring values of the profession. “You will not always have the answers,” he said. “But what you can always do — what you must always do — is be present for your patients. As the saying goes, ‘Cure sometimes, relieve often, comfort always.’ That's the essence of medicine.”

The Sutter partnership is one of several clinical collaborations underway as DOME continues to build the SJV PRIME+ pathway. Additional partnerships in development with local, Merced County-based health centers will expand student placements across the region, allowing for experiences ranging from observation-based shadowing to community-based health education.

The first SJV PRIME+ cohort will transition into the program’s medical education phase in 2027, completing their first year and a half of medical training at ��ý before moving to UCSF Fresno for their clinical rotations.

Each of these partnerships represents years of groundwork, and many more such partnerships are needed as ��ý works toward its own full-fledged medical school.

“We are working toward not just a program or pathway,” Bauer said, “but a continuous pipeline of locally trained, community-centered physicians who will ultimately improve health care across the San Joaquin Valley.”

��ý Arts Opens Season with East L.A. Band Las Cafeteras

Anonymous — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:11:30 +0000

October 3, 2025

Las Cafeteras opens the ��ý Arts season with a performance that celebrates Día de Los Muertos

��ý Arts has announced its 2025-26 season of performances, exhibitions and public art programs, beginning with the return of East L.A.’s electrifying band Las Cafeteras.

The band’s Día de los Muertos-themed production, “Hasta La Muerte,” comes to Merced on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Art Kamangar Center at The Merced Theatre. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets – $15 for general admission and free for students with ID and for children – are available at arts.ucmerced.edu/boxoffice and at the door starting 30 minutes before the performance.

“This season, we’re excited to celebrate artistry that is both homegrown and international — highlighting the extraordinary talent of Merced artists and presenting them alongside other world-class creators from across California and the United States,” said Collin Lewis, Executive Director for the Arts at ��ý.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Las Cafeteras back to Merced to celebrate Día de los Muertos and to open the season with ‘Hasta La Muerte,’ a celebration of life and memory.”

The 2025-26 ��ý Arts season also will feature concerts, theater, dance, film and exhibitions across multiple venues. Many programs are offered free of charge, including visual art exhibitions at La Galería, the annual ��ý Children’s Opera, and the nationally recognized Shakespeare in Yosemite program with a new production of “Love’s Labor’s Lost.”

The season schedule:

Las Cafeteras, “Hasta La Muerte,” 8, Merced Theatre
“20 Years of ��ý Art & Architecture” – through Dec. 13, La Galería at ��ý
Merced Symphony: Side-by-Side Spectacular – Oct. 29, Wallace-Dutra Amphitheatre at ��ý
“Central Valley Landscapes:” paintings and photographs by Richard Gomez and Christopher Viney – Jan. 29 - March 13, La Galería at ��ý
American Patchwork Quartet – Feb. 6, Merced Theatre
“A Song for Cesar” screening and concert – March 17, Merced Theatre
PUSH Dance Company – April 3, Merced Multicultural Arts Center
Shakespeare in Yosemite: “Love’s Labor’s Lost” – April 23–26, ��ý & Yosemite National Park
“If All the Sky Were Paper” – May 1–3, Merced Multicultural Arts Center
��ý Children’s Opera: “The Ghost in the Opera Houseˆ– May 23, Merced Theatre

Tickets for “Hasta La Muerte” and other performances are available at arts.ucmerced.edu/boxoffice

��ý Named the 14th Best College in the Nation by Wall Street Journal

Anonymous — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:08:09 +0000

By Sam Yniguez, ��ý

October 1, 2025

��ý was ranked the 14th best college in the nation and No. 3 amongst public universities by Wall Street Journal.

Following recognition as a Top 25 university by U.S. News & World Report, ��ý has once again earned national acclaim, this time from the Wall Street Journal. In its 2026 report of the Best Colleges in the U.S., the highly respected media outlet has named ��ý the 14th best college in the nation.

Among public institutions, ��ý ranked third nationwide – right after UC Berkeley and UC Davis – and placed fifth among all California universities, public and private. The university was also recognized for its leadership in expanding opportunity, earning the No. 3 spot nationally in social mobility.

“This recognition from the Wall Street Journal underscores the incredible momentum at ��ý,” said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “To be ranked among the very best colleges in the country and recognized for our social mobility efforts speaks to the talent of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff and the transformative impact of our mission.”

According to the WSJ’s website, the rankings – developed in partnership with College Pulse and Statista – evaluate colleges on factors that matter most to students and families, including student outcomes, learning environment and diversity. Like U.S. News, the methodology used by the WSJ rewards student experience and academic excellence more equitably.

��ý received high marks across all student outcome categories, especially for “Salary Impact” and “Graduation Rate Impact.” The university also performed well in the “Diversity” category, which looks at not only the ethnic makeup of students and faculty but also the inclusion of students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and students with disabilities.

Social mobility remains an area in which ��ý excels. According to the report, universities that do well in this category enroll a high proportion of students “coming from lower-income families, while maintaining high graduation rates and having a positive impact on graduate salaries and minimizing the costs of attending the college.”

“What sets ��ý apart is not just the quality of education we provide, but the opportunities we create for students who have historically been left out of higher education,” Muñoz said. “These rankings affirm that we are delivering on our promise of opening doors, supporting student success and preparing graduates to make an impact on the world.”

University of California, Merced - Alyssa Johansen

Giving Tuesday at ������ý: Collective Generosity Transforms Lives

Native and Indigenous Student Coalition Promotes Culture and Community at ������ý

������ý Earns Perfect Score, Ranks 7th in Nation on Princeton Review’s ‘Top 50 Green Colleges’ List

Winery Executive Stephanie Gallo Joins ������ý Foundation Board of Trustees

Agricultural Leader Jay Mahil Appointed to ������ý Foundation Board of Trustees

United for Education: Merced Institutions Forge a Stronger Future Together at ������ý Summit

Flavors & Stories: Chef Sean Sherman Brings Indigenous Culinary Wisdom to ������ý

SJV PRIME+ Expands Training with Sutter Gould, Modesto Hospital Partnership

������ý Arts Opens Season with East L.A. Band Las Cafeteras

������ý Named the 14th Best College in the Nation by Wall Street Journal

Giving Tuesday at ��ý: Collective Generosity Transforms Lives

Native and Indigenous Student Coalition Promotes Culture and Community at ��ý

��ý Earns Perfect Score, Ranks 7th in Nation on Princeton Review’s ‘Top 50 Green Colleges’ List

Winery Executive Stephanie Gallo Joins ��ý Foundation Board of Trustees

Agricultural Leader Jay Mahil Appointed to ��ý Foundation Board of Trustees

United for Education: Merced Institutions Forge a Stronger Future Together at ��ý Summit

Flavors & Stories: Chef Sean Sherman Brings Indigenous Culinary Wisdom to ��ý

��ý Arts Opens Season with East L.A. Band Las Cafeteras

��ý Named the 14th Best College in the Nation by Wall Street Journal