UC Merced

What if writing is actually a resilience tool?

UC Merced writing studies professor Emily Johnston explains how putting words on the page can help rewire the brain, process difficult emotions and strengthen our ability to bounce back.

Read more here 🔗 ucm.edu/dx3t08

In observance of Presidents’ Day, campus is closed today, February 16. 🇺🇸

With the rain falling today, it’s the perfect excuse to slow down, rest and recharge. Stay cozy and dry, Bobcats—we’ll see you tomorrow! 💛💙

UC Merced biochemist Andy LiWang is studying shape-shifting proteins that may help organisms adapt to temperature. Supported by a $1.2M Keck Foundation grant. 🔗 ucm.edu/fj85my

Three Merced painters, united in friendship and in their steadfast determination not to compromise their creative values, are serving as UC Merced’s first locally based artists-in-residence. Read our story about Ruben Aguilera Sanchez, Frank Ayala and Abel Corchado here 🔗 ucm.edu/gj9gpl

#BlackHistoryMonth recognizes the lasting contributions of Black scholars and leaders who have shaped academia. This month, UC Merced faculty reflect on the Black trailblazers who continue to inspire research on our campus.

Five UC Merced graduate students have been named 2025–26 ARCS Foundation Northern California Fellows, recognizing excellence in science, technology, engineering and math. Since 2022, ARCS has provided more than $200,000 in fellowship support to UC Merced scholars. 🔗 ucm.edu/kb90px

MLK Jr. Day of Service showed how service builds the beloved community Dr. King envisioned. Led by the Community Engagement Center, Bobcats marched downtown, served meals at the D Street Shelter and supported projects across Merced and Yosemite.

On Mon., Jan. 19, UC Merced will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a Day of Action, bringing our campus and community together in service. With campus closed that day, Bobcats are invited to serve across our community. 🔗 ucm.edu/n7lrai

As we wrap up 2025, we’re reflecting on the moments that shaped UC Merced. Explore our top news stories here 🔗 ucm.edu/news2025

UC Merced's social media is signing off for break & wishing you a joyful holiday season. See you in 2026, Bobcats!

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

Central Valley universities and colleges collaborate to expand access | Opinion “When all of higher education work together, we better serve our students, families, communities and California.”

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