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From President Drake
Our work today will yield future public good
Graduation season is one of the most satisfying in higher education. Each cap tossed in the air represents not just the pure joy of success, but the inspiring story of all the toughest moments that each graduate had to navigate in order to find their way forward. Across the University of California, we’re so proud of our 84,000 graduates and of all they have had to overcome, having entered college when the pandemic was still impacting us all on a daily basis.
It’s not the easy victories that inspire us; it’s the ones that require heart and perseverance. Often, there are circles of people, near and far, helping us along the way. I’m thinking about all of the people who have had a hand in sending those caps flying into the air, whether loving family members, loyal friends, or dedicated faculty and staff. It’s important to remember that our efforts matter every day. Our community relies on our integrity and our character as individuals and as an institution. Today’s efforts yield benefits to the public good far into the future.
An example: Last week, while attending a celebration for a clinical expansion of UC Riverside Health, I had the opportunity to reconnect with a gentleman named Ernest Levister. I’ve known Ernie for decades – he has devoted years of his life to advocating for greater opportunity for students of all backgrounds who want to go to medical school. I remember him as a community activist, testifying in Sacramento in the early 2000s in his quest to create more opportunities in medicine, and to advance access to health care for communities in the Inland Empire. His was of course one voice among many, but fast forward 25 years, and the UC Riverside School of Medicine graduated its ninth class last week. Since its inception, the medical school has graduated 454 physicians, with 26 percent completing their residencies in the Inland Empire, and more on the way. This is truly a dream fulfilled; the result of a community coming together around a common goal, and then providing the energy and support to make it happen.
Keep an eye out for people around you like Dr. Levister, who are working today to create opportunities for students who will graduate 25 years from now. Take heart in the amazing community that encompasses our 10 campuses, our six academic medical centers, and three affiliated National Laboratories. And to the University of California graduates of 2025, know that we believe in you. We can’t wait to see what you do next.
Congratulations — and Fiat Lux!
Michael V. Drake, M.D.
UC President
Celebrating our remarkable graduates
It’s the best time of the year — seeing the students we’ve supported begin the next steps towards their post-university dreams! Get inspired by UC grads who are eager to give back, as well as those who have already spent time making a difference in California communities. And, learn how our alumni have an incredible economic impact on themselves, their communities and our state.
UC-trained nurses are expanding health care access
Nurses graduating from UC are taking on one of the biggest challenges facing our state: A shortage of clinicians that makes it hard for many people to get needed medical care. Meet four UC-trained nurses who are rising to the challenge, dedicating their careers to improving and expanding health care access for those who need it most.
Data-driven impact: Find out how UC Health is using innovative data modeling techniques to advance health care accessibility.
Get social with @UCnet_work, UC’s official employee Instagram!
UC has launched an exciting new Instagram account — @UCnet_work. This account celebrates the real stories, people and perks of working at UC while giving you a new, easy way to get the latest UC news and connect with colleagues. Follow us here. And, you could be featured: Share your story.
Stand up for UC. Looking for another way to connect? Join the UC Advocacy Network, a grassroots effort that advocates to lawmakers on behalf of the university.
Travel insurance: Need it or leave it?
If you’re planning to get away this summer, you may be wondering if you should buy travel insurance (or what it is and how it works). Find out what to look for and how to use your UC benefits when you’re on the go.
A better retirement-planning experience. The UC Retirement Administration Service Center is conducting focus groups to learn how it can improve its self-service website. Here’s what to expect if you’re contacted.
Phishing scams are targeting UC paychecks
Online threats to our security have become more sophisticated. Attackers are using new, very convincing tactics in attempts to redirect UC employees’ paychecks to their own accounts. This includes fake ads for UC websites (like UCPath), domains that look very similar to ours and even fake websites with UC photos. It’s more important than ever to be vigilant. Find out what to look out for.
UC Spotlight: Kudos for our work together
Our monthly UC Spotlight celebrates UC locations, teams and individual staff members who are helping to make UC a great place to work. Read this month’s Spotlight for stories and photos of staff who are making a difference. Then, learn how to share your achievements.
UC Merced’s 30-year milestone: From Regents vote to research powerhouse, UC’s newest campus has become an engine for social mobility and a major asset to the San Joaquin Valley — in just 30 years.
Viral life hacks and your mental health
From brainrot to cortisol cocktails, sleepmaxxing, manifesting, floor time and bedrotting, UC San Diego experts break down the science behind popular social media coping strategies and self-care trends.
Pass on passing the reefer. A new study led by UC San Francisco researchers finds that chronic cannabis use — whether it’s smoked or consumed in edible form — is bad for your heart.
UC People
Brian Choi, artist and nature enthusiast
UC San Diego Senior Graphic Designer Brian Choi is passionate about visual design, collaboration and the beauty of the natural world. Meet Brian.
UC voices
“I want to go to space to be an advocate that space is for everyone, not just the rich or people who look a certain way. We need to change the Cold War-era ‘space race’ mode of thinking where countries vie for scientific progress in terms of power.” — Brandon Lazard
2025 UCLA graduate, on what inspires his dream of becoming an astronaut.
More UC news
Combating antisemitism: A new website demonstrates UC’s reforms and programs
University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., names new UC Riverside chancellor
Multi-year minimum wage increases for lowest-paid workers to continue
Visionary partnership between UC Investments and Berkeley Institute for Data Science
New and improved websites for UC’s faculty/staff PPO and Medicare Supplement PPO plans
For questions about UCnetwork, contact our editorial team at ucnetwork@universityofcalifornia.edu.