Dear Colleagues,

Traveling to speak with media is a regular part of my job. I just returned from a media roundtable in New York City with leaders from a handful of other universities where we take questions about higher education from national media. The travel also allowed me the opportunity to visit with a high-profile philanthropist.

As I met with these groups, I was reminded of two things. First, how we are now seen as a national player and invited to settings we hadn’t been in the past. And second, how our unique combination of academic excellence and access is appreciated by so many others. The bold hearts and brilliant minds that occupy UCR have created a model that others seek to copy.

Thank you all for your efforts which have not only raised the profile of UCR but also light a new path that others want to follow.

Highlanders Ending Hunger

One of the 21st century problems that needs our help is the magnitude of food insecurity existing in a world where we produce enough food to feed everyone. In 2022, the UN reported that 735 million people faced chronic hunger while approximately 2.4 billion experienced moderate to severe food insecurity. And according to a USDA report in 2023, 47 million Americans are food insecure.

But this isn’t a problem that only happens outside our community. Unfortunately, we know this issue impacts students on our campus.

This year, UCR’s Giving Tuesday is themed “Highlanders Ending Hunger.” The central focus is to raise funds for UCR Food Pantry, also known as R’Pantry.

As members of the Highlander Community, we are dedicated to helping our students thrive. By coming together on Giving Tuesday, we can help ensure every student has the support they need to succeed.

This year, Giving Tuesday occurs on December 3. But you don’t have to wait to get involved. Below are two important ways you can participate starting now.

Gift a meal: make an immediate impact with a gift to the R’Pantry. A gift of just $10 provides 5 to 6 nutritious meals to students in need and helps keep the R’Pantry shelves stocked. To gift a meal, click here.

Spread The Word: encourage friends, family, colleagues, and volunteers to join you in supporting UCR.

Thank you to our annual giving team for leading this effort and to all who are working to end hunger among our students or beyond our campus.

APLU declares UCR an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University

Earlier this month, the Association of Public Land Grant Universities (APLU) announced that UCR was recognized as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. To receive this designation, we had to demonstrate not only our commitment to economic development in Inland Southern California but also areas for growth and improvement. You can read more of the exciting news here.

Let’s Go, Highlanders!

There are many opportunities to cheer on the Highlanders as the men’s and women’s basketball seasons begin. Please join me in supporting our student athletes by attending a game. Upcoming games:

12/5 UCR Women’s Basketball vs. CSU Northridge @ 6:00 p.m.

12/7 UCR Men’s Basketball vs. Cal State Fullerton @ 5:00 p.m.

Visit the full calendar for a complete listing of Highlander teams and events.

Go Highlanders!