Dear Colleagues,
On February 11, 2020, a dedication ceremony celebrated the installation of artwork on UC Riverside’s campus. The circular yellow sculpture between the Arts and College of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Buildings proclaimed, “Things Change,” or “Change Things,” depending on perspective.
Indeed, change was at our doorstep.
A deadly new virus had begun circling the globe. By March 14, 2020, we had closed the campus to all but critical operations and were moving winter quarter finals and spring courses to remote instruction. Five days after that, Governor Newsom issued a shelter-in-place order.
As we mark the fifth anniversary since COVID-19 arrived, I am struck by the ways “things change” and the ways we “change things.” The global pandemic ushered in new technologies and tools for remote work and learning. Labs were transformed into testing centers. While some research was postponed, we were all thrust into a period of discovery, learning new ways of living, working, and relating.
Once again, we seem to have entered a new season of change.
Please watch this video addressing federal actions impacting the UCR community. While there have been many changes recently, commitment to our values and mission endures.
Developing a new vision for UCR Health
One of the problems that the pandemic highlighted was health inequality. The amplified impact in underserved communities exposed the needs of medically under-resourced regions like Inland Southern California.
But we can change things. Over the last few years, we have worked to develop a new vision for what UCR Health can be and are presently planning an expansion of facilities that will better serve the medical school, UCR, and the community. Working with outside partners, we have identified a phased approach to improving healthcare, expanding resident education, and strengthening our expertise and discovery in health science.
UCR Give Day happens next week on Tuesday, March 4!
We are excited to announce that UCR’s third annual Give Day will take place from Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 12 AM to Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 9:54 AM in honor of UCR’s founding year of 1954. If you are interested in getting involved, you can visit giveday.ucr.edu.
UCR Honors Gala, Saturday, April 5, 2025
In April, we will again host a gala celebration recognizing philanthropists and alumni for their service to UCR and our communities. This signature event recognizes the many individuals who have contributed to shaping UCR into what it is today. You can visit the Gala webpage to learn more or buy tickets.