Dear Colleagues,
In this season of reflection and gratitude, I’ve been reminded regularly of the power of our community through the stories we share.
Alumni Gatherings
In November, I traveled to alumni events in Shanghai and Taipei to present an update about UCR’s growth in stature and scale, as well as our priorities for the future, before attending a QS international conference in Seoul, South Korea. I met Highlanders and learned where their journeys have taken them. When I returned to campus, Homecoming week was in progress. Across continents and generations, pride in UCR was evident.
In Asia, alumni spoke of how UCR opened doors for them. Here on campus, I saw the same appreciation as thousands returned to celebrate the place where their possibilities expanded.
These moments reaffirmed something important: our impact is carried out by the 192,000 alumni, students, faculty, and staff who extend UCR’s mission into the world.
Giving Tuesday
With that spirit in mind, today and tomorrow, we have another opportunity to strengthen our shared mission by contributing through Giving Tuesday.
You can participate in two ways. First, we are grateful for any gift you can make to help ensure the UCR Fund is resourced to support students and address pressing needs across campus. Just $10 counts toward unlocking a $5,000 matching gift that strengthens key initiatives.
Second, please share the UCR story with friends, family, and anyone interested in investing in our university. Together, through a culture of philanthropy, we signal our confidence in UCR’s future to external donors.
Your support, whether financial or in service, makes a difference. You’ll find more information at donate.ucr.edu/GT.
Gubernatorial forum success
On November 7, UCR hosted Health Matters: A Conversation with Our Next Governor, a forum on California’s health challenges. The event brought four gubernatorial candidates and statewide guests to campus—many for the first time—and generated strong visibility through NBC4 and Telemundo52 coverage. Candidates repeatedly referenced UCR and the Inland Empire's health needs.
Thank you to Government and Community Relations, UCR Police, and the many campus partners whose collaboration made the day a success.
Putting plans into action
In early October, campus leaders gathered at the Palm Desert Center to discuss ways to improve student success, expand our research efforts, and boost public engagement. I recently shared a detailed summary of the next steps with the participants.
Please review the full letter to understand how your role connects to these efforts. From integrating experiential learning into courses, to collaborating on new research initiatives, to increasing public awareness of our mission and outcomes, all of us have a role in UCR’s success.
As we near the final weeks of the year, I am thankful for the pride, generosity, and dedication that define UCR. Our community is united by a shared purpose and the belief that education and discovery can transform lives. Thank you for the ways you uplift our university.