2017  Community News

Tom Killion: A life in color

Alumnus Tom Killion, whose intricate woodcut prints have captured scenes of rugged beauty for decades, brings his traveling exhibit to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History in January.

UC Santa Cruz marks gains in transfer, frosh applications

High school seniors and transfer students showed record interest in UC Santa Cruz with the campus receiving more than 67,000 applications for fall 2018.

Cowell Ranch Hay Barn recognized by architects

The Cowell Ranch Hay Barn has received recognition from the East Bay chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Two UCSC biologists receive Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor awards

Biology professors Beth Shapiro and Erika Zavaleta won HHMI funding for their innovative science education proposals.

UC Santa Cruz students tackle poverty and income inequality

Each year, undergraduate and graduate student scholars of the Blum Center on Poverty, Social Enterprise, and Participatory Governance take a deep dive into a wide range of issues related to fiscal equity, affordable housing, and food insecurity as they build the skills they will need to help build a more equitable society.

Navigating the path toward inclusion and equity

As Campus Diversity Officer Teresa Maria Linda Scholz nears her one-year anniversary on the job, she reflects on her work so far, where we are, and how far we have to go.

'A Celtic Christmas' features music lecturer and arts alumnus William Coulter

For the past two decades, Tomaseen Foley’s 'A Celtic Christmas' has toured the country, offering a staging of a night before Christmas at a remote farmhouse in the west of Ireland during the 1940s and 50s. The show’s music director is award-winning guitarist William Coulter, who has been performing and recording traditional music for nearly 25 years.

Boating center wins best-in-show at harbor's Lighted Boat Parade

The UC Santa Cruz Community Boating Center sailed away with the coveted best-in-show award at the 32nd annual Lighted Boat Parade held at the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor Saturday, Dec. 2.

State innovation funds supported hundreds of startups

With its share of AB 2664 funding, UC Santa Cruz developed a multifaceted innovation and entrepreneurship program.

Global SPHERE Network promotes research opportunities for high school students

A coalition of top U.S. educational institutions has launched a mentor network and online database to increase access to STEM research opportunities for high school students.

Science comes alive with 'A Seal Named Patches'

A new children’s book by a pair of alumni scientists is making a splash.

Big data for social good: Tri-county initiative will benefit K-12 students

Rod Ogawa and Rebecca London are helping launch a data-sharing initiative that will benefit K-12 students in Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties.

Central Coast community college students urged to chart course to UC

Higher education leaders told a room full of community college students that a University of California education is accessible and affordable for transfer students.

TRACTION art talk to feature influential British filmmaker and installation artist Isaac Julien

TRACTION: Art Talks, a new artist lecture series launched this fall by the UC Santa Cruz Institute of the Arts and Sciences, continues on November 28 with influential British filmmaker, photographer, and installation artist Isaac Julien.

Tackling challenges on the way to a national championship

UC Santa Cruz’s men’s rugby team looks forward to a promising 50th season

Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant supports $1.5 million project expanding humanities impact

A $1.5 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is now supporting a new five-year project at UC Santa Cruz. It includes a two-part humanities initiative that is designed to support doctoral student success for students from diverse backgrounds, and to expand the impact of the campus’s public humanities “Questions That Matter” outreach program.

History alumna pushes back against taboo on talking about death

History alumna Morgan Brown’s life changed drastically shortly after she graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2012 with a B.A. in history. Her mother was killed by a commercial truck driver who swerved into her lane and hit her car in a head-on collision.

Student-run hackathon scheduled for January 19-21 at UC Santa Cruz

CruzHacks 2018 is seeking sponsors to support the popular technology development event.

Solar greenhouses generate electricity and grow crops at the same time, UC Santa Cruz study reveals

The first crops of tomatoes and cucumbers grown inside electricity-generating solar greenhouses were as healthy as those raised in conventional greenhouses, signaling that "smart" greenhouses hold great promise for dual-use farming and renewable electricity production.

A sound artist, sociologist, evolutionary biologist, and two art curators walk into a room…

UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences will resume its popular series of LASER talks this fall on campus, Tuesday, November 14, at 7 p.m. in the Digital Arts Research Center.

Upcoming prescribed burns at UC Santa Cruz

The first prescribed burn is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 7, pending weather conditions. Additionally, a prescribed burn in Wilder Ranch State Park is scheduled for Tuesday and may occur over several days.

New book reveals role of U.S. corporate elites in school privatization, foreign policy, agribusiness, banking reform

Bill Domhoff's new book, Studying the Power Elite: Fifty Years of Who Rules America?, presents a new, detailed analysis of the interplay of corporate elites on contemporary topics, including the privatization of public schools, foreign policy, agribusiness, and banking reform.

Talk with the architect: Cowell Ranch Hay Barn

On Wednesday evening, November 8, architect, UC Santa Cruz alumnus and Professor Emeritus of architecture Richard Fernau will speak about his office’s renovation/reinvention of the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn.

UC Santa Cruz ranks in top 50 of global research universities, 5th for space sciences

UC Santa Cruz ranks fifth in the world for space sciences and is one of six University of California campuses ranked among the top 50 research universities overall, according to a study by U.S. News and World Report.

Five-day Pacific Rim Music Festival to feature historic collaboration with Korean performing artists

A dazzling array of traditional and contemporary Korean music will be performed at the 2017 Pacific Rim Music Festival, October 25-29, on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Geologist Gary Griggs publishes two new books on coastal issues

'The Edge' focuses on California’s unique coastline, while 'Coasts in Crisis' offers a global perspective on the issues facing coastal regions throughout the world.

UC Santa Cruz to host ‘Freedom, Justice, Difference: The Merchant of Venice Now’ at museum

Since it was first performed in 1605, The Merchant of Venice, has been one of Shakespeare’s most controversial works. For the past 400 years, a debate has raged among critics and scholars over whether or not it is anti-Semitic.

Social Sciences Dean Katharyne Mitchell steps in to leadership, asks others to step up, too

Two months into her new job, Social Sciences Dean Katharyne Mitchell has brought energy, focus, and vision to the division.

Hay Barn receives preservation design award

The Cowell Lime Works Hay Barn has won a 2017 Preservation Design Award from the California Preservation Foundation.

Statement on incident in library

I was disheartened to see the video of three students at McHenry Library on Sunday demanding that another group of students who might hold different political opinions leave the building, but I commend university staff for their handling of the situation

Cross country bolstered by new faces

Bolstered by a crop of fresh faces who have already made an impact in the early season, the Banana Slugs returned a core group from last year’s squad, which placed seventh at the NCAA West Regionals.

Award-winning poet Dorianne Laux to read at 8th annual Morton Marcus memorial event

Award-winning American poet Dorianne Laux will be the featured guest at the eighth annual Morton Marcus Poetry Reading, Thursday, November 16, at 5:30 p.m. in the Humanities Lecture Hall at Cowell College.

‘Where Have All the Leaders Gone?’

The Center for Cultural Studies and the Institute for Humanities Research will present "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?"--a guest lecture by Duke University professor and author Michael Hardt--on Friday, October 27, at Kresge Town Hall.

European migrant crisis influenced by faith groups pursuing 'alternative justice'

Churches and other faith-based organizations are playing a distinctive role in the European migrant crisis, according to geographer Katharyne Mitchell.

Dean Alex Wolf leads growing engineering school in era of technological change

As he begins his second full academic year as dean, Alex Wolf discusses his first year and his plans for the future of the engineering school in a wide-ranging interview.

First observations of merging neutron stars mark a new era in astronomy

A UC Santa Cruz team made the first ever observations of a visible event linked to the detection of gravitational waves, using the small Swope Telescope in Chile.

Migration, climate, housing among the topics featured during fifth annual UC Santa Cruz Research Frontiers Evening Oct. 26

Six UC Santa Cruz researchers who are tackling "key issues of the 21st century" will be featured during the fifth annual Division of Social Sciences Research Frontiers Evening on October 26.

$10.5 million education grant will help UC Santa Cruz prepare students for college

The Educational Partnership Center's “Paving a Path for a College-Going Generation” project plans to serve 1,930 at-risk, underrepresented students in the predominantly agricultural towns of Gonzales, Greenfield, Soledad, and King City.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen to speak at UC Santa Cruz on Oct. 19

On October 11, the MacArthur Foundation awarded Viet Thanh Nguyen a 2017 MacArthur Fellowship for his work as a fiction writer and cultural critic, citing his contributions to “challenging popular depictions of the Vietnam War and exploring the myriad ways that war lives on for those it has displaced.”

El observatorio de Lick fue anfitrión de una noche de astronomía para estudiantes y padres latinos

El evento para estudiantes de escuelas secundarias y sus familiares, titulado La Noche de las Estrellas, fue el primer evento en español del observatorio.

Nearly 70 percent experience "rent burden" in Santa Cruz County, according to UC Santa Cruz survey results

Nearly 70 percent of renters surveyed in Santa Cruz County experience "rent burden," defined as spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities, according to preliminary results of a survey of 1,700 renters across the county conducted by UC Santa Cruz.

Sustainability plan charts course forward

By Elida Erickson, Sustainability Director — The campus community is invited to learn more about the new sustainability plan during an Oct. 19 kick-off event at the Arboretum.

Fall Living Writers Series explores histories of war, refuge and social justice

"Beyond the Wall: War, Refuge, and Home" is the name of this fall’s installment of the Living Writers Series at UC Santa Cruz. Curated by the campus’s award-winning author and literature professor Karen Tei Yamashita, the series runs through December 7 at the Humanities Lecture Hall.

Chancellor to tell students UC education is attainable, affordable

As part of Achieve UC, Chancellor George Blumenthal will speak to approximately 300 Pajaro Valley High School students about pursuing higher education.

Sound Designer and UCSC Alum Ren Klyce Makes All the Right Noises

With five Oscar nominations for film sound editing and mixing, UC Santa Cruz alumnus Ren Klyce’s career has taken a sky-rocket climb since he decided to major in music back in 1983.

UC Santa Cruz, community colleges seek to strengthen ties

A meeting with California higher education leaders has led to seven strategies to further strengthen ties between UC Santa Cruz and community colleges.

A megawatt researcher

Physics grad student Katie Hellier—who also has a degree in fashion—is doing research into new solar cell materials.

UC Santa Cruz raises more than $335 million from 63,064 donors

In the coming weeks, the campus will celebrate the success of the campaign, which concluded six months ahead of schedule and exceeded its initial goal of raising $300 million.

Gail Project exhibition studies military occupation of Okinawa through a photographic lens

Now in its fourth year at UC Santa Cruz, The Gail Project was inspired by a collection of photographs taken in 1952 by American Army Captain, Charles Eugene Gail. "The Gail Project: An Okinawan-American Dialogue" opens on campus October 5 at the Mary Porter Sesnon Gallery.

Move-in 2017: Jittery nerves and words of wisdom

Move-in week at UC Santa Cruz was a time for parental advice, long goodbyes, meeting roommates, exploring the wooded campus and making "fast friends."

Free public talk by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, pioneer of microfinance, on Oct. 10

The public is invited to attend a free talk by microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday, October 10, in the College 9/10 Multipurpose Room at UC Santa Cruz.

Women's golf looking to continue upward trajectory

After the Slugs earned a sixth-place finish at the American Southwest Conference championships, Coach Pauline Pera believes her team this season can continue to improve.

Join the fun at the Harvest Festival on Oct. 1

Celebrate the abundance of the fall harvest with live music, cooking demonstrations, tasty food, activities for kids, and tours of the UCSC Farm at the annual UC Santa Cruz Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

UC Santa Cruz music alumnus lands job as head archivist of Bob Dylan Archive

Five weeks ago, UC Santa Cruz alumnus Mark Davidson moved from Austin, Texas, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to begin a new job at the Bob Dylan Archive.

Love 'em or hate 'em, robots are here to stay so let's make them better, says psychology prof

Leila Takayama's work focuses on improving the design and function of personal robots to make them more appealing to humans, expanding what they can do for us.

Input sought on impact of Student Housing West

UC Santa Cruz is beginning the environmental review of Student Housing West, the proposed 3,000-bed student housing project on the west side of campus.

Campus moving forward with Kresge renewal

In the coming years, UC Santa Cruz will embark on an extensive two-phase renewal and revitalization of Kresge College.

An advocate for awareness

Alumna Dyane Harwood is sharing her journey with postpartum bipolar disorder to raise awareness and help others struggling with postpartum mental illness

UC Santa Cruz initiated fiber-optic project brings high-speed broadband to Central Coast communities

Installation is complete on a 91-mile fiber optic cable made possible by UC Santa Cruz that will bring reliable, speedy internet broadband to underserved communities across 430 square miles from Watsonville through the Salinas Valley to Soledad.

UC Santa Cruz ranked third worldwide for research influence

In a new analysis of the world’s top universities, UCSC ranked third in research influence as measured by the number of times its faculty’s published work is cited by scholars around the world.

Join campus effort to support first-gen college students, campus community

With more than 42 percent of undergraduate students as the first in their generation to attend college, UC Santa Cruz launched its First Generation Initiative in spring 2016. The program, modeled after the successful, pioneering efforts of UC Irvine, now includes all ten UC campuses.

Trump administration action on DACA

Together we are deeply saddened by and strongly disagree with the decision by President Trump today to effectively end the DACA program. This compassionless action imperils the futures of hundreds of thousands of Dreamers across our nation, including hundreds here on our campus who are pursuing the dream of a college education without fear of deportation.

Parents know best: How everyday conversations foster children's learning

For more than two decades, developmental psychologist Maureen Callanan has collaborated with Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose to study how children learn to think about the world around them.

Coastal wetlands dramatically reduce property losses during hurricanes

A new scientific study reports that coastal wetlands significantly reduce annual flood losses and catastrophic damages from storms.

UC statement on Tropical Storm Harvey

The University of California would like to express profound sympathy and concern to our colleagues in the higher education community in Houston and surrounding areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Humanities alum Michael Scherer joins 'Washington Post' as national political reporter

Michael Scherer will join the Washington Post as a national political reporter in September. One of the first students in the Creative Writing Program led by literature professors Micah Perks and Karen Yamashita, Scherer graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 1998 with a B.A. in Literature.

Giving fish a fighting chance

Alumnus Brycen Swart identified how warmer river temperatures were hurting Chinook salmon fry—and he earned a medal for conserving them.

Lessons of regional recovery from around the country

As the country's political and cultural divides appear insurmountable, Chris Benner says hope can be found at the local and regional level.

Alum and independent filmmaker Peter Bratt directs, writes, and produces documentary about labor activist Dolores Huerta

Independent filmmaker Peter Bratt, a 1986 politics graduate of Cowell College, has written, directed, and produced a new documentary about legendary labor activist Dolores Huerta.

Murals tell a story of pan-Latino solidarity in SF's Mission District

Graduate student Mauricio Ramírez is an artist, a muralist, and a native San Franciscan who is fascinated by the murals in the Mission District of San Francisco—and by the progressive coalition of artists and immigrants that coalesced during the decades they were painted.

Dining for Farmers supports Farm & Garden's apprenticeship training programs

Seven of Santa Cruz County's best restaurants are participating in the "Dining for Farmers" dinner series, donating a portion of their proceeds to apprenticeship training programs.

UC Santa Cruz humanities alumna named 2017 Mellon/ACLS Public Fellow

Sophia Magnone (Ph.D. Literature, 2016) is one of 20 new Mellon/ACLS Public Fellows nationwide who will take up two-year assignments working in the fields of policy, civil rights, arts and culture, and the media.

Message on Charlottesville violence

The horrific events that unfolded in Charlottesville this weekend remind us that we must be vigilant in our fight against all who promulgate hate and violence based on race, faith, sexual orientation or personal belief. Silence is complicity.

Campus hires three new coaches for Slug athletics

UC Santa Cruz has made three new head coaching hires in its NCAA Division III program.

Tuning in to social justice

Professor-turned-radio show producer Sylvanna Falcón talks about the importance of public scholarship in the Trump era.

Campus hires interim athletics director

UC Santa Cruz has hired seasoned intercollegiate athletics director Greg Warzecka to lead its NCAA Division III program. He will serve on an interim basis until a permanent athletics director is hired.

Social psychology sheds light on Trump's appeal

The surprising election of Donald Trump prompted a widespread desire to understand the factors at play in his unexpected victory. A recent analysis suggests that five social-psychological phenomena helped power Trump to victory: authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, prejudice, relative deprivation, and intergroup contact.

Telling stories that haven't been told

Filmmaker and alumnus Tal Skloot aims to show a different perspective with eclectic, meaningful subject matter.

Dickens Universe thriving at UC Santa Cruz

Nearly 300 people attended the Dickens Universe this year--a unique weeklong event held each summer among the redwood trees at UC Santa Cruz.

Federal support essential for cutting-edge research

By Scott Brandt, Vice Chancellor for Research—The University of California is at a crossroads in its push to remain the leading educational system in world-class research. Across our campuses, institutes, and partnerships, discussions are taking place regarding the drastic reductions to federal research funding being considered in Washington, D.C., that threaten to disrupt our capacity to produce invaluable research.

History professor Alma Heckman named Neufeld-Levin Chair of Holocaust Studies

Assistant professor of history and Jewish Studies Alma Rachel Heckman has been appointed as the new holder of the Neufeld-Levin Holocaust Endowed Chair at UC Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz celebrates 50 years of organic farming

The three-day celebration culminated with a joyful dinner presided over by famed chef, restaurateur, and organic food advocate Alice Waters.

UC Santa Cruz humanities alum wins Cabot Prize for journalism in Latin America

Washington Post correspondent and UC Santa Cruz alumnus Nick Miroff has been awarded a 2017 Maria Moors Cabot Prize for his reporting in Latin America.

Master gardener Orin Martin celebrates 40 years at the Alan Chadwick Garden

Orin Martin, who is celebrating his 40th anniversary with the UC Santa Cruz Farm & Garden this month, enjoys every minute, calling the students and apprentices he shares his days with "the light of the world."

Community day highlights college pathways, accessibility 

Library receives Recordings at Risk grant to preserve Cabrillo Festival tapes

UC Santa Cruz is the recipient of a Recordings at Risk grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources to digitize 69 open-reel audiotapes of live music performances from the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music.

Intercollegiate athletics program charts course into the future

The NCAA Division III program, which has been under a budget cloud for the past several years, can now confidently look toward the future. The program has been bolstered by a new student fee, was recently restructured so it aligns with other successful Division III programs in the nation, and will head into the coming season with more awareness than ever before.

UCSC arts research center awarded $250,000 grant from U.S. Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Center for the Study of the Force Majeure, a research center based in the Arts Division at UC Santa Cruz.

Did life begin on land rather than in the sea?

A paradigm-shifting hypothesis laid out by UC Santa Cruz astrobiologists David Deamer and Bruce Damer could reshape our idea about the origin of life.

Jaye Padgett named vice provost for the Division of Student Success

I am pleased to announce that Jaye Padgett, interim vice provost for the Division of Student Success, has been formally named to the position.

Growing farmers and the food movement for 50 years

The experiment in organic gardening that began at UC Santa Cruz in 1967 is now the oldest university-based organic research and education facility in the country.

Gardening workshops July 29 are part of UC Santa Cruz celebration of 50 years of organic farming

The public is invited to attend an afternoon of gardening workshops on Saturday, July 29, as part of the "First 50 Celebration" of the UC Santa Cruz Farm & Garden.

Campus admits record number of California transfers

UC Santa Cruz offered admission to 27,216 students for the upcoming academic year with a record number of offers made to California community college students. The largest portion of admissions offers—19,258 or 70 percent—are to California students.

'Little Cub' gives astronomers rare chance to see galaxy demise

A primitive galaxy that could provide clues about the early universe has been spotted by astronomers as it begins to be consumed by a gigantic neighboring galaxy.

UC Santa Cruz faculty awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts

Two faculty members from the UC Santa Cruz Arts Division have each received $25,000 Art Works grants from the National Endowment for the Arts to support their latest documentary film projects.

Lick Observatory kicks off popular Summer Series

Natalie Batalha, who earned her doctorate in astrophysics from UC Santa Cruz, was the keynote scientist on the second evening of the 37th annual Summer Series at the Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton.

First-generation stories: Headed to UCLA to continue cancer research

Our podcast catches up with new grad Hector Navarro, a first-generation college student who's off to big things.

Steck Award recipient seeks to solve atomic structure of human astrovirus

Edmundo Perez (College 10 ‘17, bioengineering) is being recognized for his work on how the human immune system blocks virus infection and disease.

Sweet emotion

Researching a book on America’s obsession with ice cream took alumna Amy Ettinger on some madcap adventures—and also led her to explore memories of her own life.

London’s Barbican Centre celebrates career of film professor B. Ruby Rich

The work of feminist writer, film critic, LGBT activist, and UC Santa Cruz professor of film and digital media B. Ruby Rich will be celebrated this week at the Barbican Centre in London.

Looking for life

Alumna Natalie Batalha, who made Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people on Earth, has discovered approximately 4,000 new planets—some of which may turn out to be capable of supporting life.

New graduates head into two-year teaching corps

Five UC Santa Cruz graduates are joining about 6,800 new graduates and professionals who have committed to work two years in rural and urban schools as part of Teach For America

Farm & Garden’s Market Cart produce stand opens June 20

Celebrate the start of summer on Tuesday, June 20, when the Farm & Garden’s Market Cart opens for 2017.

Bettina Aptheker receives Dizikes Award for teaching in Humanities

Distinguished Professor of Feminist Studies Bettina Aptheker was presented with the John Dizikes Teaching Award in Humanities at the Humanities Division’s 2017 Spring Awards celebration held at the Cowell Provost House.

‘Love on Haight’ exhibit celebrates Summer of Love at McHenry Library

"Love on Haight: the Grateful Dead and San Francisco in 1967"--a new exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the historic Summer of Love--has just opened at McHenry Library’s Dead Central.

Campus preparing for commencement 2017

More than 4,800 UCSC students are earning undergraduate and graduate degrees for work completed during the 2016-2017 academic year.

Accelerating success: 5 startups chosen to jump-start businesses

The UC Santa Cruz Office of Research will provide $500,000 to the accelerator program, which serves early-stage technology businesses that have a product but haven’t started selling it. The accelerator will be run by Santa Cruz Works, a local nonprofit that supports science and technology companies.

Students present diversity project to state leaders

Student leaders presented a diversity project that received one-time state funding through the UC Office of the President.

Chancellor’s diversity awards recognize work, commitment

Chancellor George Blumenthal presented seven Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity, as well as the WiSE award, during a May 31 ceremony at the Colleges Nine and Ten Multipurpose Room.

Music alum named Santa Cruz County Artist of the Year

UC Santa Cruz alumna Shelley Phillips (Music,’85) has been named the 2017 Santa Cruz County Artist of the Year by the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission.

Athletics fee referendum passes

Measure 68, which proposed a $38.50-per-quarter fee to support the NCAA athletics program and provide access to athletic-related activities to students who meet the Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) criteria, passed with 79 percent of voting students supporting the fee.

UC Santa Cruz to launch first-generation faculty campaign

UC Santa Cruz will launch the First-Gen Faculty (FGF) campaign during Student Achievement week, which starts June 5. This initiative is aimed at encouraging professors on campus to identify themselves as first generation — the first in their families to graduate from a U.S. four-year college or university.

IHR’s second ‘Night at the Museum’ draws capacity crowd

A capacity crowd filled the atrium floor and lined the balcony stairs of the Museum of Art and History in downtown Santa Cruz for the latest public event presented by UCSC’s Institute for Humanities Research.

Koret scholars present research at poster slam

The Koret Scholars Undergraduate Research Slam will feature poster presentations about topics as diverse as a protein link to heart disease, female authorship in science fiction and horror genres, and the qualitative impact that research opportunities can have on the undergrad experience.

Hands-on learning is the name of the game in archaeology

In a unique partnership, UC Santa Cruz is collaborating with California State Parks, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, and a private firm to give students hands-on experience in archaeology.

People of Color Sustainability Collective wins top honors

The Best Practice Award is the highest honor in the field of higher education sustainability in the state. It will be presented during the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference June 26–29 at UC Santa Barbara.

'Be so good they can’t ignore you'

Creative obsession and hard work led alumnus Kalen Egan to his role in producing one of Amazon’s most popular television series, The Man in the High Castle.

Alumna committed to improving financial literacy for women

Sherry Paul committed herself to financial literacy after witnessing the negative impact of financial inequities—what happens when people don’t have money to support their basic needs and their ideals.

Alison Galloway to discuss "Life of the Dead" at the Rio Theatre on June 6

Forensic anthropologist Alison Galloway will give a public lecture on June 6 about the natural history of human decomposition and her work analyzing human remains.

'Zoot Suit' still relevant four decades later

When Zoot Suit premiered at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles in 1978, it was more than just an instant success. As former Los Angeles Times theater critic Sylvie Drake recently observed, “it exploded on the stage with the force of a sociopolitical A-bomb.”

High school students wrestle with ethical quandaries

With coaching from the UC Santa Cruz Ethics Bowl team, underrepresented students from regional high schools gathered to discuss thorny questions on topics ranging from white privilege to sports and gender at the second annual Invitational Ethics Bowl.

Graduating senior propelled by curiosity and a desire to give back

Jenn Figueroa arrived at College Ten from her hometown of Northridge and proceeded to take advantage of every extracurricular program offered by College Nine and College Ten.

Housing expansion supports student success

By Sarah Latham, Vice Chancellor Business and Administrative Services — Living on campus is an important element in the success of our students and we have a responsibility to ensure adequate on-campus housing for our current and future students.

Environmentalism Outside the Box: An Ecosex Symposium

"Environmentalism Outside the Box: An Ecosex Symposium" is the title of a free public event that will take place on May 18-19, hosted by the E.A.R.T.H. Lab, a research center of the Arts Division at UC Santa Cruz.

Statement on fossil-fuel dependency

Theater Arts professor Kimberly Jannarone named National Humanities Center Fellow

One of 34 chosen from more than 600 applicants, Kimberly Jannarone will spend the year in the company of national and international scholars from 14 states, Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

UC Santa Cruz receives gift to establish Baskin Foundation Presidential Chair for Feminist Studies

UC Santa Cruz has received a $500,000 gift from the Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation, plus matching funds from the UC Regents, to establish the $1 million "Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation Presidential Chair for Feminist Studies."

Technology doesn't have to be a headache

Psychology Professor Steve Whittaker is working to improve the way we interface with technology--and harnessing it to improve our well-being.

Sisters Julie and Kristen Gautier-Downes Turn Loss into an Art

Twin sisters, Julie and Kristen Gautier-Downes both decided to pursue the arts at UC Santa Cruz, graduating in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Julie earned her BA in Studio Art, with an emphasis in photography, and went on to acquire an MFA in Photography at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) while Kristen received a BA in Studio Art with a concentration in painting.

UCSC to present environmental video installation at SF’s Minnesota Street Project

UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences will present a dramatic, four-screen video installation in San Francisco, hosted and co-sponsored by Minnesota Street Project, the city’s new contemporary art venue, May 20 through June 24.

Enrollment opens for UCSC Summer Session

Open enrollment is underway for UC Santa Cruz Summer Session, which offers a wide range of classes and online courses across multiple departments.

Campus status updates

Both entrances are open as of 5 p.m. Motorists should drive with caution.

Cultivating potential: How UC Santa Cruz is helping undocumented students thrive

Thanks to more than a half-dozen programs, undocumented students on campus have been able to get support, assistance, and encouragement—and the campus benefits from nurturing their passion and talent.

Input sought on environmental review of proposed land-use change

Pioneering biologist Robert L. Sinsheimer dies at age 97

Sinsheimer served as chancellor of UC Santa Cruz from 1977 to 1987.

Students to consider sustainable funding model for intercollegiate athletics

The Office of Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports is proposing a $38.50 -per-quarter fee, which if approved would provide the NCAA Division III program with approximately $1.1 million beginning in fall 2018.

Ninja Press to publish new book by award-winning UC Santa Cruz poet Gary Young

"In Japan" is the title of an elegant new collection of poems from UCSC humanities lecturer and alumnus Gary Young that will soon be published by Ninja Press.

Film professor receives California Documentary Project grant from Cal Humanities

UC Santa Cruz associate professor of film and digital media John Jota Leaños is the recipient of a 2017 California Documentary Project grant from California Humanities.

Dancing for joy: Los Mejicas dance troupe provides a home away from home

For 45 years, the Los Mejicas folklorico dance troupe has connected students with their cultural traditions--and each other.

Theater arts professor Danny Scheie wins Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award

UC Santa Cruz professor of theater arts Danny Scheie has received a 2017 award from The San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and recognizing excellence in theatre arts.

Lick Observatory's summer series brings a wide variety of musicians and scientists to Mt. Hamilton

Lick's summer program features live music, evening lectures by world-renowned astronomers, and opportunities for the public to view celestial objects through two historic telescopes.

Philosopher and three scientists to explore ethics and the language of conservation

The Institute for Humanities Research at UC Santa Cruz will present the inaugural event of its new research group, The Language of Conservation, on Friday afternoon, April 14, in the Humanities 1 building.

Three faculty members honored with Dickson Emeriti Professorships

Murray Baumgarten, professor of English & Comparative Literature, E.G. Crichton, professor of art, and Catherine Cooper, professor of psychology, were awarded Dickson Emeriti Professorships in recognition of outstanding achievements in scholarship and teaching.

Alums launch video game based on ancient Mesoamerican myth

"Ulama: Arena of the Gods," a collaboration from three Games and Playable Media alums, launched March 28 on the Steam platform.

Art imitates life: The Black Panther Party and the birth of a comic book series

A Special Collections exhibit organized by graduate students examines the famed Marvel Comics Black Panther series and its connections to black history, including the Black Panther Party.

Grad student composer wins commission to create new piece for Other Minds Festival

UC Santa Cruz grad student Brian Baumbusch has received a grant to create a new composition that will be performed at the acclaimed Other Minds Festival of contemporary music in 2018.

Honoring the legacy of César E. Chávez on campus

The legacy of César Chávez, who would have been 90 years old this Friday, includes deep and lasting relationships with many UC Santa Cruz alumni, faculty, and staff, whose lives were changed through the nonviolent farmworker movement that started in the ’60s and continues today.

Prop. 8 plaintiff Kris Perry receives Distinguished Social Sciences Alumni Award

"You only win your civil rights by fighting for them," says alumna Kris Perry, who will be honored at a reception on Friday, April 28.

Rescuing data and shoring up environmental agencies in the Trump era

Sociologist Lindsey Dillon is part of a network of data champions monitoring federal websites to preserve scientific data and track changes made by the Trump administration.

Water wizards: Building an underground savings account to bolster water supply

An innovative water-conservation strategy diverts water from overflowing rivers to fallow farmland, where it seeps into the soil and replenishes depleted aquifers.

Men’s rugby headed to playoffs

The Banana Slugs will play the Chico State Wildcats on April 1.

Alumnus takes students into Africa

Melvin Cox's Focus on Africa class has taken more than a dozen students to the continent over the past two years, showing another side of Africa—one that is multiethnic and multicultural, with thriving cities and economic opportunities.

Open dialogue on religions to foster understanding

The UC Santa Cruz Interfaith Council will host an open dialogue on religion from 7–8:30 p.m. on April 6 in the Crown College/Merrill College Community Room.

Graduate applications hit new high

The Office of Graduate Studies has received 4,744 applications for the 2017-18 academic year. In the last five years, the campus has marked a 36 percent increase in the number of applications.

UC Santa Cruz named one of the country’s best colleges for undergraduate film majors

UC Santa Cruz is featured in a Top 10 list of Best Bachelor’s Program for Film, Video and Photographic Arts along with USC, NYU, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Rhode Island School of Design.

Alumni Weekend keynote to feature co-chair of Women's March on Washington

Alumna Carmen Perez, longtime community organizer, activist, and a national co-chair of one of the largest demonstrations in history, will speak on the role and importance of protest with a purpose.

Reef madness: A coral grows at UC Santa Cruz

Hundreds of students and community members are contributing their handiwork to the Crochet Coral Reef, a massive participatory art project that combines higher geometry with handicraft while calling attention to the disappearing wonders of the marine world.

Saving victims of deadly toxic mushrooms

Alumnus Todd Mitchell headed a clinical trial on using an extract of milk thistle seeds to overcome toxic mushroom poisoning and developed what has come to be known as the "Santa Cruz Protocol."

Film professor Shelley Stamp wins 2017 international media and history book prize

Film and digital media professor Shelley Stamp has been named the recipient of the 2017 Michael Nelson Book Prize, presented by the International Association for Media and History for her latest book, "Lois Weber in Early Hollywood."

Gift from Narinder Kapany will establish Sikh book collection and study room at McHenry Library

UC Santa Cruz has received a gift from Dr. Narinder Kapany to establish the Sundar Singh Kapany Book Collection and the Sundar Singh Kapany Group Study Room in the University Library.

UCSC Grad Slam winner envisions surfing on shrimp shells

John Felts, a second year Ph.D. electrical engineering student, earned top marks for his talk about creating environmentally friendly surfboard foam from shrimp shells.

With more than 100 featured projects, UC Santa Cruz hosts Giving Day 2017

The website site will go live at 12:01 a.m. on March 8 for donors to make gifts and track their favorite projects in real-time. Giving Day 2017 builds on the success of last year’s event, when nearly 3,000 donors came together to collectively give $340,000.

Campaign for UC Santa Cruz enters home stretch

The campaign is the university’s first campuswide effort to build a culture of giving in support of students, faculty, and campus programs. Launched in 2009 and publicly announced in fall 2013, the campaign has raised $311 million in gifts.

Men's volleyball ranks No. 2 in division

Each week committees from around the country in each division study the week’s match ups to determine the best teams.

Exploring the dark waters of grief

Alumna Shannon Fowler, whose life changed in an instant with the tragic death of her fiancé, finds acceptance of death and grief—and has rediscovered her love of the ocean.

Curating the African American and Holocaust museums in a post-fact world

UC Santa Cruz will present a free public discussion about building museums, engaging the public, and how to represent difficult memories on Feb. 22 at Kresge Town Hall.

Oscar nominee ‘I Am Not Your Negro’ to screen with panel discussion at Del Mar Theater

UC Santa Cruz will present a film screening of "I Am Not Your Negro"--an award-winning documentary on the life and work of writer James Baldwin, followed by a panel discussion, Feb. 21, at the Del Mar Theater

Farm volunteer docent training starts March 9

The seven-session docent training for volunteers at the UC Santa Cruz Farm begins on Thursday, March 9.

Diversity, inclusivity key to a growing economy

The face of small business is shifting. From 2007–2012, Latino-owned businesses in the U.S. grew by 34.5 percent and African American-owned enterprises grew by 46.3 percent. A quarter of all new businesses were started by immigrants.

Donation by rugby alumnus lights up Lower East Field

The lights turned on this month, thanks to a generous donation by rugby alumnus George Kraw (1971), who played mostly “lock” and “break-away” on the first rugby team in 1967.

Hummingbird Day at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is Saturday, March 4

Hummingbird Day is a family-oriented event celebrating one of nature’s vibrant aerial acrobats, the hummingbird.

Film professor contributes to new PBS documentary on race in America

UC Santa Cruz assistant professor of film and digital media Jennifer Maytorena Taylor has produced one of several short pieces that comprise The Talk: Race in America, a new film premiering Feb. 20 on PBS.

Formal review of proposed systemwide policy on unmanned aircraft systems

The policy is to establish minimum standards for the safe use and operation of UAS and Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS), including drones and model aircraft, on any university location or at any authorized university activity.

Music professor receives patent to help fight bark beetles ravaging Western forests

UC Santa Cruz music professor David Dunn has joined forces with two forest scientists from Northern Arizona University to combat an insect infestation that is killing millions of trees throughout the West.

High-demand courses to be offered in summer session

The focus for summer 2017 is to offer high-demand courses in small class sizes. There will be 20 online courses, up from 11 last summer, as well as more than 250 on-campus courses across 30 departments.

The mighty Phyllis returns after record-shattering swim

The tagged elephant seal's landing at Año Nuevo means she swam about 7,400 miles, longer than any elephant seal recorded over two decades—then she gave birth to a baby boy.

Waves Passing in the Night: a talk about astrophysics, harmony, and boundaries

Acclaimed writer and UC Santa Cruz alumnus Lawrence Weschler will join Academy Award-winning sound and film editor Walter Murch, and noted campus astronomer Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz on Feb. 13, in the Music Center Recital Hall.

UCSC climate conference draws top scientists, policy makers Feb. 24-25

UCSC will host a national conference on climate change featuring top climate scientists and policy experts from across the country.

Marlene Tromp selected as UC Santa Cruz campus provost and executive vice chancellor

Tromp will serve as the chief academic officer and provide academic leadership to UC Santa Cruz.

Welcoming Marlene Tromp to UC Santa Cruz

Tromp, vice provost at Arizona State University's West Campus and a professor of English and women and gender studies, will arrive on campus June 1.

Crochet coral reef exhibition to open Feb. 10 at Mary Porter Sesnon Gallery

"Crochet Coral Reef: CO2CA-CO2LA Ocean," an exhibition by Margaret and Christine Wertheim and the Institute For Figuring, is an artistic response to global warming and the growing problem of plastic trash accumulating in the ocean.

Multicultural Career Conference poised to celebrate 30 years

The Multicultural Career Conference is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary in early February, marking a long history of connecting students with alumni who know the challenges of beginning a career.

Report of sexual assault allegations against former faculty member

As soon as these allegations were reported, the campus acted swiftly to address the victim’s claims, which appeared to be clear violations of the UC Santa Cruz policy on sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Police launch website mapping crime reports on campus

The website gives users the option to narrow a search by date and type of crime report.

Sandra Chung to deliver 51st annual Faculty Research Lecture

UC Santa Cruz professor of linguistics Sandra Chung will deliver the 51st annual Faculty Research Lecture on Tuesday, February 7, at 7 p.m. at the Music Recital Hall in the Performing Arts Complex.

Science Internship Program creates opportunities for high school students

SIP alumni and their families are raising funds to extend the program's reach and support need-based scholarships.

UC Santa Cruz launches Murray Baumgarten Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies

UC Santa Cruz has established an endowed chair to honor the person most responsible for the thriving Jewish Studies program that exists on the campus today.

End of the pipeline

In a new book, Professor Flora Lu looks at the oil industry's impact on the Waorani, an indigenous Ecuadorian population living in a region renowned for its ecological diversity.

City, university wharf partnership earns Silicon Valley award

The GreenWharf is a suite of collaborative projects that together minimize the footprint of wharf operations on the surrounding environment while enhancing its appeal as a visitor destination.

UC Santa Cruz receives $2.2 million for innovation and entrepreneurship program

New support program will help bring research innovations to the marketplace and spur economic development in the Santa Cruz area.

Cowell Ranch Hay Barn wins architectural awards

The Cowell Ranch Hay Barn has won two architectural awards: a 2016 Excellence in Design Honor Award from American Institute of Architects Montana, and the 2017 U.S. WoodWorks Regional Excellence Award from the Wood Products Council.

UC Santa Cruz hosts Northern California High School Ethics Bowl

Each winter, high school students from Salinas to Marin County travel to Santa Cruz to participate in the Northern California High School Ethics Bowl.

Access advocate Haben Girma to speak on campus

Girma's talk is part of Allies for Inclusion: The Ability Exhibit, a traveling interactive display created to build awareness about people with disabilities.

Axel Alonso: Diversity’s superhero

Alumnus Axel Alonso, editor-in-chief at Marvel Comics, has worked to make comic book characters and their creators reflect our diverse world.

Jan. 18 teach-in highlights activism in the Trump era

UC Santa Cruz joins UCLA, UC Berkeley, and other college campuses for a nationwide day of democratic education and action

Santa Cruz receives $450,000 grant to study economic inclusivity in emerging countries

UC Santa Cruz will test and refine the foundation’s emerging inclusive economies framework in geographic contexts and markets.

Moore Foundation grant funds UC Santa Cruz groundwater sustainability project

The $854,000 grant supports research and solutions for the sustainability of groundwater in California.

Geologist Gary Griggs to speak on natural disasters at Rio Theater on January 19

'Perils in Paradise' talk will give a brief history of geology and natural disasters in Santa Cruz County.