Among the most gratifying aspects of being the chancellor of UC Santa Cruz is meeting people who care deeply about the campus. This place speaks to our hearts and minds, evoking genuine affection that often grows stronger over time.
One group that shares a commitment to UCSC is the Chancellor's Associates, a giving society made up of individuals who value our campus mission of teaching, research, and public service. They donate to a fund I've used to support meaningful projects, including expanding the library, underwriting innovative research, and providing career-building internships.
Students who participate in the Chancellor's Undergraduate Internship Program (CUIP) are among the beneficiaries. These students work in units across campus, from admissions to sustainability, developing personal and professional skills as they take the lead on a significant, year-long project. Each intern is matched with a mentor who provides support along the way.
As part of a seminar course associated with the internship, I meet with the CUIP interns twice every year. They are always an impressive group, and I come away inspired by each visit.
Student Bailey McWhorter (Porter '14, film and digital media) is a CUIP intern working with UCSC's Good Neighbor Initiative, which promotes positive relations between UCSC and the City of Santa Cruz. Bailey works with the city to address student-related issues, serving as a bridge to facilitate the "town-gown" relationship.
In addition, she and her fellow interns organized a community and arts festival in downtown Santa Cruz featuring student artists and performers, university organizations, and live music. The festival showcased what's happening at UCSC and sparked connections and conversations with members of the community.
In the process, Bailey gained valuable career experience in marketing and politics—hands-on opportunities that enhance what she has learned in the classroom.
As I hope you know, UCSC recently kicked off its first-ever major fundraising effort, The Campaign for UC Santa Cruz. Our goal is to provide new resources to the campus, enabling students and faculty to follow their passions and make their mark on the world—just as Bailey is doing.
We are making great progress toward the campaign's $300 million goal. We're at $164 million now, and momentum continues to build; see page 2 for a campaign update. All gifts, including those to the Chancellor's Associates, count toward the goal.
If you're passionate about UCSC— about helping the campus, its students, and faculty reach new heights, solve new problems, and create engaged and involved citizens— then please join me. Become a Chancellor's Associate and support The Campaign for UC Santa Cruz.
Sincerely,
George Blumenthal
