Author: Dan White
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Dickens Universe returns to campus
The Dickens Universe, now in its 41st year, returned to campus in late July after two years in the virtual realm. The conference turned UCSC into a bustling community of scholars, students, and community members who socialized at Victorian teas, talked about books, and wrapped up their evenings with “post-prandial potations.”
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Joy and perseverance
Commencement week was a grand celebration that included Slug Crossings, heartfelt speeches, cap tossing, photo ops, and accessorized cap-and-gown outfits. Graduates spoke of the challenges they faced on the way, savored time with their families, and discussed future plans.
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UCSC student wins second place at UC systemwide Grad Slam
Astronomy and astrophysics Ph.D. candidate Amanda Quirk came in second place in an elite group of ten competitors at the UC systemwide Grad Slam finale on May 6. She pulled off this feat after winning the UCSC Grad Slam in March.
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The Newton you don’t know
Caltech professor Jed Buchwald will lecture on Isaac Newton’s attempt to change the history of civilization at inaugural Nauenberg Lecture on May 13
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Maysoon Zayid to bring incisive hilarity to UCSC for Asian American/Pacific Islander Comedy Night
The comedian Maysoon Zayid will perform on campus in the eighth annual Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Comedy Night at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 30, helping to kick off AAPI Heritage Month.
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Alumni Week focuses lens on news coverage of COVID
Three alumni of UCSC’s prestigious Science Communication Program will talk about what they learned—and how they have coped—with the pandemic at a virtual University Forum during Alumni Week
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Cannibal galaxies and devastating collisions
Amanda Quirk won the annual Grad Slam competition last week after compressing billions of years of galactic history into a humorous and insightful three-minute presentation. She won $3,000 and a chance to compete in the UC Grad Slam finals in May.
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Exposing the racist underpinnings of ‘neutral’ technology
In her keynote speech at the all-virtual 38th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Convocation, sociologist Ruha Benjamin warned of the “neutral” veneer of tech, and how it can often disguise oppressive practices.
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Revised Kresge Renewal project will nearly double number of student beds at UCSC’s sixth residential college
Construction at the ambitious, long-awaited Kresge College Renewal project is nearly halfway done. The project has undergone recent changes, including the near-doubling of the number of student beds.


