Saturday, May 16 School of Engineering and School of Natural Sciences
Sunday, May 17 School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts
CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE
Dear UC Merced Graduate,
It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you on your
well-earned place in the biggest celebration this or any other
university observes — its annual commencement. This year’s
graduation is UC Merced’s 10th commencement ceremony.
This day is the university’s tribute to you, our way of recognizing that you have joined the community of scholars who for more than a century have earned their degrees from the University of California. Some of you came to UC Merced as freshmen; others arrived as transfer students or graduate students. By way of this commencement ceremony, you now are ready to embark on the next milestone into your professional and personal life. By individual paths you have achieved a major goal. You are, now and for all the years to come, one of ours — a graduate of UC Merced. Congratulations on your achievements, on work well done. Fiat Lux,
Dorothy Leland Chancellor
PROGRAM | Saturday, May 16 School of Engineering and School of Natural Sciences
PROCESSIONAL MUSIC
“Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar
ACADEMIC PROCESSION
Candidates, Faculty, Senior Administration and Honored Guests
NATIONAL ANTHEM
“The Star-Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key Performed by KARLYN RAHMGREN, Class of 2015
WELCOME REMARKS
THOMAS W. PETERSON, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
CHANCELLOR’S ADDRESS
DOROTHY LELAND, Chancellor
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
RICHARD A. TAPIA, University Professor, Rice University
STUDENT REMARKS
HATIM HANIF, Class of 2015
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
THOMAS W. PETERSON, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor DOROTHY LELAND, Chancellor
AND CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Graduate Division
MARJORIE S. ZATZ, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate Division
School of Engineering
ERIK ROLLAND, Interim Dean
School of Natural Sciences
JUAN C. MEZA, Dean
ALUMNI REMARKS
KEITH ELLIS, Class of 2012
CLOSING REMARKS
THOMAS W. PETERSON, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
RECESSIONAL MUSIC
“Sine Nomine” by Ralph Vaughan Williams
KEYNOTE SPEAKER | Saturday, May 16 RICHARD A. TAPIA University Professor, Rice University
Richard A. Tapia, mathematician and professor at Rice University in Houston, was born in Los Angeles to Mexican immigrants. Tapia was the first in his family to attend college, earning his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Tapia’s major research contributions have been in the area of optimization theory and numerical analysis — the science of developing and analyzing methods for solving real-world problems using mathematics and computers. He was one of the pioneers in the computational methods in numerical optimization known as primal-dual interior point techniques that are now routinely used world-wide to solve problems in science and engineering design. In 1967, he joined the Department of Mathematics at UCLA and then spent two years as a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin. In 1970, he moved to Rice University where he was promoted to associate professor in 1972 and full professor in 1976. At Rice, Tapia is a Maxfield-Oshman professor in the Department of Computational and Applied Mathematics, associate director of Graduate Studies, and director of the Center for Excellence and Equity in Education. He is only the sixth individual afforded the title of University Professor in Rice’s 100-year history. Tapia is recognized as a leader in diversity and has provided leadership at a national level. Two professional conferences have been named in his honor: Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing conference and the Blackwell-Tapia Conference, whose founders described Tapia as a seminal figure who inspired a generation of African-American, Native American and Latino/Latina students to pursue careers in mathematics. Among his many honors, Tapia was the first Hispanic elected to the National Academy of Engineering. In 1996, former President Bill Clinton appointed him to the National Science Board, where he served until 2002, and from 2001 to 2004 he chaired the National Research Council’s Board on Higher Education and the Workforce. He has received the National Science Foundation’s inaugural Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring; and the Distinguished Scientist Award from the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science. He was named one of 20 most influential leaders in minority math education by the National Research Council. In 2008, he was listed as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the U.S. by Hispanic Business magazine.
Class of 2015 | Saturday, May 16 CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES FOR THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Tao Ren
Otto Alvarez
Environmental Systems Doctor of Philosophy
IGP Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Doctor of Philosophy
Wenjun Chen
Kun Zhang
IGP Mechanical Engineering Master of Science
Aaron Cowles
IGP Biological Engineering and Small-scale Technologies Master of Science
Van T. Duong
IGP Mechanical Engineering Master of Science
Mohsen Farhadloo
IGP Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Doctor of Philosophy
Lun Jiang
Environmental Systems Doctor of Philosophy
Alisa Renae Keyser
Environmental Systems Doctor of Philosophy
Marwin Ko
IGP Mechanical Engineering Doctor of Philosophy
Chih-Yuan Yang
IGP Biological Engineering and Small-scale Technologies Master of Science
Zixuan Zhuang
Environmental Systems Master of Science
Chai Lor
IGP Biological Engineering and Small-scale Technologies Doctor of Philosophy
Kaitlin Cantelow Lubetkin
Robert Alex Ibanez Aguilar Bezait Gashachew Ali Nikoo Lynnette Azizkhan Nicholas Edward Balaban Brian Joseph Bamsch *** Monica Angelita Barbadillo Jeremy Scott Barela Nathaniel Berhane Matthew Thomas Bucci ** Ian Matthew Ayers Buczko Jose Alejandro Buendia Ian Scott Camp Esther Canal Claudia Joanna Canales Victoria R. Caudill * Tony Chen Marvin Sang Ho Choi Patrick Chuchu
Environmental Systems Doctor of Philosophy
Fredy Manuel Cisneros **
Ryan G. Lucas
Steven A. Coles ***
Environmental Systems Doctor of Philosophy
Arian B. Durrani Alexander Carlton Erwin * Ivan Felix Shan Anton Fernando Maritza Flores-Marquez **
Adrian Garibay
Kristopher Tyler Bolts
Vivian Dominique Lopez
Divya Jyoti Das
CANDIDATES FOR THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Zhuo Li
IGP Mechanical Engineering Master of Science
Derek Nhan Dao
Michael Antonio Fortes
Antonio Miguel Belmontes
Wei Liang
Kevin Mitchell Cunha
IGP Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Master of Science
IGP Mechanical Engineering Master of Science IGP Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Doctor of Philosophy
Raniel-Christia Cruz
Timothy Clopp Luis Fernando Cruz
Matvejs Fostiropuls Gregory Ryan Fujitani Kyle Joseph Garozzo Manli Gomari Carlos Osvaldo Gomez Joshua Francis Morante Gonzales * Luis Abraham Gonzalez Zeno Hao * Noah Hawariat Ingrid Marie Henderson Carlos Hernandez ** Jose Benedict Hernandez Leslie J. Herrera Garcia Spencer Masato Hirasawa Samuel Hopstone Stephen Hilario Huang David Willard Huff Simon Huie * Mickey Michael Huynh Javier Jacinto Jr. Saniya Jesupaul Eduardo Jimenez Kyle Lee Jocoy Garrett Niall John Jeffrey Todd Johnson * Connor Keiji Kanazawa Kevin Christos Karabinas
Class of 2015 | Saturday, May 16 Ankit Kaushal
Jeremy Andrew Muonio
Thomas August Steffen
Kwame Kehoe
John Ryan Murphy
Panic Rama Stevenson *
Leonid Vladimirovich Khodel
Nathaly De Jesus Navarrete
Thomas Dean Stickles
Owen James Kidd
Tyler Jasper Ngan
Rey Kristoffer Tan
Patrick Ryan Kohlman
Tony Van Nguyen
Christopher Paul Taylor
Joshua Morgan Kreek
Courtney Elizabeth Nickell
Ernesto Javier Tellez Larios
Aaron Wueneng Law
Justin Eugene O’Rourke
Van Thanh Thai
Clarence Brian Le *
John Harvey Alamo Paredes
Patrick Thavornkant
Tam Le
Ryan Chiong Lee Paw
Derek Allen Theisen
Justin Alan Lebeuf
Manuel Perez
Jooho Lee
Jeffrey Robert Piety
Roshini Saraswathi Thiagarajan ***
Sergio Lemus
Niccolo-Luise Yao Poblete
Victoria To
Alisha A. Leong
Jeanette Qi
Paul Duc Tran
William Li
Donald Quach
Matthew Boramy Trieu
Luis Diego Lin Xiao **
Rebecca Lynn Quinte
Cang Van Truong
Christopher Quoc Lu
Karlyn Michelle Rahmgren
Jemellee B. Urbino
Yi Lu
Alexis Ramirez
Salvador Uvalle Jr.
Michael Luna
Edgar Manuel Ramos
Samuel Francisco Valdovinos
Kevin Lloyd Menor Macayan
Shawn Ryan Reichle
Tshamon David Vang
Angela Macedo Andrade
Travis P. Requena
Walter Vasquez
Omar Magana
Luis Antonio Reyes
John Michael Villa
Alex Mai
Gerardo Ibanez Robles Jr.
Edgar Leonardo Villalpando II
Seaver Mai
Victor Alfredo Rodriguez
Frank Wang
Lorenzo Manag
Agustin Roldan
Robert Lee Wang **
Ryan Matthew Manalac
Ramuel Safarkoolan
Nicholas Shadrach White
Pablo Antonio Martinez
Alejandro S. Sanchez ***
Jonathan Gary-Lee Wilhite
Reynante Garvida Matias*
Jhony Salvador Sanchez
Barrington Stylianides Wilson *
Yuliya Andreevna Matlashova
Jose A. Sanchez
Steven Nicholas Wlodychak II
Galen Alan Maxwell-Fierro
Moris Alexis Saravia
Xinshen Wu
Jonathan Ross Mayfield
Roydel Rambaud Yabut
Matthew Quinn Mcgee *
Brian Matthew Sarracino-Aguilera
Brandon Dominique McKnight
Hakob Jack Semirdzhyan
Tian En Yu
Jose Edgardo Medina
Luis Miguel Sequeira
Kiley Chessna Zaubi
Maria Del Socorro Medina
Matthias John Siiteri
William Marcelino Zeledon
Dillon Jacob Mendes
Kenneth Leland Simpliciano
Ana Zivanovic *
Robert William Vicencio Miles
Manmeet Singh
Felipe Euyoqui Mojica
Salinder Singh
Jesan Alexis Morales-Holguin
Avery Lee Smith
Margarita Morelos Tapia
Atis Srihiran
Roger Rodney Yee
Class of 2015 | Saturday, May 16 CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES FOR THE SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES Jiun Chiun Chang
Quantitative and Systems Biology Doctor of Philosophy
Xiuhao Deng
Physics Doctor of Philosophy
Christopher George Louis Ferri Physics Doctor of Philosophy
Mark Kerfoot
Physics Doctor of Philosophy
Leily S. Kiani
Physics Doctor of Philosophy
Bhargav Koduru
Quantitative and Systems Biology Master of Science
Jane Hyo Jin Lee
Applied Mathematics Doctor of Philosophy
Luis Alberto Martinez IGP Physics Doctor of Philosophy
Elizabeth Owens
Applied Mathematics Master of Science
Ronald Pandolfi
Physics Doctor of Philosophy
Ivy Kathleen Price
Chemistry and Chemical Biology Master of Science
Luke D. Reed
Chemistry and Chemical Biology Doctor of Philosophy
Guillermo Vazquez-Anaya
Quantitative and Systems Biology Master of Science
CANDIDATES FOR THE SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES Meley Abraha Alejandra Andrea Alvarado Sandra Liliana Alvarado
Adam Jr. Arcos Ana Lilia Arteaga Mohandeep Singh Bains Crystal Daniela Bakhaj Vincent Falcone Bartsch Zara Ysabell Batac-Bhatti Oyun-Erdene Batbayar Rhea Alcayde Bautista Elizabeth Benitez John Lorenz Jose Bernal Leah Mae Beza Pawandip K. Bisla Rebecca Locke Brewster Sara Michelle Brizuela Gail Judea Marjory Brooks *** Michelle Burrowes Steven Kalani Sinfuego Bustamante Cody James Canerdy John Paolo Quilario Cangco Jenna Marie Legaspina Cantor Irving Xavier Casamalhuapa Elizabeth Casillas Jesus Castillo Raquel Simone Casto Cassandra Arribas Cave Haword Cha *** April Chan Ashlee Kaylah Chan * Christina Mei Chang Qianting Chen Jerry Chitmongran Arthur Wing Chow * Serena Chow Euna Chung Katharine Wallsten Cook Vivian Corral Daniel Jose Crago La Triece Nicole Crawford Tom Wesley Delobrino De Alva Mayra Jazmin Del Real Juliann Delos Reyes
Carl Francis Cangco Delrosario Anmol Dhillon Poneet Kaur Dhillon Alilla Rose Dollar Tevin Singleton Douglas Gregory Alan Dunn Zachary Ryan Eagleton Nya Elizabeth Edwards Kevin Clark Ellsworth Omar Harbey Eloustaz Kathleen Marie Emerson Sydney Taylor Searle Engeran Craig Lewis Ennis Nicole Lacap Enriquez Yzamar Gabriel Espinoza Reese Tlacaelel Estrada Jacob Ernest Estrella Alexis Noemi Fernandez Justin Christopher Fernandez Ernesto Jesus Ferreyra Stephen Philip Flaherty Mitchell Gerrit Flores Jillian Irene Foster Nija Monique Foster Youstina Nabil Gad Victoria Rae Gallup Luis Fernando Galvez Erika Marie Gueco Generoso Elizabeth Marie Gerling *** Nicole Annette Giddings Sukhjit Gill * Laina Victoria Gilmore Monika Louise Gleim Celina Annette Gomez Elizabeth Gonzalez Rosa Isela Gonzalez Vanessa Grajeda Samuel Forrest Granados* Logan Bond Graves Patrick Edward Gray Jamie Joseph Grenland Gebeyhu Shumet Guddaye
Class of 2015 | Saturday, May 16 Osvaldo Gutierrez Phuong-Thao Dang Ha ** Amy Hang Hatim Hasan Hanif Camille Michelle Hassel * Stephen Alan Hein Ka Bao Her James Scott Hernan William Robert Higson Danielle Lynn Hiner Samuel Augustus Huscher Lisa Nguyet Huynh Dannilo Moisse Ibarra Genesis Michelle Interiano Maurice Deishan Jackson Laura Irene Jalpa Qasim Javed Barbara Graciela Javier Aja Rose Johnson Christopher Joseph Jose Wail Shawki Karajeh Kyle Travis Kauffman Armanpreet Kaur Mohammad Usama Khan Rita Kigoonya Benneth B. Kim Sung Dae Kim Macayla Irene Kinney Pisiwat Kongsomboonvech Amanda Erin Kwan Kevin Parker Kwan Erika Kwok Ryan Q. Lam Taylor Lorraine Lamarr Jessica Alexandria Landos Shalimar Diaz Lardizabal Adam D. Lazar Annie Le Nhi Thi Le Amanda Nai Lee Debby Lee Doua Zong Lee
Mai Ying Lee Logan Andrew Leeper Samuel Han Leung
Therese Claire Navarrete Andrea C. Navarro Alexander Wells Newman
Suzanna Li Winnie Hui Yi Liang ** Chelcie Hoohie Limcaco Savannah Kate Linhares Kei-Tung Liu Adriana Lopez Maria Yesenia Lucatero Adriana Lupian Gary Joseph Lynch Jr. Seymour Hong Shing Ma Clarissa Sophia Machado Griselda Noemi Macias Eli Isael Hernandez Maciel Juan Maciel Jr. Ana Gabriela Madrigal Maria Isabel Madrigal Jessica Jesenia Magana Monica Daniela Artiga Magnaye Jonathan Andrews Maldonado Fateh Singh Mann Ramandeep Kaur Mann Terry Cao Maokhamphiou Cindy Janndel Marin Andrea Nicole Martinez Geneva Ebony McDaniels Noemi Mejia Adyam Tesfai Mekonnen Asuncion Mendoza Yasmin Mendoza Luis Mercado * Rachel C. Mineses Aundrea N. Molina Cassandra Noemi Moreno Meagan Moreno ** Anthony Morini Edmund Velasco Munsayac Bobby James Nakamoto Angelica Nava Jovana S. Navarrete
Jonathan Hoang Nguyen Quynh T. Nguyen Robinson Nguyen Wendy Kimanh Nguyen Brittani Nieto Shannon Leong Nolan Chantel Natasha Nugent David Nunez Angelo N. Ocampo Kalvin Onyebuchi Ekene Ogbuefi Michelle Tze Ing Olivarez * Francisco Jose Olmedo Victoria Chika Onwu Marissa Nicole Saldana Ortiz * Candice Ikumi Oshiro Jennifer Michelle Packer Helen Pak Karina Vanessa Palillo Raymund Carr Pascua Shivani Piyush Patel Dominic Ignacio Pellegrino Stephanie Lisbeth Perez Brian Huy Phong Pham Justin V. Phan Taylor van Driem Pijl Bianca Pimentel Michael Donahue Pitbladdo Indyana Paige Polley *** Coral Quirino * Araceli Ramirez Vicente Andres Ramirez Christopher Ryan Ramos Madoka Kinjo Ramsey * Theresa Patrice Lopez Ravago Christopher James Reding Thomas Bernard Rehder Deanne E. Resplandor Alain Lebita Ret Brian Reyna
Class of 2015 | Saturday, May 16 Michael Riel Elizabeth Rivera Helina Alemtaye Abraham Roba Denise Arely Rodriguez Gema Jocelyn Rodriguez Liliana Eloiza Rodriguez Pedro Saul Rodriguez Nancy Marie Rossi Alexander Rubio Erwynn Feliciano Rueda Stephanie L. Ruiz Lakhpreet Singh Saggi Maria Guadalupe Sanchez Vanessa Sanchez * Vaneet Sandhu Megan Suzanne Schill ** Toni Abrihyana Scott Jesus Miguel Segovia Meghana Shah Danielle Marie Shults Manpreet Kaur Sidhu Ashley Chanel Sigel Kaylyn G. Silva Gurjant Singh Maninder Singh Patrice Carol Smith Avinash Solanky Fernilla Victoria Solinap Kevin C. Song ** Pakamon Sopajaree * Ivan C. Soriano Seth Michael Spitulski William Edward Steinert
Fayiz Sulieman Jessica Lynn Sumner Drake Anthony Swanson Shahrukh Ali Syed Amanda Crystal Taing Leanne Tomiko Takao Julian Si Tam Kevin Tan Noriyuki Paul Tani ** Jessica Renee Taylor Mary Thao Neelam Kaur Thiara * Malia Alexandra Thompson Jamie D. Ting Emma Tkachuk Daniel John Toews Angela-Rae Lactao Tolentino Klair Gorospe Tolosa Marisela Torres Vivian Tran Chelsea Trinetra Marc Anthony Triska Tina Truong Barry Tse Bryan Tuong Ramiro Alexandro Uribe Henrychris Okeoghene Uwuseb Robert W. Van Ornam Zoe Anne Vandenberg Jennifer Ma Vang Eliana Cecelia Vasquez Vanessa Haduca Velasco Felipe Pablo Venegas
Catherine Briana Victoriano Shannon Vizcarra Shirley Ngoc Vo Vivi Quynh Vu Christopher Lee Williams Melissa Évon Williams Carly Hahn Williamson Christopher Xi Wong Janice Christine Wong Zhishu Xie Chu Yee Xiong Miriam Lizbeth Yanez Wilton Bon Yang Amy Joy Yeoman Joseph Medianno Yoga ** Lukas Medianno Yoga *** Kidist Yohannes Christina Ros Quirante Yonzon Joanna Rosa Yung Anna Zaslavsky Tyler ZelayaMai Zoua Xiong Cindy Life Yang Mandy Min Yi Yang Heather Pearl Jin Ju Yoon Annie Yu Eddy Yu Guanjing Yu Alexia Chantal Yue Sean Xiang Yun April Untayao Zamora Myriam Denisse Zavalza
Commencement is the time when the academic community, along with family and friends, comes together to celebrate the achievements of our students. Inclusion in this program and participation in the commencement ceremony does not necessarily signify completion of the degree. Academic Honors (Highest Honors, High Honors and Honors), if achieved, and degrees (B.A., B.S., M.A., M.S. and Ph.D.) are not awarded until after the term in which all requirements are completed. To receive honors at graduation, an undergraduate student must achieve a grade point average within the top 2 percent of the student’s school for highest honors, the next 4 percent for high honors, and the next 10 percent for honors. *** Highest Honors ** High Honors * Honors
PROGRAM | Sunday, May 17 School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts PROCESSIONAL MUSIC
“Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar
ACADEMIC PROCESSION
Candidates, Faculty, Senior Administration and Honored Guests
NATIONAL ANTHEM
“The Star-Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key Performed by DANIELLE OCEGUERA, Class of 2015
WELCOME REMARKS
THOMAS W. PETERSON, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
CHANCELLOR’S ADDRESS
DOROTHY LELAND, Chancellor
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
CORA B. MARRETT, Former Deputy Director and Acting Director, National Science Foundation
STUDENT REMARKS
JOHN ELIAS, Class of 2015
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
THOMAS W. PETERSON, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor DOROTHY LELAND, Chancellor
AND CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Graduate Division
School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts
MARJORIE S. ZATZ, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate Division MARK S. ALDENDERFER, Dean
ALUMNI REMARKS
KEITH ELLIS, Class of 2012
CLOSING REMARKS
THOMAS W. PETERSON, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
RECESSIONAL MUSIC
“Sine Nomine” by Ralph Vaughan Williams
KEYNOTE SPEAKER | Sunday, May 17 CORA B. MARRETT Former Deputy Director and Acting Director, National Science Foundation
Cora Bagley Marrett is professor emerita at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she served on the faculty for more than 30 years. From 1997 to 2001, she served as provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She returned to UW-Madison in 2001 to serve as the University of Wisconsin system’s senior vice president for academic affairs, a position she held until 2007. Her academic career also includes appointments at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Western Michigan University.
Marrett took leave from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to assume senior administrative positions at the National Science Foundation. She earned the NSF’s Distinguished Service Award for her leadership as the agency’s first assistant director for the Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences directorate. As assistant director for Education and Human Resources, Marrett led NSF’s mission to achieve excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels. She became the acting deputy director for the foundation in 2009. In 2011, President Barack Obama nominated Marrett — and the U.S. Senate approved her appointment — as the permanent deputy director. On two different occasions, she assumed the mantle of acting director for the National Science Foundation. When she retired from the foundation in 2014, several members of Congress thanked Marrett effusively for her service to the nation. Marrett also served on former President Jimmy Carter’s Presidential Commission on the Accident at Three Mile Island. Marrett holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Virginia Union University, and master’s and doctoral degrees in sociology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Marrett also holds honorary degrees from Virginia Union University and Wake Forest University. Her graduate institution, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has honored her with an Excellence in Teaching award and a Distinguished Alumna award. She is a fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. The National Academy of Sciences appointed her to its inaugural class of Residential Fellows and subsequently to its ranks of National Associates.
Class of 2015 | Sunday, May 17 CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES FOR THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, HUMANITIES AND ARTS
Andrea Alcantar
Stephanie Beitashour
Lindsay Kate Allwood
Marialena Carina Berber
Mayumi Gellada Amargo
Jasmin Mendieta Blas
Jennifer Soria Anaya ***
Trevor James Blondin
Michelle Diane Greenwood
Aaron Andrade
Gabrielle Regina Boubonis
Veronica M. Lerma
Warren Chukwuemeka Ani
Brenda Vanessa Bravo Trujillo
Qais Rahman Ansari
Julie A. Britton
Mirka Dianne Arellano
Rhayven L. Broome
Psychological Sciences Doctor of Philosophy
Erick Octavio Arias
Adam R. Brown
Elizabeth Arredondo Lopez
Sonata Elise Brown
Katherine Anne Livins
Clarizza Arucan
Crystal Thi Thai-Thanh Bui
Amy A. E. Moffat
Samantha Auduong
Antoinette Genevieve Burk *
Janice Elizabeth Avalos
Benjamin Aleksander Burks
Cognitive and Information Sciences Karely Andrade Doctor of Philosophy IGP Social Sciences Master of Arts
Pauline E. Light
Cognitive and Information Sciences Anthony Jorel Atilano Doctor of Philosophy IGP Social Sciences Doctor of Philosophy
Kuuipolani Arianne Braceros
Alyssa Marie Burgess
Maria Alejandra Avalos*
Kia Bursey
IGP Social Sciences Master of Arts
Jessica Avalos Gonzalez
Denzel Vincent Devaughn Butler
Jose Emmanuel Aviles
Valerie Nicole Butterbredt
Marcus Shaw
Roberto Ayala
William Franklin Caldeira
Gurjot Bains
Maya Campo
Cara Baird
Carina Campos
Brittany Pearl Baker
Jonathan Paul Canton
Francis Miranda Baladad
Marisol Cardenas
Wendy V. Puquirre
IGP Social Sciences Master of Arts
Kristynn Joy Sullivan
Psychological Sciences Doctor of Philosophy
Janelle Kristen Szary
Cognitive and Information Sciences Elizabeth Balbuena Doctor of Philosophy Erica Luz Elena Balderrama
Judith Guadalupe Cardona
gayle kim yamada
David Allen Baldwin
Lucas Jr. Carrillo
Sara Regina Baltierrez
Patricia Casas
David Banda
Dianne Michelle Casibang
Christina Banuelos
Marionne Jannel Casipit
Elvy Nataly Banuelos
Jahaira Castaneda
Jay M. Barker
Magdalena Herrera Castaneda *
Angel Michael Barragan
Kristina Castellanos
Carolyn Yessel Barranco
Anabel Castillo
Juana Barriga
Lizzet Margarita Castillo
Sukhraj Singh Bath
Ronnie Joe Castillo
Kendall Hayley Bauer
Selene Castillo
Francis Popioco Bautista
Juliana Castillo Elizarraraz
Shanna Christine Beach
Denise Carina Castro *
Jose Manuel Becerra
Gerrymelyn Almoite Casupang
Interdisciplinary Humanities Doctor of Philosophy
CANDIDATES FOR THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, HUMANITIES AND ARTS Heather Diane Addington *** Tamela Elaine Adkins Amethyst Kabrina Aguilar ** Sheena Mae Daza Aguilar Pavan Landis Ahluwalia Zan Agha Ahsan Nathalin Alba Ana Yuritzi Albarran
Andrew Compton Carlson II
Class of 2015 | Sunday, May 17 Jairo Jonathon Ceballos
Aida Duran
Angelica Gallegos-Jimenez
Karen Lisset Cedano
Hasmik Ester Duzdabanian
Daniel Patrick Gallivan
Jacqueline Der Cha
Kristina Renee Dyar
Jaime Gamez-Luna
Ka Yan Chan
Andrew Daniel Dye
Joanna Garay
Samuel Kamhim Chan
Elliott Nolan Dykman
Anthony Garcia
Dustin Hon-Lin Chang
Courtney Clashawn Edwards
Brenda Garcia
Saraching Chao
Donald Ray Edwards Jr.
Brianda Garcia *
Alma Rosa Chaves
Jazmen Maree Edwards
Kenia Jasmine Garcia
Analysa Chavez
Kelli Corinne Eggleston
Machelle Nicole Garcia *
Harlyn Chawla
Youssef El Yakoubi
Martha Alejandra Garcia
Brandon Chen *
Alana Raquel Eldridge
Massiel Garcia
Darnene Chhun
John Vladimir Elias
Michael Garcia
Andrea Isabelle Chicchon
Ruth Berhane Elias
Ruben Carrera Garcia
Alysha Marie Childs **
Ashely Marie Epps-Murphy
Kristen W. Chin
Ivonne Escobar
Jacqueline Yanira Garcia Hernandez
Andrea Woore Cho
Miguel Alfonso Espinoza
Cristal Garcialobato
Brandon Y. Chow
Griselda Estala
Stephanie Elvira Garibay
Nicholas Ryan Clark *
Juan Carlos Estrada II
Andrea Jade Garrett
Juliana Rose Combs
James Albert Evangelista
Genna Elyse Garrett
Yarikza Comparan
Jimmy Roeli Fajardo
Sharon Alexis Gatica
Rebekah Deneva Contreras
Kimberly Khaoshoua Fang
Angelic Gaytan
Jessica Coronel
Sewenette Fassil
Miriam Adriana Gaytan
Bria Anissa Cortez
Christina A. Favela
Rebecca Alicia Goldberg
Claudia Aracely Cortez
Thomas Wilhelm Feldmeier
Jennifer Ivania Gomez
Anastacia Nicole Cousins
Chandler Eileen Felipe
Xavier Ahmad Gomez
Vasilisa Crosthwaite
Jacinda Brianne Ferguson
Bertha Angelica Gomez Avina
Kevyn Pedro Cruz
Sarah Sherraine Fernandez
Natalie Grace Gonzalez
Wendy Annai Cruz
Iliana Yerardine Fierros *
Tracy Gonzalez
Cherrylyn Cruzat *
Megan Kate Finnegan
Davinder Singh Dhaliwal
Jefflyne P. Fitts
Diana Amatista Gonzalez Fernandez
Claudia Yaneth Diaz
Ivan Marin Flores
Rachel Elaine Dlott
Marcelo M. Flores
Hieu Phuoc Do
Paola Jessica Flores *
Andres Dominguez-Gonzalez
Cruz Franco
Cynthia Dorado
Megan Brianna Frank
Kaylin-Marie Dorothy
Daniel Paiva Freitas
Michelle Marie Downer *
Elvia Cecilia Fuentes
Andrea Nichelle Drayton
Kathleen Mona Gadalla *
Alejandro Duarte
Ken Anthony Gaffney
William Marshall Grasty Tanner Alan Greene Amanda Elizabeth Griffin Celeste Guerra * Tory Amanda Guthrie Jaquelinn Guadalupe Gutierrez Jessica J. Gutierrez Tatiana Maria Gutierrez Amanda Len Anne Guzman Alisa Rochelle Hajou
Class of 2015 | Sunday, May 17 Gregory A. Haller
Jennifer Jimenez
Jason Chi Lei
Diamond LaShay Hardman
Miguel Salvador Jimenez
Jocelyn Nicole Lew
Kaitlyn Marie Harne
Emily Mary Johnsen
Kevin Lin
Xavier Keith Harris
Reginald Ray Johnson
Shawna Lin
Justin Tyler Hartley
Judy Juares
Karina Linares
Charlesice Conner Hawkins **
Lee Francine Juarez
Thomas Lee Lintner
Nestor Humberto Henrriquez
Alex Kao
Kelly Liu
Rachella Kamela Hercules
Sami David Kassis
Shao Yu Liu
Kathryn Constance Herlth
Amrit Kaur
Josefina Lizardi
Brian Alejandro Hernandez
Jennifer Lizarraga
Candida Casandra Hernandez
Kate Margarita Louise Kempton *
Derek Christian Hernandez
Rick Junha Kim
Andrew Loera
Hugo Hernandez
Carolina King
Armando Leon Lomeli *
Jose Alfredo Hernandez
Tolani Denise Taja King
Michael Anthony Lomio
Llesica S. Hernandez
Glorious Salina Kirsh
Alejandro Lopez
Michelle Hernandez
Brendan Howard Klee ***
Christina Nachita Lopez
Monica Lorena Hernandez
Brittney Stephannie Knauf
Dulce Maria Lopez
Rubia Joana Hernandez
Jefferson Kuoch-Seng
Josselyn Lopez Julian
Triny Hernandez
Carlissa Alana Kyte
Vanessa Hernandez
Kathy Jeannette Lainez
Milagros Florentina Lopez Obeso
Kevin Herrera
Marchanda Jayven Lakey
Lyubov Loza
Schuyler Celso Herrera
Angelica Chandra Lal
Erika Luna
Julian Donald Highsmith
Dianna Keo Lam
Stacey Marie Luna
Amanda Lee Hipp-Renteria
Carissa Danielle Lamas
Xitlaly Luna
Vania H. Y. Hoang
Nicholas Harold Langer *
Jenna Michelle Lunge **
Brian Matthew Horn
Dulce Karen Lares
Tina T. Luong
Natalie Patrice Horn
Christopher Shen-Ong Lau
Chris Jayshon Lupien
Cameron Victor Howard
Jennifer Lau
Kenia Macedo
Tony Minh Hua
Nicolette Hokulea Lau
Shoshana Madick
Rebekah Ashley-Rhyann Hudson Rebecca Marlene Laurin Stephanie Michelle Huezo-Lazo Christopher Varute Law
Maley Vanessa Llerenas
Alyssa Ann Mah Amarpreet Kaur Maholi
Thanhhang T. Huynh
Melanie May-Choy Law
Mark Edward Malaya
Uwaye Michelle Inneh
Devon Anne Lawrence **
Selene Mancilla
Andrew Kent Insco
Jennifer Thi Le
Crystal Raisa Ceralde Manuel
Ifeyinwa Osammor Iwekaogwu
Diana Eunji Lee *
Brenda Jasmine Manzo
Quincey James Jackson
Jua Lee
Byanka Laura Marin
Hazel Jaimez Robles
Mary Ah Lee
Brandon Phillip Marquez
Jonathan Jann
Teng Lee
Alexandra Leah Marr *
Michelle Rae Jeffrey ***
Nathan Ray Legge *
Thalia Marroquin
Class of 2015 | Sunday, May 17 Aaron Christopher Martin
Alejandro Morales
Amber Chanelle Oliver-Mann
Brittany Noelle Martin
Jonathan Jacob Morales
Maria Marisol Orozco Cortez
Alma Alicia Martinez
Roberto Luis Morales
Gabriella Felise Ortega
Laura Natalie Martinez
Olga Esther Moran
Nathalie Ortega
Michelle Christina Martinez
Evelyn Sarai Moreira
Connie Ortiz
Valeria Esther Martinez
Raven Marchell Morelle
Everardo Ortiz
Amelia Marjon Masudi
Manuel A. Moreno
Rebecca Ortiz
Stephanie McClure
Deangela Patricia Morgan **
Sonia Cancino Ortiz **
Malik Andrew George McDaniel Kenji Zaire Motogawa
Parisa Ostovari
David Ivan McGough
Crystal Nouchee Moua
Chidera Nicole Oyeka *
Kisha Adese Yewineshet McGuire *
Elizabeth Amanda Moura
Jeorgina Padilla
Michael John Mullarkey
Ivonne Escarleth Palencia
Christy Diane McKnight
Stephanie Monique Munoz
Tori Ann Palmberg
Jillian Nicole Mead
Araceli Murillo
Connor Gregory Parkin
Sohab Mehmood
Dungdow My
Lori Pay
Daniel Mendez
Maryam Rose Nabizadeh
Daniel Alberto Pena
Miguel Antonio M. Mendoza **
Yessica Ivonne Najarro
Vincent Penaloza
Kirsten Alanna Mengell
Carlos Nava
Leanna Connie Peralta
Abigail A. Mesgana
Belinda Navarrete
Brandon Christopher Perez
Yesica Ruby Meza
Yasil Navarro
Isabel Perez **
Ashley Lynne Miller
Jasmine Carmen Ng
Ivan Jesus Perez
Hannah Renee Miller
Kimdy Nguon
Jessica Perez
Paradyse Tiera-Ann Miller
Anthony Nguyen
Marcelino Perez
Jose Maria Miramontes
Helen Nguyen
Gustavo Perez Jr
Ana Noelia Miranda
Jessica Xuan Nguyen
Kim Phan
Lourdes Miranda
Sean Duy-Hung Nguyen
Charyeea Nachelle Phillips
Linda Dawn Mireles
Stacey Nicasio
Patricia Phonphiboun
Karishma Kajal Misri
Kaylyn Soberano Nicolas
Endesha Ayrika Pierson
Dean Shuichi Missimer
Nicolete Kayomi Noto
Chassity Pineda
Jonathan Yick-Ling Mok
Andrea Nunez
Glenda Mae Perez Polancos
Martino Jose Mondares
Martin Nunez-Palomarez
Francis U. Polohanan
Jocelyn Mondragon
Kenny Michelle Nurfi
Jasmine Ranjala Prasad
Arthuro Monge
Brittany Oakes ***
Maria Guadalupe Preciado
Bria Lynn Monroe
Danielle Marie Oceguera
Amanda Teal Priest
Mitzi Montano
Frank William Ohnesorgen **
Arnab H. Pritam
Charles Joseph Sato Montesa
Brittany Lorraine Ojeda
Leslie Anne Pulido
Lauren Dizon Monton
Jennifer Olivares
Mario Juventino Pulido
Jeremiah Montoya
Mayra Olivares
Maria Alexis Quintana
Taylor Symone Moore
Miriam Mayte Olivares
Lydia Elizabeth Quintanilla
Class of 2015 | Sunday, May 17 Vanessa Raquepo Rafanan
Chelcye Melissa Romero
Michael John Steele
Ramandeep Reme Rajania
Vanessa Lisette Rubio
Grace Elizabeth Stevenson
Hector Ramirez
Kassandra Marie Rucobo *
Matthew Scott Stillwell
Ivonne Tanya Ramirez
Daniel Ruiz *
Sven Sulzmann ***
Pedro Pablo Ramirez
Katrina Angelica Ruiz
Kathryn Fusako Sunahara *
Sharon Abigail Ramirez
Vanessa Ruiz
Javonte C. Surrell
Steven Christopher Ramos
Connor Theodore Runnels
Nathania Clarissa Susila
Theresa Ramos
Sarah Ann Sabag
Karena M. Swenson
Anabel Razo
Stephen Del Mar Sabagquit
Collin Akira Takaki *
Bibiana V. Razo
Andrya Selena Salazar
Jordain Taylor Tamai
Madeleine Alaina Rea
Estefania Salceda
Evette Alberta Tapia
James Steven Reed
Kristie Melissa Sanchez
Paolo Christian Joven Tayros
Kristen Michelle Renberg **
Daisy Santizo
Allie Ming Teaze
Elisa Guadalupe Renteria
Patricia Lynn Schellentrager
Rina Tefiku
Melissa Renteria
Rebecca Grace Schonauer
Yesica Tello
Emily Marie Requarth **
Sukhman Singh Sekhon
Peter Anthony Tenerelli
Rocio Elisavet Reveles
Rocio Sepulveda
Jason Thao
Christopher D. Reyes
Honora May Abelgas Sermonia
Kang Thao
Sharleen Stephanie Reyes
Eva Marie Segundo Serrano
Sarah Tun Thaung
Adrian Reyes Antonio
Marcella Renee Serrano
Sean Patrick Thomas
Yaneli Licet Rico
Adrian Sevilla
Adriana Irene Tijerina
Lillian Marie Rigoli *
Shon Daniel Shabari
Aikiro Tiongson
Donovan Elias Riley
Amy Fae Shinoki
Gerardo Torcedo
Taylor Jean Riley
Marilyn Brandy Shippy Hernandez
Jannet L. Torres
Maribel Rios Rios Jessica Marie Rivas
Isaiah Michael Silva
Edgar Toruno
Esteban Joel Rivas-Curiel
Kaitlyn Rae Silvey
Andrea Trujillo
Marielle Antonette Harris Rizon
Eun Bi Sin
Nickolas Trujillo
Jaspreet Singh
Annabelle Liang Tsai
Charles Boyd Robi
Justin Puran Pal Singh
Anthony Carlos Rodriguez
Sahib Singh
Alexandria Margaret Tuomainen
Christian Ariel Rodriguez
Sukhvir Singh
Danielle Kim Turner
Edgar Rodriguez
Allegra Nicole Skinner
Jeffrey Alexander Tutorow
Janette Monique Rodriguez
Ajee Delisa Smith
Yoana D. Urbina
Dalton Scott Rogers
Samuel Wayne Smith
Alberto Uribe
Melinda Irene Rojas
Theodore Juwan Sohn
Rosa Isabel Valdez
Rodolfo Damian Rojo
Louis Fernando Solares
Alan Alexis Valdivia
Ana Mercedes Roman
Nia Elizabeth Southerland
Stephanie Valencia Leon
Yesenia Roman-Quel
Sarah Sage Spoljaric
Karina Suzanne Van Bogart
William Frederick Torrez
Class of 2015 | Sunday, May 17 Choua Vang
Kianna Taylor Walls
Shiming Wu
Gloria Vang
Douglas Hoching Wat
Bao Xiong
Amanda Marie Varela
Mary Victoria Waters
Sheila Mai Ze Xiong
Irma Vargas
Emily Meriwether Weiss
Charlene Xu
Pedro Vargas
Derek John Westerhoff *
Amos Yan
Yekaterina Vashchenko
Tandra Ngozi White
Sher Yang
Emily Anne Vega ***
Ashley Mariah Wiens *
Preston Yau
Gabriela Vega
Jamaal Christopher Wilson
Geoffrey Patrick Yep
George Dizon Velarde Jr.
Kaitlyn Marie Wilson
Matthew Yin
Angelene C. Velasco
Sandra Lynn Wilson **
Nancy Zambrano Guerrero
Kevin Matthew Veloira **
LaTia Jessica Maria Winfrey
Alva Guadalupe Zamorano
Gaby Eugenia Vera
Jewel Mailei Ann Wise *
Edmundo Zaragoza
Claudia V. Villa
Dillon Lee Wohlgemuth
Sarah Zia
Vanessa Victoria Villacorta
Alysha Marie Wolff
Ben Joaquin Zumkeller
Natalie Villalobos
Lauren Anne Therese Wondka
Nathan Adam Zuraek
Emmanuel Villanueva **
Melissa Wong
Valara Sara Marie Villanueva
Sin Ying Wong
Remina Kaur Wahid
Tiffany Oi-See Wong
Amsal Wajihuddin
Joel Ryan Woolfork
Chandler Jean Wallace
Alexis Kimiko Wu *
Commencement is the time when the academic community, along with family and friends, comes together to celebrate the achievements of our students. Inclusion in this program and participation in the commencement ceremony does not necessarily signify completion of the degree. Academic Honors (Highest Honors, High Honors and Honors), if achieved, and degrees (B.A., B.S., M.A., M.S. and Ph.D.) are not awarded until after the term in which all requirements are completed. To receive honors at graduation, an undergraduate student must achieve a grade point average within the top 2 percent of the student’s school for highest honors, the next 4 percent for high honors, and the next 10 percent for honors. *** Highest Honors ** High Honors * Honors
SPECIAL AWARD RECIPIENTS | Class of 2015 Carol Tomlinson-Keasey Award MICHAEL JOHN MULLARKEY Selected from among the winners of the Legacy Award, the Carol Tomlinson-Keasey Award is the highest leadership award given to a graduating student who has pioneered new opportunities for those who follow.
Distinguished Leadership Award CRYSTAL THI THAI-THANH BUI DEBBY LEE The Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes seniors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills through his or her service to the university.
Legacy Award BRIAN JOSEPH BAMSCH The Legacy Award honors graduating students whose influence, ideals and activities have left a lasting positive impression on the institution and raised the standard of excellence for future generations of students.
NIH MARC Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (U-STAR) Scholar DEBBY LEE ADRIANA LOPEZ EMMANUEL VILLANUEVA The NIH MARC U-STAR is awarded to honors students majoring in biomedical or behavioral sciences who have expressed interest in pursuing postgraduate education leading to the Ph.D., M.D.-Ph.D., or other combined professional degree-Ph.D. in these fields upon completing their baccalaureate degree.
Social Justice Leadership Award KRISTEN ALANNA MENGELL The Social Justice Leadership Award recognizes a student who has advocated for equity and inclusivity while positively impacting the UC Merced campus and surrounding community.
University Friends Circle Distinguished Volunteer DALTON SCOTT ROGERS The University Friends Circle Distinguished Volunteer award recognizes a student who demonstrates an active and ongoing commitment to serving others in the Merced community.
OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARDS | Class of 2015 GRADUATE STUDIES Chancellor’s Graduate Fellowship ELIZABETH OWENS, Master of Science, Applied Mathematics
Faculty Mentor Program Fellowship LUIS ALBERTO MARTINEZ, Doctor of Philosophy, IGP Physics LUKE REED, Doctor of Philosophy, Chemistry and Chemical Biology JANELLE KRISTEN SZARY, Doctor of Philosophy, Cognitive and Information Sciences
Fletcher Jones Fellowship AMY A.E. MOFFAT, Doctor of Philosophy, IGP Social Sciences
Graduate Dean’s Dissertation Fellowship TAO REN, Doctor of Philosophy, IGP Mechanical Engineering
President’s Dissertation Fellowship OTTO ALVAREZ, Doctor of Philosophy, Environmental Systems
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING Brian Bamsch, B.S., Computer Science and Engineering Fredy Cisneros, B.S., Mechanical Engineering Alexander Erwin, B.S., Materials Science and Engineering Maritza Flores Marquez, B.S., Environmental Engineering Joshua Francis Gonzales, B.S., Materials Science and Engineering Clarence Le, B.S., Bioengineering Justin Lebeuf, B.S., Computer Science and Engineering Alejandro Sanchez, B.S., Mechanical Engineering Roshini Thiagarajan, B.S., Computer Science and Engineering Victoria To, B.S., Bioengineering Robert Wang, B.S., Computer Science and Engineering
SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES Haword Cha, B.S., Biological Sciences emphasis in Molecular and Cell Biology Arthur Chow, B.S., Biological Sciences emphasis in Molecular and Cell Biology Charlesice Hawkins, B.S., Cognitive Science and Biological Sciences emphasis in Human Biology Debby Lee, B.S., Biological Sciences emphasis in Human Biology Winnie Liang, B.S., Physics emphasis in Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Megan Schill, B.S., Chemical Sciences emphasis in Biological Chemistry Kevin Song, B.S., Chemical Sciences emphasis in Chemistry Jessica Taylor, B.S., Applied Mathematics emphasis in Physics
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, HUMANITIES AND ARTS TIMOTHY ALEXANDER, B.A., Spanish MEGAN FINNEGAN, B.S., Cognitive Science Charlesice Hawkins, B.S., Cognitive Science and Biological Sciences emphasis in Human Biology TONY HUA, B.A., Economics and B.S., Applied Mathematics SHAWNA LIN, B.A., English EMMANUEL VILLANUEVA, B.A., Psychology
ACADEMIC SENATE AWARDS | 2014 – 2015 As we celebrate our graduates’ achievements, the UC Merced Academic Senate also congratulates the 2014-2015 Senate Award winners. Each year, the senate recognizes distinguished faculty who achieve excellence and bring distinction to the university through research, teaching and service.
Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching by a Non-Senate Lecturer Christopher Ramirez, The Karen Merritt Writing Program To encourage and recognize the outstanding work and contributions of non-Senate lecturers in teaching undergraduates at UC Merced.
Award for Distinguished Graduate Teaching and Mentoring Harish Bhat, School of Natural Sciences To encourage and recognize individual excellence in teaching at the graduate level and mentorship of graduate students.
Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Rudy Ortiz, School of Natural Sciences Jack Vevea, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts To encourage and recognize individual excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level.
Award for Excellence in Faculty Mentorship Jennifer Manilay, School of Natural Sciences To encourage and recognize individual excellence in faculty mentorship.
Award for Distinguished Early Career Research Masashi Kitazawa, School of Natural Sciences To encourage and recognize individuals for research and/or other creative activities that have had a major impact on the field, either through a sustained record of contributions or through a specific, highly influential contribution.
Award for Distinction in Research Ming-Hsuan Yang, School of Engineering To encourage and recognize individuals for research and/or other creative activities that have had a major impact on the field, either through a sustained record of contributions or through a specific, highly influential contribution.
Award for Distinguished Scholarly Public Service Robin DeLugan, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts To recognize a faculty member who has energetically and creatively applied his or her professional expertise and scholarship to benefit the local, regional, national, or international community.
Dr. Fred Spiess Award for Distinguished Service to the Academic Senate William Shadish, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts To recognize a member of the faculty who has performed outstanding service to the Academic Senate (campus and/or system-wide) and whose contributions have had a major impact on faculty governance.
HONORING FOUNDING FACULTY HENRY FORMAN Henry Forman, a founding faculty member in the School of Natural Sciences, retired this academic year with the rank of Distinguished Professor. Forman joined uc merced in 2003 as one of the original 13 faculty and was instrumental in shaping the campus. Forman, a professor of biochemistry and chemistry, is internationally known for an extensive body of research and publication on the ways the lungs react to and protect themselves from disease, including asthma, cystic fibrosis and damage from air pollutants.
UC Merced’s Environmental Leadership The University of California, Merced, is committed to becoming a showpiece of environmental leadership by demonstrating smart, sensible and creative actions that promote the vision of sustainability. The university’s commitment to sustainability extends to all aspects of campus life — including commencement. Sustainable commencement practices include selling caps and gowns made from recycled water bottles, using stage decor that can be reused every year, using paper with recycled content for all printed materials, publishing information on the Web, and collecting and sorting all waste for composting and recycling. The campus is extremely water-conscious, taking steps to reduce water use everywhere possible. One example is the weather-based irrigation controller implemented this spring to maximize irrigation efficiency. We invite you to support our efforts to minimize waste and have as little impact on the planet as possible during commencement by properly disposing of your used water bottles or print materials in one of the many recycling bins in the South Bowl.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Class of 2015
CLASS GIFT Since UC Merced’s inception, each graduating class has carried on the tradition of giving a gift to the University, leaving a legacy for future Bobcats to come. The UC Merced Class of 2015 has chosen to provide additional support to the Wallace-Dutra Amphitheater — a gift from the UC Merced Class of 2009, made possible through the support of the Wallace family. The Wallace-Dutra Amphitheater has served as a gathering place for students, alumni, faculty and staff for award ceremonies, cultural celebrations, reunions and more. Be a part of the tradition by supporting the 2015 Class Gift online at giving.ucmerced.edu/classgift2015.
LET THE JOURNEY CONTINUE Today, UC Merced is proud to welcome the 10th graduating class into the UC Merced Alumni Association — expanding to over 5,000 members. With seven regional chapters, annual events and the establishment of new traditions, the UC Merced Alumni Association serves as a conduit for alumni to maintain a lifelong relationship with the university. UC Merced alumni are valued members of the university community and important advocates who contribute to the campus through their leadership and public service. Alumni continue to make an impact on campus and in their respective communities, aiding in the advancement of the university’s mission. For more information about the privileges of belonging to the UC Merced Alumni Association and how to get involved, visit alumni.ucmerced.edu.
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