Congratulations to the class of 2023! We are so happy to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our students. This year, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is graduating approximately 1,850 undergraduates and 176 graduate students. Undergraduate commencement will be held June 16-18 at the Golden 1 Center. Our graduating class always inspires me and it is a joy to watch them grow from first-year and transfer students into future leaders ready to move forward onto new paths of opportunity. Our graduates embody dedication, commitment and so much potential. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to watching them actualize new ideas and develop creative solutions that support our communities.

Here in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, we honor several students for their exceptional accomplishments in the areas of academic excellence, distinctive leadership and community service. These awards include the College Medal for scholastic excellence, the Mary Regan Meyer Prize for serving humanity, the Charles Hess Community Service Award for outstanding public or community service and the Dean’s Circle Award for outstanding academics and community service. Read about the eight students who exemplify and uphold the spirit and values of our college.

June is also Pride Month and this year, we have a video that highlights the Queer Flower Garden at the UC Davis Student Farm. Watch and learn about the various flowers that represent all that is beautiful and diverse within the LGBTQIA+ community.

This month’s Highlights also heralds several examples of excellence in research from our faculty, including the lastest study on the quality and purity of avocado oil, data on the choices consumers face when standing in the check out line, and new grants for breeding chili peppers, triticale, alfalfa and snap peas.

I hope you all join me in celebrating our students and the close of another successful school year this coming weekend. If you can, take the time and space you need to enjoy a break from your work and commitments. As the campus quiets down this summer, seek out those moments of joy, reflection and relaxation. I will be in the Arboretum on my walking breaks and visiting with the new foals in the Horse Barn. We look forward to seeing you all come fall quarter, and until then, have a great summer!