Last week we celebrated a successful fundraising effort of over $415 million in the Expect Greater campaign. This is an incredible milestone for our college. Each gift allows us to expand our reach and educational excellence, conduct research that translates into real-word solutions, support students and create experiential learning opportunities to expand their education.

Your generosity helps us enrich the college at every level—from our dedicated students and esteemed faculty to our invaluable staff and the cutting-edge research and teaching programs we champion.

We also celebrated this year’s Award of Distinction honorees whose achievements, support, leadership and service have made a lasting impact on our college. The Award of Distinction stands as the pinnacle of distinction within our college, reserved for extraordinary individuals who have made significant achievements in their personal and professional journeys but have also extended profound support to UC Davis through their unwavering dedication of effort and resources. 

These leaders stand as steadfast champions of higher education and advancement of science. The Awards of Distinction awardees are:

Outstanding Alumni: Mark Couchman, Nick Dokoozlian and M. Elizabeth Marder
Early Career Alumni: Miguel Luna
Distinguished Friends of the College: Lynda and Stewart Resnick and Bruce Taylor 
Exceptional Faculty Member: Rachael Goodhue
Exceptional Emeriti: Mary Delany
Exceptional Staff Member: Adam Getchell

This month, we've covered a range of important topics impacting our community and the environment, including the risks megafires pose to nut orchards and how even small amounts of outdoor air pollution can impact children's brain development. There’s also a story about how researchers with the Department of Nutrition are developing a smart app that gives a little “nudge” toward healthier eating. We’re also excited to shine a light on our students, including Davis SEEDS, a student group shaping the future of ecology by supporting diverse voices through experiential learning trips, and an exciting new USDA-funded summer program in partnership with Butte College that will provide first-generation and underrepresented students with valuable research and leadership training in food and agriculture.

I’m pleased to highlight some recent awards and recognitions earned by our talented faculty, staff and students, including Professor Gwen Arnold with the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, who won a National/Global Outstanding Faculty Advising Award from the National Academic Advising Association, an organization focused on advancing academic advising and enhancing student success in higher education. And congratulations to Food Science and Technology Professor Maria Marco's lab for earning the grand prize in the UC Safety Services 2024 Laboratory Safety Awards Program.

Professor Charlotte Biltekoff was named the first Darrell Corti Endowed Professor in Food, Wine and Culture. Established with support from the Trinchero family, known for their Sutter Home wines, the role honors Sacramento’s Darrell Corti and will explore the cultural significance of food and wine while offering students more unique learning opportunities.

Thank you to everyone who shows up every day to support the mission of our college. What makes us truly special is you—our esteemed faculty, dedicated staff, cherished alumni, industry innovators and distinguished friends. You are the backbone of this institution, and I am so proud of everything we’ve accomplished together. 

Go Ags!