UC San Diego Celebrates 60 Years of Its Unique College System

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• Stacey Diamond- s4carrillo@ucsd.edu

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Eight colleges. One great university. At a vibrant event with alumni, current students, faculty, and staff, UC San Diego marked the 60th anniversary of its distinctive undergraduate college system. The panelist event on April 7 honored the college system at UC San Diego, designed to uniquely organize a large research university into smaller, semi-autonomous colleges, each with its own traditions, curriculum, and spirit.

Panelists included alumni, current students, faculty, and staff from each of the eight UC San Diego colleges: Revelle, John Muir, Thurgood Marshall, Earl Warren, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth.

The event kicked off with a photo slideshow, that included many of the memories reminisced upon by the panelists such as Revelle College's iconic Watermelon Drop, the university's longest-running tradition, students gathering for celebrations, and campuswide events like the College Bowl and the UnOlympics.

Several members of the university's charter class were in attendance including alumna Marsha Penney ('68), who narrated a video tribute that highlighted treasured moments like the first UC San Diego Associated Student Body Constitution signing, and friendships with the very first students who helped lay the groundwork for the first college and what the college system would become.

A University of Colleges

This structure provides students with a small college feel, while still enjoying the resources of a world-class research institution.

John Moore, Dean of the Division of Undergraduate Education, echoed that sentiment, describing the colleges as "smaller communities within the larger UC San Diego ecosystem." Moore outlined defining periods in the system's evolution: the foundational development of college-specific curriculums, a push for harmonizing student experiences across colleges, and the current era of collaboration through the Council of Provosts. The exchange of ideas between the colleges continues to shape and refine the student experience.

The Provost Point of View

Alumni Sam Knight '73 and Jerrilyn Malana '86 co-moderated the provost panel. The current provosts shared reflections on what makes their colleges special.

Provost Lakshmi Chilukuri of Sixth College described her college's theme of culture, art, and technology and the emphasis on Experiential Learning. "We were the first College to weave experiential learning into our curriculum as a GE requirement," Chilukuri said, highlighting programs like the Community-Engaged Honors Program and the in-house CAT 124 offerings, as well as the Global Seminars that send students abroad for real-world experiences.

Each college has a unique philosophy, often reflected in its curriculum. Provost Leslie Carver of Muir College emphasized how the writing requirement encourages critical engagement with social issues.

Provost Angela Booker of Eighth College spoke about the excitement and challenge of launching a new college and new buildings simultaneously. "We're learning alongside our students," Booker said. "We would not have made it without the help and collaboration of staff, students, and the support of other colleges. Ultimately, we're not just building colleges, we're building futures that are connected, curious, and full of possibility."

Staff, Alumni and Student Reflections

The panel discussion of the college system was organized into three different eras: The Establishment Decade (Revelle, Muir, Marshall), The Growth Decade (Warren, Roosevelt, Sixth), and the Modern Era (Seventh and Eighth). The panelists reflected on their journeys as students at each of their colleges. They also highlighted how the college system fosters community and academic excellence through curriculum, traditions and support services.

Revelle College's rigorous humanities sequence was remembered by alumna Irene Xavier ('87), who recalled both its difficulty and its impact on her writing and thinking skills.

Current Marshall student Alyssa Falk fondly remembered Marshallpalooza, a free student-planned staff-directed carnival, an event that she has both attended and helped organize.

Recent Roosevelt alum Travis Hayden ('25), who was a transfer student, shared that even though he never lived in the residence halls, he still felt very connected to his college and the wider campus community. He credited the transfer class he took at Roosevelt as well as campus resources like the Triton Transfer Hub.

Speakers emphasized that when UC San Diego alumni meet each other for the first time, the first thing they ask is, "Which college did you go to?" The question is a nod to the friendly rivalry, deep pride, and lifelong connections each college's alumni experience.

Whether it's tackling global humanitarian issues, learning through hands-on experience, or building interdisciplinary knowledge, the college system at UC San Diego and its impact continues to grow and evolve. The next 60 years are sure to be just as memorable.

Learn more about all eight colleges at UC San Diego at colleges.ucsd.edu