Former Gov. Gray Davis Awarded Chancellor’s Medal for Transformative Leadership in Bringing UC Merced to the Central Valley

At an intimate gathering of supporters, UC Merced awarded former Gov. Gray Davis the Chancellor's Medal - the university's highest honor - in recognition of his instrumental role in bringing the 10th University of California campus to Merced.

The medal was presented recently during a special evening marking UC Merced's 20th anniversary year, celebrating two decades since the campus opened its doors to undergraduate students.

"Gov. Davis understood something fundamental: The strength of this state has always rested on its willingness to invest in public education, and to do so boldly," Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said. "He understood that the Central Valley deserved not just access, but excellence."

Davis played a pivotal role in advancing the vision for a research university in the Central Valley at a critical moment in the campus's development. His leadership helped ensure the campus would be established not simply as an access point, but as a fully realized research university worthy of the UC name.

"One of my proudest accomplishments as governor was opening UC Merced's doors. UC Merced gives thousands of students the opportunity to not only to improve their own lives but also to improve those lives in their community," Davis said. "I want to thank Chancellor Muñoz for this incredible honor and for his strong leadership. As the son of a farmworker and a former United States Marine, Chancellor Muñoz is uniquely qualified to provide the empathy, discipline and motivation to take UC Merced to even greater heights."

The Chancellor's Medal recognizes individuals whose leadership has had an enduring and transformative impact on UC Merced. During his remarks, Muñoz emphasized that Davis' contributions were not symbolic but foundational.

"This medal represents our gratitude," Muñoz said. "But more importantly, it represents the generations of students whose lives are changed because Gov. Davis believed that excellence belongs everywhere in California."

Former First Lady Sharon Davis was also recognized at the event for her longstanding support and commitment to public service. University leaders presented her with a commemorative gift in appreciation of her engagement and partnership over the years.

The gathering was hosted by Aileen Adams, who played a key role in the campus's early development. Appointed by Davis in 1999 to lead a state task force coordinating construction and environmental efforts for the new campus, Adams co-chaired the so-called Red Team alongside UC Merced founding Chancellor Carol Tomlinson-Keasey, helping bring together more than 20 state agencies to streamline the process.

"Gov. Davis' highly coordinated building process enabled the campus to open a year early," Adams said. "Our commitment to energy efficiency ensured a campus that was and remains the most sustainable in the world."

The evening served as both a celebration and a reflection, honoring the leadership that made UC Merced possible while recognizing the extraordinary progress the campus has made in just two decades.

The Chancellor's Medal recognizes individuals whose leadership has had an enduring and transformative impact on UC Merced. During his remarks, Muñoz emphasized that Davis' contributions were not symbolic but foundational.

"This medal represents our gratitude," Muñoz said. "But more importantly, it represents the generations of students whose lives are changed because Governor Davis believed that excellence belongs everywhere in California."

Former First Lady Sharon Davis was also recognized at the event for her longstanding support and commitment to public service. University leaders presented her with a commemorative gift in appreciation of her engagement and partnership over the years.

The gathering was hosted by Aileen Adams who played a key role in the campus's early development. Appointed by Davis in 1999 to lead a state task force coordinating construction and environmental efforts for the new campus, Adams co-chaired the so-called Red Team alongside UC Merced founding Chancellor Carol Tomlinson-Keasey, helping bring together more than 20 state agencies to streamline the process.

"Governor Davis' highly coordinated building process enabled the campus to open a year early," Adams said. "Our commitment to energy efficiency ensured a campus that was and remains the most sustainable in the world."

The evening served as both a celebration and a reflection, honoring the leadership that made UC Merced possible while recognizing the extraordinary progress the campus has made in just two decades.

Alyssa Johansen