Commencement Celebrates UC Merced's History, Looks Ahead to Future

Smiling even as she cried, Nancy Rodas De Leon stood in UC Merced's University Plaza, accepting hugs, flowers, stuffed animals and cards from extended family.

"These are happy tears," said Rodas De Leon, who previously earned both her undergraduate and master's degrees at UC Merced. The eldest of five children, she said it was hard to believe she was now a doctor of psychological sciences.

"I'm incredibly grateful I got through," she said. "I can't imagine doing anything that would have led to more growth."

Rodas De Leon's growth mirrors that of her university, which culminated its 20th anniversary year with commencement ceremonies May 15-17. Degrees were conferred on a record-setting 1,649 undergraduates and 112 graduate students, among whom UC Merced issued its 1,000th doctorate degree. Accompanied by Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now," cannons shot blue and gold streamers over the Graduate Division ceremony to mark the achievement.

Further commemorating the university's historic moment, this year's keynote speakers were alumni from UC Merced's early years.

"I stand before you deeply honored and humbled to represent the alumni of this remarkable institution," Dr. Zi Wang, '11 told graduates of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts. Wang is a board-certified vascular neurologist and physician leader in Modesto who graduated from UC Merced with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in public health. "(This is) a university that, not long ago, many people had never even heard of… and today stands among the top public universities in the nation, R1 in academic research, and a leader in social mobility."

Emily Reed, '07, '13, a tenured biology professor at Merced College, told more than 100 master's and doctoral degree graduates that the skills they acquired at UC Merced will stay with them and "it now becomes your responsibility to figure out how best to apply them in whatever trajectory your life takes."

"You are the expert in your field of study, and that has real value that calls for sharing. Do so with excellence, kindness and intention."

Christien Lindblom, '11, addressed graduates from the schools of Engineering and Natural Sciences on May 17.

"Engineering and science taught you to solve for the unknown," said Lindblom, who earned her degree in mechanical engineering before attaining a master's degree at San Jose State and now leads multidisciplinary teams and directs multimillion-dollar programs at energy infrastructure firm Campos EPC. "Life will ask you to do the same - not with equations, but with courage. The variable you are always solving for is you."

The Class of 2026 may be leaving the campus behind, but the university they have called home will be with them forever, Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said.

"Whatever your next step, embrace the intrepid spirit that is emblematic of UC Merced as you move into your new lives and careers," Muñoz told the graduates.

That spirit has been evident throughout UC Merced's history and only continues to grow. Last year, the university earned R1, the highest classification for a research institution, and broke into the top 25 among public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Its newest graduates join UC Merced's Alumni Association, which has now grown to more than 22,000 members.

Among those new alumni is Antonio Hernández, whose father, UC Regent and NASA astronaut Jose Hernández, returned to campus to see his son graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering.

There was no mistaking who Matt Blomquist's family was celebrating. His wife, two small daughters, mom and cousin all wore T-shirts with his picture on them, proclaiming themselves "Dr. Matt's biggest fans."

"It feels like it was a long journey," said Sarah Blomquist, whose husband earned his Ph.D. in applied math and will work at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Matt taught a 7 p.m. class and missed a lot of bedtimes, but made up for it with time with the girls when he was out of school.

For Julie Elizabeth Lopez, the journey is just beginning. The Los Angeles native earned her undergraduate degree in environmental systems science and ecosystems. She came to UC Merced after learning about the university from her uncles, who live in the area.

"It was the best decision," said Lopez, who will remain at UC Merced for graduate school in the fall. "It's been an awesome experience."

Friends of Ivan Barron snapped multiple photos as he emerged from the crowd following the ceremony. The management and business economics major from East Palo Alto said he loved his time at UC Merced's "beautiful campus" and leaves inspired and excited.

"I want to do so many good things."

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