Fall Commencement Graduates Urged to Write Their Own Story

DeGuchy mentors UC Merced interns at the Livermore lab and had a lead role in last summer's Data Science Challenge there.

"It's our responsibility to bring about the future generations of student success," he said.

Another first-generation student gave the keynote speech for undergraduates from the School of Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, and the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts. Dale Johns, president and CEO of Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center Merced, said he came from a town of a few thousand souls and a family that didn't place importance on a college education.

Years later, his family drove five hours to sit in the stands and watch him graduate from Weber State University.

Noting UC Merced's 20th anniversary, Johns asked the Bobcats seated before him: "What will your story look like in 20 years? Go forth, illuminate the world with your unique light and make your story an amazing one."

The graduates also were welcomed to UC Merced's Alumni Association, now more than 21,000 members strong.