Recreation

merced theatres art kamangar center photo

Adventures Abound at UC Merced’s Outdoor Experience Program

Zayd Andre doesn’t consider himself outdoorsy, but the second-year computer science and engineering major from Fullerton caught the exploring bug in elementary school.

“I believe my first trek was with the Cub Scouts in first grade to Holy Jim trail in the Cleveland National Forest. This sparked my passion for nature and hiking, and since then I've tried to go on a hike at least once a month,” he said.

What's There to Do in the Merced Area? Plenty

One question students considering attending UC Merced might ask is, "What's there to do around there?"

The quick answer is - a lot. There are plenty of ways for students to spend their leisure time in the greater Merced area, for students of varying interests:

Are you an outdoors enthusiast? Do you enjoy nights out with crowds of friends? Are you a devoted video game player? Do you like the challenge of thrift shopping? Do you prefer to just chill out, perhaps with a book while water laps gently at the shore?

Bobcats Celebrate Freshman Phenom Athletes

Last fall, Turlock native Marcus DeCouto reminded the sports scene that UC Merced consistently brings some of the top freshmen to the California Pacific Conference.

DeCouto, now a sophomore midfielder on the Bobcats’ men’s soccer team, became the first Cal Pac player since 2015 to record at least 10 goals and 10 assists in a single season. To little surprise, he was named the conference’s Freshman of the Year.

Journey 5K Fund Run Honors Late Cross Country Coach

Saturday’s annual Journey 5K Fund Run has special meaning for the UC Merced community.

Last November, the campus lost Ryan Nunez — head coach of the men’s and women’s cross country teams — in a tragic motorcycle accident.

Professors Demystify Eclipse for Merced Skygazers

As the frenzy surrounding the Aug. 21 solar eclipse begins to peak, physics Professor Wil van Breugel is using the opportunity to give Merced stargazers a crash course in the science and history of these astronomical curiosities.

“It’s important for people to fully appreciate the science,” van Breugel said. “This is an opportunity to try to explain things more fundamentally.”

Alumni Bring Unique Experience to Bobcats’ Coaching Ranks

Surabordin “Ai” PrachumsriSome of UC Merced’s most celebrated sports stars of the recent past are now helping to lead the newest generation of student-athletes at their alma mater.

Run Raises $2,500 for Scholarship Funds

Campus and community members participated in the Journey 5K Fund Run to support scholarshipsMore than 300 participants, including students, alumni, faculty and staff members and friends of the campus, gathered for the second annual UC Merced Jour

Bobcat Day Brings Admitted Students to Campus

Bobcat Day is April 16. Students from across California and their family members will converge on the UC Merced campus April 16 for Bobcat Day.

5K Run to Support Scholarships, Celebrate Campus Anniversary

The UC Merced Alumni Association and Athletics and Recreation will host the inaugural UC Merced Journey 5K Fund Run on Sept. 5 to celebrate the campus’s 10th anniversary.

Current students, staff and faculty members, alumni and community members are invited to participate. All proceeds from the run will support student scholarships. The goal is to raise $2,500, which will be matched 3-to-1.