http://youtu.be/eT4dckdP-Nc

At UC Merced, preparing students for success goes well beyond the classroom. The ability to conduct hands-on research is extended to students from the moment they step foot on campus.

“Coming to UC Merced set me above the rest,” alumnus Randell Rueda said. “Here, we are able to learn how to contribute to the world. The faculty here at UC Merced are special, because they truly reach out to their students and they make sure that all opportunities that you can have as an individual are offered to you.”

In a significant step toward reducing the threat of HIV, UC Merced Professor Patricia LiWang has designed what may be the most effective chemical inhibitor against infection of the virus.

In conjunction with Homecoming weekend, UC Merced has announced the formation of the first-ever board of directors for its Alumni Association.

http://youtu.be/scG1zyM5pH0

As part of its mission to support and enhance the educational opportunities for California’s young people, UC Merced has engaged in a number of projects that reach out to high school students in the San Joaquin Valley. Last month, the Associated Students of UC Merced hosted its second You See Leaders Conference.

The University of California, Merced, today announced total enrollment for the Fall 2011 semester is 5,198, exceeding 5,000 students for the first time thanks to the largest freshman class in the campus’ history.

The total marks an increase of nearly 19 percent over last year, confirming steady demand for the newest UC campus and illustrating the need for increased funding for new facilities. It’s also just two students shy of the 5,200 projected for next year in the three-year funding agreement signed with the UC Office of the President in 2010.

College is an adjustment. Over the span of a summer, high school seniors go from living under the watchful eye of parents to being full-fledged adults. Students have to manage their own money, time, living arrangements, health care and more.

The University of California, Merced, will celebrate the first varsity sporting events on campus next week, with the women’s volleyball team playing its home opener on Sept. 22 and an Athletics Kickoff Tailgate event prior to their game on Sept. 24.

David Brantley isn’t a typical UC Merced student.

He’s older by a few decades. He’s already built a career as a professional photographer. And he’s the patriarch of three generations of Brantleys on campus.

Stephanie Ruiz and Marisela Torres have been friends since seventh grade, and they share dreams that include college degrees and teaching careers.

So it's no surprise that these Tulare County valedictorians have something else in common: UC Merced.

Most of us know we should eat right and exercise, but few do. With busy job schedules, family demands and hectic social calendars, working out often seems impossible to work in. But finding time for fitness reaps great rewards, according to a number of UC Merced employees.