Chancellor discusses accomplishments, hopes for future as UC Merced celebrates 20 years

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- This year, a soggy start to the semester didn't stop the brand new Bobcats at UC Merced from taking part in one of the college's oldest traditions, the Scholars Bridge Crossing.

Soaked alongside them was Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz.

This year's walk marked a milestone as it helped kick off the 20th year for the university.

"I don't think anyone could have imagined the success, size and significance of the campus even 20 years ago," Muñoz said.

Muñoz says there have been many highlights for the university over the two decades, including the college's first graduation in 2009 when Michelle Obama delivered the commencement speech.

It was her first as First Lady of the United States.

He says the Merced 2020 Expansion Project helped shape the campus into what it is today.

"It added over 1 million square feet to the campus, 13 buildings. That is significant," Muñoz said.

The growth continues as construction is underway on a new 200,000 square-foot Medical Education Building.

It will be the home for the BS to MD Pathway Program for students who will begin their first year of medical school on campus in fall of 2027.

"One of the things that we've tried to be deliberate about is growing our facilities so that when the enrollment arrives, we're not always constricted by space, seats, labs, etc.," Muñoz said.

Last year, the university earned R1 status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

It's the highest tier of research classification.

"The expectation was that we would achieve this 10 years from now, and we achieved it faster than maybe anyone," Muñoz said.

This fall, Munoz says the university has the largest percentage of students from the Valley in school history.

He attributes it to the Merced Automatic Admission Program, or MAAP, which guarantees local students admission to UC Merced as long as they complete the necessary requirements.

When it comes to athletics, Friday will be another landmark moment as the women's soccer team plays its season opener.

It will mark the first game for the Bobcats as an NCAA Division II team.

"We hope to get the W, but I think 20 years, we already have the W," Muñoz said.

UC Merced will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the first NCAA game Friday night.

There will be a tailgate with food trucks, performances and student athlete meet and greets.

It starts Friday at 5:30 pm on Scholars Lane.

There will also be a post-game drone show.

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