Dear Class of 2020

Celebrating the milestone of commencement—and our new Banana Slug alumni!

Submitted photo from Parent
Jordynn,

There are not enough words to describe how incredibly proud we are of you and your accomplishments. You are graduating with not one but two Bachelor degrees and even had time to be a student athlete. You have left your mark at UC Santa Cruz and hold records with your throws that incredible. Your passion for pushing yourself both academically and physically has paid off and now it's time to celebrate your hard work. We love you and can't wait to see what your future holds. Love Mom & Dad


Yvette Dorado

Parent

Congratulations to the entire Class of 2020! Especially to Mikayla Heffner!! We are so proud of you as you reach this milestone in life. Believe in yourself and you will soar to great heights. And always stay humble and kind! We love you, Aunt Terry and Uncle Bob

Terry & Bob Dombroski

Family

Dearest Frida - Bravo, my lovely friend! You have put your best effort and enthusiasm and got shining results! You have earned this great success through constant hard work and dedication. Cheers to you for your graduation from Madrid! We hope you will visit us.

Lucía Sanjuán Ardura

Family

Submitted photo from Parent
Avery Laing and Harrison Fox

Your hard work and determination has paid off. Your future is waiting. Congratulations and LOTS of LOVE!

~MamaLaing


Ainsley Laing

Parent

Hello beckie

Congratulations on your well deserved sucess in 2020.Prayers and blessings on your graduation and for your future.

Love,

Rosi


Rosi T

Family

All of you have this year as a chip on your shoulder. Use that chip to benefit yourself, benefit others, and benefit future graduating students.

Luke Pfeiffer

Class of 2018

Congratulations to Mikayla Heffner on her graduation! You are a Rock Star! Love Uncle Jim and Aunt Nora!

James & Nora Leonard

Family

Submitted photo from Alumni
Dear Graduate,

As you know, life can be a roller coaster, and sometimes the path ahead is shrouded in fog. Your strength, skills, and perseverance have brought you to this significant milestone today. Now you also have the benefits of a college education and a diploma from a first class university. No one can take these things from you. Use them well, and you will continue to succeed in life, however you may define that.

Good luck, and know that you are joining a very special alumni community. No matter how many homes you may have in life, UCSC will always be one of them.


Susan Bok

Class of 1977

Submitted photo from Parent
You have come a long way and have overcome the obstacles along the way!

Barbara Pedersen

Parent

This might sound lame, but in the 45 years since I graduated, I have learned that what could have been is just a figment of your imagination-just in case you are dwelling on what you might have missed by not having a ceremony. In the fondness I have for my experience at UCSC, graduation day plays a tiny role. Sure I remember it, but not nearly how I remember the overall experience. I hope you felt a sense of both expansion and depth of learning and living while you were there. You are leaving in the most memorable way any class has! Not to mention entering a world not quite like any class has faced but I have complete faith that you will not only survive but thrive. All the best!

Class of 1975

Submitted photo from Grad
Dearest Zoe- Words can never express how proud we are of you! You are amazing, smart, beautiful, talented and we know that you will do awesome things in the future! Thank you for being an example of strength, kindness and calmness with your family and friends! We know this graduation was not exactly how you wanted to celebrate the day, but your being on this Earth is celebration in itself! Do great things Zoe! Be brave! Think outside the box! We love you so much! Mom, Michael, Ian and Greyson and Piper ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Monique LeCheminant

Grad

Submitted photo from Grad
Andrew, we are so very proud of you! Your tenacity, perseverance, determination and dedication to achieving your goal is to be commended for sure! None of us will ever forget 2020! You did it! Let's celebrate you!! We can't wait to see where you go from here! We love you! Mom & Dad

Janis & Greg King

Grad

Dear Class of 2020:

Congratulations! You are receiving your degree from one of the best Universities there is. You have been equipped to think critically, work hard, play hard and work for peace and justice in our world. I am so happy for you.

2020 has been a challenging year, but I cannot think of any graduates more ready to take on the challenge. I am sure your families are proud of you. As an alumni, I am also proud of you. I cannot wait to see what you all do with your futures.

Slugs forever!


Francie Cordova

Class of 1986

Submitted photo from Parent
Yzabel Arambulo, Congratulations on your graduation and best wishes for your next adventure! We are so proud of you and your achievements! God bless you always.

Love,

Dad, Mom, Nick & Paul


Parent

Submitted photo from Family
Congrats to Alyssa Rodriguez! We know that there are great things in store for you - you are brilliant, determined and motivated to achieve in everything that you do. Can't wait to see what the next chapter brings! Love, Auntie Booga and Uncle Tom

Robyn Loewen

Family

Für Kelly

Liebe @Kelly.Bitter, mein Sweety

Wir gratulieren dir von Herzen zu deinem Abschluss und sind dolle stolz auf dich

Fühl dich fest gedrückt

Ich hab dich lieb

Deine Tante

Und nen Knutscha von Uwe

Viel Glück für deinen neuen Lebensabschnitt ❤️😍❤️


Chrischi

Family

Submitted photo from Parent
So proud of you. This class will enter a new world and I’m sure you will make it better. Congratulations to my wonderful talented kid and all her friends.

Zee Ryken

Parent

Congratulations, John! Love, Joe and Leila

Joseph McClure

Family

Submitted photo from Alumni
I will always be a lifelong supporter of the University of California System and its ability to teach young minds while making college accessible. For those students who are both working hard while standing up for your community an what you believe in, I appreciate you.

Chris Calley

Alumni

Submitted photo from Grad
Rose I’m so proud of you for going on that journey and completing it. Now your life begins!

Grad

Congratulations! You will always treasure these years and will come to realise in retrospect that UC Santa Cruz is one of the world's leading focal points of progressive thinking. With all the world's current challenges, please try to keep in mind that history progresses, not by avoiding calamities (there will always be another), but by emerging from each calamity with more civilised values. It may seem to you now that the emergency brake has been pulled on the accelerating train of modern civilisation. Use this opportunity to re-orient where we’re going, and to lead us in that new direction.

David Gettman

Class of 1978

Congratulations, Jonny!

Our entire family is super proud of you!!!

We love you!

Congrats to the class of 2020! Great work, can't wait to see you show the world your unique talents and advance in your postgraduate life!!! 🎉🎉🎉


Vanessa Tafoya

Family

Submitted photo from Parent
El futuro te sonríe desde que naciste, has logrado llegar a dónde estás ahora y te has demostrado a ti misma que con esfuerzo cualquier cosa que te propongas la verás hacerse realidad. Que los éxitos te sigan y nunca se aparten de ti, a donde vallas las puertas de las oportunidades se te abran, aunque te acabas de graduar para mí ya eres una profesional en lo que haces, muchas felicidades hija, continua alcanzando tus logros. Te Amamos

Sonia Martínez

Parent

Leif Erickson, we are so proud of the strong, independent, young man you've become. The credit is all yours, but you've made us proud. You have a bright future ahead and we can't wait to see what awaits you.

Randy Erickson

Parent

Congratulations to the class of 2020 , specially to my son Christian . Even though graduation is going to look different for you, the achievement is still the same. You’ve put in the same hard work. You’ve learned and grown so much. And I couldn’t be prouder .

Ramon Narciso

Parent

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!! We are so proud of you! You are deserving of our praise and thanks for your hard work and sacrifice. It has been a challenging year of 2020. The world may be a strange and difficult place right now, with your inner strength, resilience and your tremendous amount of courage and wisdom, I assure you will be confronted with a great journey ahead with joy and rewards. Good luck and best wishes to all graduates!

Mei Li

Parent

If not now, then when?

Fellow slugs, congratulations. If you’re reading this, you are graduating and ready to take on the world.

Except non of you were prepared by this outdated institution to do so.

Because in order to take on the world, you are being asked to challenge the status quo. To seek for reform, and to overthrow powers of oppression — one being corporatized higher education.

If you’re like me, you are entering a world of unknowns. It’s a thorny path to constantly struggle with this sense of hopelessness and apathy. It’s exhausting to always feel so powerless. To you, class of 2020, I have a message.

Rise. Up.

There’s nothing more to be said, really. You will feel beaten. You will feel cheated and scammed by an education that prioritized your immediate employment rather than training you to challenge the institutions perpetuating a deafening silence of your voice. Rise up against hopelessness. Rise up against apathy. Rise up against your self-defeatism.

When you’ve done so, and when you’re ready, I urge you to rise up, and find a way for you to fight.

Graduation is only the beginning. I know it’s been an exhausting journey so far. I’ve been there. I’ve been suicidal, and wandered in the dark for a long time. There were many more times I felt like giving up since graduating, but eventually I rose up.

You might feel overwhelmed with what’s happening in the world right now, and the kind of society you’ve now inherited. This is normal, precisely because we live in an abnormal world. This isn’t the way it’s supposed to be. There is another way to be.

Find it, imagine it, and communicate it. Connect with people and engage in dialogue constantly. Don’t ever let your flames be extinguished — don’t let the oppression win over your heart. Develop a thick skin, but don’t harden your hearts. Progress in your careers, but don’t abandon your souls. Lead with passion, and act swiftly and militantly.

Make no mistake, we all stand at the crossroads in history at this moment. The world is watching, and people are rising. I urge you all to stand on the right side of history... but most importantly, I urge you all to stand inside history. There are no excuses for being a bystander.

So I leave you with this question just one last time:

If not now, then when?

#blacklivesmatter


Kevin Chung

Alumni

good job on graduating and making it through college in 3 years, Sarah!!! im so proud of all your accomplishments and i cant wait to see where you end up in life in upcoming years! CHEERS TO THAT!!

Melanie Grace

Family

Submitted photo from Parent
Sarah Grace, I’m beyond proud of all your achievements, today you’re graduating from college in 3 years, your efforts are coming true and today we celebrate you and your peers. Congratulations Class of 2020

Norma Grace

Parent

Meine liebste @Kelly.Bitter, deine Omi aus Deutschland freut sich so sehr über deinen Uniabschluss. Weiterhin viel Erfolg 😘

Gerda Wolter

Family

Submitted photo from Alumni
Coronavirus may have taken away from the excitement of the last few months of your graduating year, but it cannot take away the pride, beauty, and passion you have built in becoming a wonderful, highly educated "Banana Slug". You will always have excitement upon hearing the words "UC Santa Cruz" and a lifelong pride and joy of being associated with our university. Congratulations on your achievements!

Robert Corbal

Class of 1996

Congrats! Take time for yourselves these next few weeks and do whatever the heck y’all want to, don’t rush, as every single one of you has earned it. Then get to work! Make a difference and leave this world better than it was found. Much love.

Wyatt Hinshaw

Class of 2008

Submitted photo from Parent
Dear Class of 2020, first congratulations for finishing your degree during these difficult times! As you can see the world needs change and I know that you will do more than your part. For that I am already thankful. Dear Nico, I am so proud of you. I hope you fill find the fulfillment and happiness you deserve. The ocean needs your brain, your love and care! Isabella, good luck with your paleontological aspirations! Everyone, be safe, be happy, make us proud by changing the world.

Frederic Theunissen

Parent

Dear Santa Cruz Graduates,

As you leave the real and virtual redwoods and ocean breezes of this unique university in an unprecedented manner at an unprecedented time I imagine you all as a part of the wonderful diaspora of a truly amazing place, taking the values, the knowledge and the joy of UCSC into the world outside your college community. Congratulations on not only your achievement of many years of hard work, but also on your adaptability and grace facing the unknown. The world at large is lucky to have you!


Lesley Mandros Bell

Class of 1989

Submitted photo from Family
You have brought honor to your family and have been inducted into the Order of the Monarrez/Del Castillo White Lotus, the most intelligent family in Earth. Great job on your accomplishments and even greater job on finding yourself through a difficult time!

Daniel Monarrez

Family

Submitted photo from Parent
Congratulations, Waldon on your graduation and best wishes for your next journey!

Kirsty Chan

Parent

Submitted photo from Parent
I’m so proud of you Arantxa Abraham! You did it my baby girl. I Love you so much!

You have a bright future ahead of you.

Love

Mom.


Raquel Davila

Parent

Submitted photo from Parent
Congratulations Alex!! We are so proud of you!!

Betty Yuen

Parent

Congratulations Alexis Thomas! You have persevered with excellence until the very end. Many kudos to you for a job well done! May you enjoy the completion of this great accomplishment.

Karen The Stead Family

Family

Submitted photo from Grad
Ali girl I’m so so proud of you!! I love you so much and can’t wait to squeeze the heck out you. You’re such a bright light in this world and you’ve blossomed so beautifully. Congratulations on graduating, that’s such a big accomplishment!!!

Grad

Congratulations class of 2020! You are graduating during an unprecedented year in history. I hope your time at UCSC has added value to your life experience and that you'll take what you learned and continue to grow your knowledge and expand to become the best version of yourself through all your upcoming life experiences. Opportunities to learn and grow come in all forms; remember that you can learn something from each experience, if you choose to. As a fellow Slug alum, I support you and am cheering you on! Glo Slugs!

April Yee

Class of 2002

Congratulations to Chase Wyatt and the entire graduating class of 2020!!!! I know you’ve all worked so hard to finally be graduating!! Good luck to you all!!!

nicole wyatt

Parent

Submitted photo from Parent
Congratulations to our daughter Kristen! We are so proud of you. You did it!

Kristen Clarice Mauricio

Parent

Congratulations Class of 2020! You all have persevered through so much, and you deserve to be celebrated and lauded for everything you have achieved and accomplished. Your time at UCSC has prepared you to be active, compassionate, and engaged, and I cannot wait to see the effect you have on the world. You have so many people who are so very proud of you, and ready to support and cheer you on as you move out into the next phases of your life (me included!). Sending you all the good wishes, thoughts, and support, now and always!

Analisa Raccanello

Class of 2007

Submitted photo from Parent
We are so proud of all your accomplishments. Banana Joes will miss you Alex!

Deb Arancibia

Parent

Congratulations 2020 UC Santa Cruz !!

Especial to my daughter Gabriela Garcia. Even though graduation is going to look different for you, the achievement is still the same. You’ve put in the same hard work. You’ve learned and grown so much. We wish you the best !!

Me , Mom , you brother and sisters we are so proud of you ,we love you !!!


Alfredo Garcia

Parent

Congratulations to the 2020 graduates 🏅🎊🎊🎊🎊🎉 from the University of Santa Cruz California 🎓 and I want to wish you this year and wish you all the best. Sometimes things do not go as you would like due to situations that only God knows, there are no answers 🦠 but the beauty of this is that you students, who are now graduating, were able to move on, my daughter, despite each obstacle that has achieved her dreams. Deseo I wish you all that what you set out to do goes ahead ... perseverance will always have a good result in each one of you ... this year is especially important because they showed that dreams come true no matter condition, many congratulations to all 🎓🎓🎓🎓 and thank the teachers 👨🏼‍🏫 for being Ahy always ready to help our children 🎓🎓🎓🎓 daughter I feel very proud 💝👩🏼‍🎓🌹🌹🌹🌹 good bless everyone muchísimas felicidades a todos los graduados 🎓 2020 💝💝💝💝💝

Parent

Congratulations to my lovely daughter Andrea and to the Class of 2020.

This is the reward for your resilience and dedication. You have endured the challenges of a health pandemic unique to your generation and class. You will also bear witness to a catalyst movement for social equality. Be proud my lovely daughter, and Class of 2020, above it all you have successfully completed your education. Own this moment because it's yours! Be excited, always uphold your morals and values, and be proactive in your new endeavors, life is your to live. Best of Luck!


Carol Argueta

Grad

Submitted photo from Parent
Congratulations Austin Martin Class of 2020

Graduating as a Slug in Anthropology! Can’t wait to see where your future takes you! Mom and DAD


Brenda and Todd Martin

Parent

Congratulations Kyle! Love Mom, Dad, Emmy, Pip and Pattycake❤️🎉👏

Peter OBrien

Parent

Zachary Sweet - Congratulations to a young man who has never stopped being curious & never gives up, which will lead to a life of success wherever you go. Your kind & good nature has surely been rewarded with attracting good things in life. You will always remember your college life at UCSC: Tae Kwon Do Club, being selected as an extra in a movie, studying abroad in Sweden, competing in Super Smash Bros. tournaments, stage managing in theater, etc. We wish you continued success in the world of computer science. We love you. Mom & Dad.

Congratulations to the UCSC Class of 2020 - your successes will be felt whether or not you get to cross the stage this year.


Laura Isonio

Parent

Submitted photo from Grad
Congrats Gabriel Van De Sande! Work hard play hard. You somehow managed to do both! Proud of you brother

Jared Swedelson

Grad

❤️We are so proud of you son, for working so diligently whilst overcoming challenges. Take one day at a time and enjoy the journey. Wishing you great success with your dreams and career. Love you Always, your Mom, Dad and Alex, plus Gung Gung, Granma, Uncle Derek, Aunt Helena and Uncle Joe 🎓

Parent

Submitted photo from Parent
Mosimiloluwa Reward Ojelade.

The symbol of excellence.

A heart full of gratitude, mouth full of praise to God Almighty for seeing you through your choosing and making the entire family proud of your achievement.

Daughter, until you spread your wings, you may not understand how far you can fly, fly above the sky and be propelled to the lofty height.

Congratulations!!!

Mosimiloluwa Reward Ojelade

Class of 2020.

From: Mom&Dad


Abiodun Ojelade

Parent

Submitted photo from Parent
I want say a big Congratulations To my daughter Chelsey Boykin for being a 1st Generation graduate. I am very very proud of you beyond words. I love you more than life itself. You so smart so sweet and a very positive young Lady. I can’t wait to see where your life takes you. Love Mom

Corlette Boykin

Parent

Submitted photo from Parent
William, You did it!!! Congratulations!!!!!

Love Mom, Dad, Amelia, and Callie


Marty Rosenberg

Parent

Anything is possible from today forward. Savor the moment of achievement, hold on to hope and keep up the motivation in pursuit of the future you want to make for yourself & for our world. Congratulations!

Elizabeth Jimenez

Class of 2007

All of your diplomas are extra impressive because you earned them during what I consider to be one of the hardest times to be a college student. YOU MADE IT! I’m sorry you couldn’t celebrate this achievement in person, but that doesn’t diminish its significance. Major congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Maya Quarker

Class of 2019

Submitted photo from Parent
Congratulations Jonathan Trinh! We’re so proud of you and the entire class of 2020. Your group of college graduates will be the bravest and strongest future leaders of the world because of your fortitude and strength to successfully complete your degree during this most challenging time in history.

Brave

Accomplished

Noble

Academic

Nonstop

Achievement

Forever banana slugs!


Linh Vu

Parent

Beckie! I’m so happy and Proud of you! I’m glad you pushed through and did what you had to do to make it through. Nai and I love you so much and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!

Nickie Phanh

Family

Congratulations Devon on a job well done.

Love,

Grandma and Grandpa


Devon Hubert

Grad

Submitted photo from Family
Congratulations Auntie Hannah! We are so proud of you! Love, Holly, Patrick and Henry

Holly RICE

Family

Submitted photo from Parent
Congratulations for all you've accomplished, and many wishes for bright and fulfilling futures for each and every one of you. In particular, a shout out goes to my lovely, brilliant and compassionate daughter, Muriel Richardson. I couldn't be prouder of who you have become and look forward to witnessing your further evolution. I know this isn't the graduation you expected, nor the one you deserve, but give yourselves many pats on the back for a job well done in the face of adversity. Best of luck, and again, CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020!!!

Tracy Tingle

Parent

You can change the world!. You are a slug.

Rose Velásquez

Alumni

My sweet moonbeam......we are so proud of you and the hard work you have done !!! We love you!!! ❤️

Hannah Thacker

Grad

Submitted photo from Family
Nick Jannuzzi,

It's been amazing watching you grow as an intelligent and dedicated student and friend, and I am so honored have been able to be part of your high school and now college graduations.

Thank you for being there for my graduation; I only wish I could be there for yours. Regardless of the circumstances, I am so incredibly proud of you and your accomplishments!

Congratulations on your well deserved success and I wish you all the best for your future endeavors!!


Rita Wu

Family

Dear Ryan, Just wanted to write you a brief message to say how much we are proud of you and wish you congratulations on getting your degree. Great job son! We love you. From, Mum & Dad

Jason Devoys

Parent

Congratulations Mikayla and all your fellow 2020 graduates. This is a different celebration, definitely not the one you had envisioned during the years you spent working hard toward your degrees. Just remember, "THE BEST IS YET TO COME"! Wishing you a bright future filled with endless possibilities. Dan and Ingrid

Mikayla Heffner

Family

Congratulations Dylan Cooper and UCSC Class of 2020! Great job on all your hard work. The future needs you 👏👊😊

Jill Edison

Parent

Congratulations NATHALIE COLETTA! Your family and Island friends are proud of you!

Family

Dear Class of 2020,

As you can see by my graduation year (1967) I was in the first class to "walk" at UCSC. As a Walnut Creek high school dropout who joined the U.S.Air Force at 17, I was below the bottom of my UCSC class. But my air force test scores were unusuallly high (so said the recruiter), and the air force sent me to Indiana University to study the Russian language, which turned out to be easier than I expected. I finished my four-year hitch with a Top Secret clearance and two and a half years in Berlin (1961-63). I started college at 22 at San Francisco City College, supporting myself as a grocery clerk in the Lucky Store on Sloat Boulevard (for you San Franciscans). Two years later, with a AA degree and excellent grades, I enrolled as a junior transfer student at UCSC with a literature major. There were about 70 of us juniors that first year at UCSC, and about 600 frosh. I worked my way through UCSC on fishing boats in the Monterey Bay, and was accepted for the Ph.D. program at UC Berkeley (English Lit) when I graduated from UCSC. I dropped out of Berkeley after a week of grad classes (they were excellent but I needed a breather) and went to Europe (mostly Germany) for a year. I returned to UCSC a year there, to start the brand-new Ph.D. program in literature. Four years later I took my Ph.D. oral exams and passed them, and went back to Germany for another year's break. While there I wrote my dissertation on William Blake and two other poets. I also wrote a book: "How to Buy a Used Volkswagen in Europe, Keep It Alive, and Bring It Home" (Ten Speed Press) about my travels around Europe at the helm of the main character of my book, a rusting but faithful 1961 VW van I bought in Munich for $300.00.

 I ended up back in Santa Cruz again, this time to live and to support myself on part-time teaching gigs (writing) at UCSC.  While doing that, I invented a one-year grad program in science journalism and sold the idea to the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences -- with me running the program.  After a few years of teaching science journalism (I began by knowing nothing about science or journalism), and sending my graduates into internships at national magazines, which gave them a good springboard into a professional career.  I'm sure you have all read articles written by them in The New York Times (Ken Chang) and wherever else science is reported on for general readers.  One of my graduates, Laura Helmuth, who last served as editor of the science and health sections of The Washington Post, is now the Editor in Chief of Scientific American magazine.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. While I was happily running the UCSC Science Communication Program, the phone rang in my Crown College preceptor apartment one afternoon. It was Emma Rothschild, head of the Massachussetts Institute of Technology Writing Program. She had called out of the blue to invite me to interview for a job at M.I.T. I got the job, which began with a three-year contract as an assistant professor and a request to build a science journalism program better than the one at UCSC.

After two years at M.I.T. I was lured back to UCSC by the then Chancellor Bob Sinsheimer who offered me a tenured position and a suitable salary.

Thank you for your patience.  My story was almost completely unplanned.  One thing just seemed to lead to the next.  If there's a lesson in my story, it's that you can do whatever you have some degree of talent for and that interests you.  And you can have fun and make a living at it.

John Wilkes, '67

John Wilkes

Class of 1967

Submitted photo from Grad
Anything is possible, all you have to do is believe in yourself.

Diana Fox

Grad

Submitted photo from Alumni
Dear Class of 2020,

I graduated last year and despite having around just 365 more days of life experience than you, I cannot fathom encountering all of the obstacles that you have overcome and am incredibly impressed by your resolve, resilience, and determination to achieve greatness. I know that not having a traditional commencement ceremony to look forward to might be disappointing, but I hope that you are proud of yourselves for what you've been able to accomplish during your time at UC Santa Cruz. The lessons that you have learned during these difficult circumstances in which we now find ourselves will serve you well going forward.

Congratulations, Class of 2020, for keeping your heads held high during this particularly challenging moment in our nation's history. Onward and upward!


Class of 2019

Congratulations! Go out and change the world.

"Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly"... ( Isaiah 38:14 )


Janet Payne

Class of 1976

To the Class of 2020! You made it ... through all the ups and downs, online classes and exams, with new and old friends, and the most of all your resilience to these endless changes that ALL of you are going through. You are our future in carrying on the ideals of a better future, and may this beginning not deter your judegement. CONGRATS Slugs!

Christina Ma

Class of 2007

¡Felicidades! Congratulations! While we may not get to celebrate you and your accomplishments in a way that truly lets the world know about what you've done, know that your hard work and persistence is acknowledged and valued. Higher education was not created to serve students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, yet there you are. What you've accomplished today goes beyond any piece of paper this university has sold you. No one will ever be able to take away the things you've learned and experienced over these last few years. I encourage you to continue seeing yourself as a student who seeks to learn more and share the knowledge you've acquired and experiences you've endured, as informing those around us can help make it so that the institutions that weren't meant to serve us have no other option but to watch us dismantle the system they worked so hard to establish.

Francisco Leon

Class of 2019

You are graduating from a university with a proud history of alumni who have distinguished themselves in unique ways, from artist to zookeeper. May the challenges you've faced this year inspire you to be creative and to use your critical thinking skills for the improvement of society. Congratulations!

Marietta Bartoletti

Class of 1971

Eugene, mom and I are so proud of you. Continue with your good work in the days to come.

William Chou

Parent

Submitted photo from Parent
Congratulations Spring! We are so proud of you and we cannot wait to see the impact you are going to have on the world, your friends, and your family. Love Mommy and Daddy

Parent

Dear graduates -

Welcome to the next beginning. Sure, this isn't what you might have imagined, and I offer this: This beginning will be the first of many beginnings that you will find going forward. You will live in interesting times, and the skills you developed at UCSC will combine with the skills that you are soon to build upon. Finding your next opportunity will not be about email messages though .. it will be built on a relationship that you create. So, attend meetups, find conferences, attend training activities, talk to people who are doing the stuff that will make you thrive.

I am honored to have worked with you this far and look forward to seeing the world that you build.

Dr. B.


David Bernick

Faculty

Submitted photo from Parent
Behind you, all your memories.

Before you, all your dreams.

Around you, all who love you.

Within you, all you need.

Congratulations to all of the 2020 graduates!!

Eric Louwerens, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU and we love you so much!!

Love, Mom & Dad


Terry Louwerens

Parent

Congratulations Class of 2020! I am sure that your plans for your last year at UCSC did not include a global pandemic, but you certainly dealt with it well - you are still graduating after all! I chose not to walk with my class when I graduated back in Fall of 1991. When I look back at this, I do not lament my lack of crossing the stage, but I remember happily the time of my life when I lived in a beautiful place and spent my time learning. Although I think that your unusual graduation will be a bit more memorable, I hope that time will bring you similar remembrances. Your future may look very different than you expected it to a year ago, but you have reached this milestone and there are still so many different possibilities ahead of you - some of which you have not even thought of yet. I have spent time contemplating the things in my life that did not go as planned and the things that came about because of them, many of which I would not want to live without. My hope for you is that your plans and their fulfillment or lack thereof bring you a life you love living. May you spend your life learning and smiling fondly at the past and the possibilities of the future.

Daryle Talavera

Class of 1991

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020! While we can't be together to celebrate your accomplishments, know that we are all cheering for you and your successes in spirit! You all have persevered through this wild quarter/year and as a staff and alum I am so proud of you! I hope you all get to celebrate safely with family and friends virtually or later on this year!

Grace Kistler-Fair

Class of 2012

Congratulations on making it through this phase of learning and understanding our complex universe! I wish the class of 2020 resilience as you navigate the temperament of our changing waters.

Class of 2018

Submitted photo from Parent
Langston, you have worked so hard these last four years while taking classes and participating in university activities. I am so proud of you, my son, and know you will achieve greatness in your next chapter. Finish strong-onward and upward!

Emily Watson

Parent

Congratulations and thank you for all of your work to fulfill on this singular accomplishment. Take a few minutes to honor who you had to become and the incredible community of people that supported you throughout this amazing journey! Good luck in whatever is next for you, and endeavor to remember that all facets of life are your creation and you are responsible for that creation. Godspeed, graduate and again, congratulations!

Blair Barnett

Class of 1984

Happy graduation, new UCSC alumni! I can't imagine how hard it is to graduate into ~all this, and I graduated from undergrad in 2008. I wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you will persevere and continue to build beautiful, bountiful lives.

Class of 2014

Congratulations on a remarkable achievement! Your class is one of a kind! Remember to follow your dreams! Reach out to fellow alumni and be bold!

Fiat Slug!


Brian Turner

Class of 2002

We are so Lucky to have such an amazing University like UCSC, I am a proud Slug I came to Santa Cruz as a child in 1960 and I personally feel that the best thing that ever happened in Santa Cruz was when the University was built it made our Community a better place and this University has educated so many local people like myself. I am proud of the the UCSC Slugs, the amazing Professors, Congratulations to all the Students graduating from UCSC,

Alma Donato

Community

Submitted photo from Parent
Congratulations, Sachin! I know that you have all worked so hard to get to where you are now! I know that these last two quarters were supposed to filled with fun and memories of your UCSC friends. I am so sorry that didn't go according to the plan. You are strong through! You will persevere and you will be successful! I will you much success and many happy moments in the near future! I am so very proud of you!!!

Lisa Deshpande

Parent

Congratulations to our wonderful student workers, Phun Palmo and Andy Kim, and to all of the Class of 2020. Good luck and best wishes to you all!

Staff

Gabby Lindsey- Happy Graduation!

What an accomplishment.

Love,

Pia


Pia Welch

Class of 1993

Congratulations, graduates! As members of the most historic graduating class ever, you must now come down from the city on the hill to join your peaceloving fellow alumni by getting out there and fighting fascism in every way you know how. We of the past generations will love you; those of future generations will thank you, because only through your activism will they have a chance to live in freedom.

Adrianne Aron

Class of 1978

Submitted photo from Grad
From the Begining when you were so excited to the birth of a gifted writer and thinker ...I can’t be anymore Proud of you than I am today and I know you will do great things ... We love You

Dumitru!!!xox


Donna Dobre

Grad

Submitted photo from Alumni
Congratulations to the class of 2020!!!

A special shout out to the graduates from Oakes College from your 1981 fellow graduate. ...Good luck..


Michael Townes

Class of 1981

Congratulations to all my fellow graduates! Dealing with all the adversity we’ve experienced in these past years has demonstrated our resiliency #slugsforever

Emil Ballout

Grad

Submitted photo from Parent
congrats SIMON KATZER, we love you!! & congrats to your fellow slugs!

Parent

Submitted photo from Family
A huge Congratulations to my beautiful niece Karlee Sprowl. I am so deeply proud of you and all your accomplishments so far. I know you will do great things! I Love you- Aunt Rachelle

Rachelle Walsh

Family

Submitted photo from Parent
Melinda,

Congratulations on your amazing accomplishments! I am beyond proud of you! You prevailed against all odds! On to the next steps in your educational and professional development. Time to celebrate!

Class of 2020!

Love you so much!

Mom


Melinda Hernandez

Parent

Congratulations Class of 2020!! Good luck in your future endeavors! You will do amazing things.

Alan Gee

Class of 2005

Submitted photo from Parent
Hello Harmen Kang

You can achieve whatever you want in life. All you got to do is believe that you can.We believe in you. Happy Graduation Day. May you have a successful life.Congratulations and well done!

MOM AND DAD


Parent

Submitted photo from Parent
Congratulations to the most unforgettable class...Class of 2020.

Johnny McCracken

Parent

Congratulations Graduate Jordan Anguiano! We are so proud of you! This is only the beginning to the grand things that you will continue to accomplish! With Love, The Ramirez Family

Angelica Ramirez

Family

Congratulations River Allen! We are so proud of you and your accomplishment!!! Can't wait to see what is next for you 😘

Steve and Denise Bernhardt

Family

From a proud Grandma. I know you will succeed. I just hope you will have a better world than we are having now. Love you, Grandma LaWanda

ELLIOT SEGAL

Grad

Cole,

Although, graduation may look a bit different than you had anticipated, remember the hard work, dedication and this achievement is recognized no differently. We could not be more proud of you for making your commitment to UC Santa Cruz and sticking to it. We can't wait to witness all that your future holds. Always keep your focus on God and never forget that you have an amazing support system that's ready to back you up with ANY decision you make. No limits - make it happen! Congratulations! Class of 2020!!!!!!!!!

Xo,

Jake & Dezi


Deziree Huff

Family

Hola Sofia, muchas felicidades por tu graduación, nos da un gusto ENORME saber que haz logrado una de las metas importante en tu vida profesional, personal, que orgullo para tus papas saber que ya tienen una ingeniera en la familia, woow que emoción, pensar que aquella niña bonita e inteligente ahora es toda una PROFESIONAL y gracias a Dios (Primero), a tus Papas, todo el apoyo moral, económico, espiritual, siempre estuvieron ahí contigo, famila (Pam, Papo, de hecho vas a ser ejemplo para ellos), amigos (as) que conociste en tu etapa de estudiante, así que a disfrutar esta nueva etapa que de inicia hoy y a seguir escalando metas, se que las vas a lograr, que ORGULLO para nosotros tus tíos mhija, felicidades es un gran merito y a disfutar la vida, ok un abrazo virtual de parte de tu tía MARICELA, tus primos Luis y karen y tu tío el más cool Luis (jaja broma). Bendiciones y que vengan más logros......para tí y tu familia.....Slds..L.O.

Luis Ortiz

Family

Congratulations to Elliott! You have been a great addition to our family! I wish you lots of success as you move on. I look forward to hearing about your next adventure! Lovingly, “grandma “ Mary

Elliot Segal

Grad

Submitted photo from Grad
These past two years at UCSC have allowed me to grow mentally, educationally, and professionally. Transferring from community college, away from home, and into a completely new academic system has been one of my greatest accomplishments in my life thus far. I have been able to continue my growth through the various programs and organizations offered in the Santa Cruz area such as EOP, STARS, the Salsita dance group, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Thankfully, I have also been able to move forward with the support of my family, mentors, and friends back home in LA. I am grateful for every opportunity, setback, and memory along my journey as an undergrad. Congrats to all of the undergraduates!!! We made it even through the harshest of times!

Diana Esquivel

Grad

Congratulations! While this year has been uniquely difficult, you met the challenge and finished strong. Take the lessons you learned at UCSC and now go be the difference you want to see in the world. Good Luck!

Alissa Nolan

Class of 1994

Submitted photo from Staff
Congratulations future leaders of the world; ceremony or not, you're on to phase two nonetheless! Considering the turmoil that is shaking up the world today, there's one thing which is critical to remember in all this - that this too shall pass, and when it does, you'd best be ready to seize the day. It can be said that there is one consistency in all the observable universe, and it's balance; we can expect positive to flourish after this negative, for us to bounce back up after we've finished falling down, and for new forms of opportunity to present themselves following a period of scant options. It's the Yin and Yang of all things, and we must remain adaptive with this flow of life. Stay sharp, work toward justice for all people, find what you can offer the world, and offer it! May the force be with you all.

Collin Cowsill

Staff

Submitted photo from Family
I love you! I am so proud of you!!!!!

Gabriela Barrientos

Family

Submitted photo from Parent
It is with the highest of honor that I am able to celebrate not only the graduation of my daughter, Eilise Clare McKenna, but also all of her 2020 UC Santa Cruz senior classmates.

Given the unordinary times they have endured over these last several months this class, I believe, has already begun to understand and change the course of history.

The opportunities for you may be abundant or few, but no matter what, you now have the knowledge to discover much more about yourself and all your abilities. Please don’t miss this chance.

I leave you with these words that I wish I had heard at your age. For these moments in time are out there, but your senses must be alert for more.

“ Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” Anonymous

There will be people, places and moments that will define you, and change your perspective of this world. Be a positive change to move mankind forward. Be a positive change to notice and change inside yourself.

God Bless You all and congratulation to the Slugs of 2020!

Sincerely,

Michael McKenna


Michael McKenna

Parent

Elliot,

Sounds like you have finally scaled the mountain. Now you can get on with your life and make a difference in whatever you choose to do.

Congratulations,

Mark and Roberta


Elliot Segal

Family

Congratulations Mikayla Heffner!! We love you and are so proud of you

Kelly, Jeff and Hunter

Family

Submitted photo from Family
Sofia G Ramos Rangel

Muchas Felicidades Sofi 👩‍🎓🎉😍 con este nuevo logro, te deseamos mucho éxito en esta nueva etapa, vienen nuevos retos sigue luchando por tus sueños, te queremos mucho y recuerda que todo sacrificio tiene su recompensa. Muchas felicidades, te mandamos un fuerte abrazo todos y que sigan los éxitos !

Familia Rangel Cedillo.


Oscar Rangel

Family

Submitted photo from Family
Sofia G. Ramos Rangel - Muchas Felicidades por este logro !!! te deseo mucho exito en la nueva etapa que estas por iniciar. QDTB te quiero mucho, tu abuelita Lupita.

Ma Guadalupe Reyna Gamez

Family

Congratulations Maia, I'm glad you survived.😁

Anni Hume

Family

Maia, even though graduation is going to look different for you, the achievement is still the same. You’ve put in the same hard work and dedication. You’ve learned and grown so much and I couldn’t be prouder of the woman tou have become. Congratulations, I love you and I can't wait to see you in person again!

Family

Submitted photo from Parent
Congratulations Robby! We are very proud and looking forward to seeing all that you become!

Troy Crosby

Parent

Submitted photo from Family
Congratulations, Maia! I'm so incredibly proud of you and all of your accomplishments. I'm super excited to see what you'll accomplish next - I know it'll be something great. You're intelligent, generous, and compassionate. All of your hard work throughout the past four years has definitely paid off and we're so proud of you! I'm so blessed to call you my best friend. I love you so much!

Bea Lorraine Yutuc

Family

Congratulations Neil, you did it! We are so proud of you.

Love, Mom and Dad


Parent

Congratulations on Graduating Matt!!

Family

Submitted photo from Parent
Sof, felicidades por un logro mas en tu vida, te deseo lo mejor en este nuevo comienzo en tu vida profesional, que todo lo que obtuviste de aprendizaje en este tiempo, sea una transformación de éxitos y logros.

Llegar al final del camino es satisfactorio, así que disfruta mucho y que vengan más bendiciones !

Tqm graduada :)


Andrea Hernández

Parent

Sofía, te felicito por terminar tu carrera, es un momento feliz, ver tu sueño realidad por tu esfuerzo y dedicación a tu escuela y que hoy se transforma en logros y éxitos.

Muchas felicidades !! :)

Te quiero mucho


Cony Rangel

Parent

¡Muchas Felicidades Sofia!

Lograste llegar a esta meta con éxito gracias a tu perseverancia y decisión

Es un triunfo que vale la pena compartirlo con tus seres queridos porque es un orgullo para todos nosotros

Ahora conquista tu sueño

Te queremos mucho tus padrinos y tus primas

Felicidades por tu graduación


Carmen Gómez

Family

Submitted photo from Parent
Dear Lauren,

You have worked so hard these 4 years and given so much of your time to help others. You are an inspiration and we couldn’t be prouder. You are humble, caring and have such a big heart. Be happy and continue to enjoy your lifelong journey of learning. Congratulations to our 2020 graduate!

With love from your family


Helen Murphy

Parent

Submitted photo from Family
Another graduated slug in the family! So proud of you for all that you've accomplished and for taking advantage of so many opportunities these past four years. I feel blessed to have shared some of them with you. Since we can't take a graduating nephew/auntie photo this year.....enjoy this one from just 4 years ago and imagine we are all grown up now....well, at least you are. :-)

Debb Bresnick

Family

Submitted photo from Parent
Direct your own destiny

Believe in yourself

Find reasons to smile

Embrace the journey

Have faith

Conquer new heights

Follow your heart

Explore new horizons

Dare to dream

Let laughter happen

Share the joy

Write yourself a happy ending

You should be familiar with these words – you’ve been doing this your whole life and I'm so proud of you. Now go and write yourself that new beginning to the rest of your life!

Love, Mom


Sydney Elizabeth Tudor Chuck

Parent

Class of 2020: You have lived, learned, and grown within the unexpected and the unprecedented, and you stand here today as a graduate of one of the world's leading universities. You are leaders, changemakers, resilient and powerful community builders - this is your moment, and the future belongs to you. Cheers to the next chapter!

Lexi Julien

Staff

Matt, we are so proud of you earning your degrees in 4 years! Your last semester as an undergraduate has not been what anyone expected but you have showed great focus and character during these troubling times. Good luck in your future endeavors whatever path you take. Love, Mom and Dad.

Family

Dear Daniel Stephens,

We are so proud of you! Now begins the next phase of your life, certainly not how you envisioned it would start. Despite it being a difficult time, celebrate all your hard work and your accomplishments. Continue with the drive you have had as a student, and as a young adult you will accomplish the goals you set for yourself in your career and beyond. Be courageous. Be fearless. Be curious. Most importantly, continue to be the kind and caring young man you are. We love you and look forward to seeing where life takes you and what you give back to it. Love, Mom and Dad


Parent

Submitted photo from Family
Congratulations Leila! I can't believe your time at UCSC is coming to an end, but I am so grateful that I got to witness every minute of hard work you put into getting this degree. You rose above every challenge and always kept your goal in mind. Thanks for being such a great role model and friend. Love you!!

Sophie Rojas

Family

Congratulations to all our graduates! Your commitment to learning, dedication to finishing what you started, and capacity to work with uncertainty and pivot quickly inspires me every day. Thank you for teaching me, and all of us!

Andrea Cohen

Staff

Submitted photo from Family
Congratulations Robby! This is a huge accomplishment and I am very proud of you. You're determination when you set your mind on something is amazing and I admire all the hard work you have done. I am very excited to see what you will do in the future and all the places you will go! I love you XOXO

Sophie Rojas

Family

Sofia - Congrats !!! You are now officially a Computer Science Engineer and want you to know that we are all very proud of all your accomplishments. Let's the party begin :) Love you, David

David Ramos Rangel

Family

Submitted photo from Parent
We are so proud of you Robby!

Love, Mom, Dad, William, and Jordan


Robby Crosby

Parent

Congratulations on all your hard work the last four years! We at the Dining Halls applaud you Students for all of your endeavors! I wish you much success in your chosen field and prosperity in your life.

Remember, change starts with you!


Staff

Congratulations to all the graduates and especially Sofia Ramos. We love you Sofia and are looking forward to the day when we are together.

Diana Haverly

Family

Sofia G Ramos Rangel:

“May God light your way to a bright future”

With love

Famiy Barrientos Moreno


Olga Moreno

Family

Sofia.

Grandpa and I are so proud of you. We know you will go far in life and do great things for people. We love you so much and so look forward to being together again. Love you Sofia and congratulations on all you have done.


Sofia Ramos

Grad

Sofia Ramos:

“May God light your way to a bright future”

With love

Family Barrientos Moreno


Sofia Ramos

Family

Submitted photo from Family
Sofia G. Ramos Rangel. Muchas felicidades por tu graduación, ahora si empieza el verdadero reto, te deseo mucho exito y haz siempre q tus padres se sientan orgullosos de ti. Te mando un fuerte abrazo Sofi

Idalia Rodriguez

Family

Submitted photo from Grad
Sofia muchas felicidades, ahora te toca cosechar todo lo sembrado. Tu mama es la mas orgullosa por tus logros y Yo me uno a su felicidad, te mando un fuerte abrazo. Mucho Exito en tu futuro 🎓

Idalia Rodtiguez

Grad

Congrats River Allen !!!!!!!!!!!! As this chapter closes another open's. As your story continues be humble, be kind you never know who you will meet that will change your life. Keep playing music, keep being the good person you are, work hard and good things will find you. I look forward to seeing you you grow and finding you own path in this life.

Great job, CONGRATS !!!!!!!!!!

Love ya Uncle Dave


Dave Allen

Grad

Submitted photo from Parent
Sofia Ramos Rangel - You did it ! Happy Graduation day ! We are all so happy and vey proud of you for this achievement ! It is a blessing, watching our beloved daughter growing up and getting one step closer to her dreams. After all your hard work you deserve to see all your dreams come true and hope that you will always find yourself as happy as you are today ! Congratulations, with all our love, Mom & Dad.

Ramos Rangel Family

Parent

Congratulations to Marissa Salamat! We are so proud of you and we know you will shine your light in whatever you do. Best wishes on the next phase of your journey!

Family

Submitted photo from Family
Dear Haritha,

I am so proud of all that you have achieved and cannot wait to see what you continue to achieve. Even though graduation is going to look different for you and won’t get to watch you walk across the stage like we’d always dreamed, the achievement is still the same. Education is one of the most important things that one can gain. Set your sights high, reach for the stars and go live your dreams. You have made the whole family proud through your hard work and dedication.


Venkatesh Parthasarathy

Family

Cheyenne, Kalila, Freakin' Ison!!! Congratulations sister!!! You inspire me everyday with the many unique sides of YOU; and today we celebrate you as a UCSC Graduate!! Protect and feed your fire, take time to slow down and appreciate the moments that stand apart and blend in, and always remember that only you can make the most of your journey! I'm so proud for my daughters to have an Aunt like you <3

Do great things darling!!!


Leilani Ison

Family

Congratulations Manthan Mallikarjun! Best wishes to you and to the class of 2020!

Pavithra Narasimhan

Family