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2008 Annual Report

Photo: graduates

UC Davis graduates are leaders who have made impacts in California, the nation and the world.
Photo by Debbie Aldridge

Once an Aggie, always an Aggie

From the initial graduating class of nine students in 1911 to a total of 186,000 alumni alive today, UC Davis graduates have made their mark in the world—and beyond. Their countless achievements include heading UNICEF, serving as U.S. Treasurer, winning Olympic gold medals, directing Oscar-winning films and repairing the space shuttle Discovery while in space.

Public service has always been a core tenet of the UC Davis creed. And alumni have carried those values to every continent by offering humanitarian assistance, playing leadership roles, facilitating research opportunities, giving philanthropically and forging new partnerships within communities big and small.

While some alumni play prominent roles as international leaders in a wide range of industries and organizations, others make an impact on a smaller scale through being actively involved with their communities and making time to mentor and assist current UC Davis students in pursuing their dreams.

For the past 100 years, UC Davis alumni have created the change they want to see in the world. As the number of alumni grows rapidly with each graduating class, they will continue to make a powerful global impact.

Photo illustration of Steven Lee, women's lacrosse, Shifa Community Clinic and Chris Jones.

Additional impacts

Student leadership

UC Davis students have changed the landscape of the campus and beyond by taking leadership roles in creating the arboretum, the Unitrans bus system, the Coffee House and the Experimental College. Current student Steven Lee (above, left) has shown leadership normally expected of an experienced politician by strengthening the bond between the city and university through the Principles of One Community, signed by the mayor of Davis and the UC Davis chancellor.

Athletic achievement

The intercollegiate athletics program sets a national standard, and not just for its six Directors’ Cups earned while in NCAA Division II or for its marks in the record books. UC Davis athletes have a reputation for character and academic accomplishment, including a football program noted for producing physicians and wins. UC Davis has twice earned the distinction of being named the No. 1 school in the nation for female athletes, and three UC Davis women have earned the title of NCAA Woman Athlete of the Year.

Student-run clinics

UC Davis students make a difference every day in the lives of Californians—providing medical care at five free clinics for underserved populations (like the Shifa Community Clinic, represented above); legal representation for civil rights cases, family law, prisoner rights and immigration law; and veterinary care for the pets of the homeless. In addition, management students offer consulting service to business, government and nonprofit organizations.

The next 100 years: Future impact

UC Davis alumni have gone from transforming California’s agricultural industry to sharing innovations in sustainable energy and cleaner forms of transportation, developing medical techniques that save lives, and inspiring countless people through art and music. As we face the myriad challenges of a changing planet, UC Davis alumni, like Chris Jones ’05 (above), now a medical student at UC San Francisco, will continue to make an impact in solving world problems and building strong communities.