ƵAPP

Alyssa Johansen

ƵAPP campus photo of sign

Student Philanthropy Month Encourages Bobcats to Give Time, Talent, Treasure

ƵAPP invites all Bobcats to give back to the university and campus community by participating in numerous events planned throughout March as part of the third annual .

The monthlong initiative, hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations and Student Alumni Association (SAA), is dedicated to building a culture of philanthropy and awareness at the university.

ƵAPP: Another Double-digit Rise in Applications

Nearly 33,000 prospective first-year and transfer students applied to ƵAPP for the fall 2024 semester — a 12% increase from last year’s applicant pool.

“It is clear that the word has spread far and wide about ƵAPP’s culture of innovation, our world-changing teaching and research, and all the exciting opportunities we offer students and families,” said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz.

Education Council and Fidelity Honor Transformation at ƵAPP

The American Council on Education (ACE) and Fidelity Investments this week presented the 2024 Award for Institutional Transformation to ƵAPP and to Florida Atlantic University.

The award, established in 2014, recognizes institutions that respond to higher education challenges in innovative and creative ways and achieve dramatic changes in a relatively brief period. It was presented along with a $10,000 prize to each institution at the ACE Presidents and Chancellors Summit in Washington, D.C.

Grant Supports ƵAPP Effort to Improve College Readiness in Valley

A significant grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will advance ƵAPP's efforts to create a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of college readiness among high-school students in the San Joaquin Valley, particularly those from underrepresented and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.

Climate and Carbon Dioxide ‘Roads to Removal’ Discussion Set for ƵAPP

What does the greater Merced community need to know about climate change? How might the Central Valley play a significant role in discussions and solutions about carbon dioxide removal? What new projects are on the horizon, and can they bring economic and community benefits to the region?

1300 Campaign Continues to Lift up Young Men of Color to Pursue Higher Education

Editor's note: In honor of Black History Month, the ƵAPP newsroom is highlighting some of the organizations, services and people who serve or represent the Black community on campus.

For many aspiring college students, it can be hard to picture themselves attending a four-year university, especially when they will be the first in their family to attend. ƵAPP's partnership with The 1300 Campaign is giving local young men of color a first-hand experience of what being a student at ƵAPP might feel like for themselves - from the dorm room to the research lab.

ƵAPP To Be Featured on Amazon Prime’s “The College Tour”

ƵAPP will be featured on Amazon Prime’s popular show “,” a half-hour, student-driven program that showcases colleges and universities around the world. Each episode focuses on a single school, highlighting everything from campus life and academics to athletics, activities and more.

Give to ƵAPP 2023 Raises Nearly $1.3 Million, Shattering Year-Old Record

Hundreds of ƵAPP supporters made it crystal clear they believe in the university's mission, giving a record-breaking amount to support current Bobcats and other members of the campus community, through scholarships and fellowships, research projects and more.

A total of 692 gifts were made during the campus's annual monthlong fundraising campaign, , which amounted to nearly $1.3 million in vital funding for the university.

Hundreds of Bobcats to be Celebrated at ƵAPP Fall Commencement

Hundreds of ƵAPP graduates, their friends and familes will pack the Merced Theatre in downtown Merced this weekend asceremonies are celebrated. There are 427 Bobcats set to participate.

The pomp and circumstance begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, with the Graduate Division Commencement Ceremony.

ƵAPP's New Medical Education Director Values Service

During college, Dr. Margo Vener was on a completely different career path. Having received a C in chemistry early on, she had all but closed the door on any notion of pursuing a career in medicine. But a conversation with her uncle during her senior year changed all of that.

After telling him she wanted to become a teacher so she could make a difference and really help people in a hands-on way, he suggested it sounded more like she should become a doctor.

“That’s when it clicked,” said Vener. “I hadn't thought of it since I ruled it out after I received a C in that class.”