First buildings of Merced 2020 project open to students
August 20, 2018 •
Less than two years after breaking ground on its unprecedented campus expansion, UC Merced last week celebrated the opening of the first three buildings of the Merced 2020 Project.
More than 400 people were on hand for an opening celebration Thursday, including UC Merced Chancellor Dorothy Leland and UC President Janet Napolitano. Leland and Napolitano also met with students Friday, and visited with more students and their families during move-in.
On Saturday, students moved into two brand-new, mixed-use residence halls, which feature more than 700 beds in addition to classrooms and retail space.
“The capacity we are building right now will enable our future,” Leland said. “We will provide world-class education to more of the best and brightest students from California and beyond. We will grow our faculty thoughtfully and strategically to have the greatest possible impact in our areas of research excellence. We will become a powerhouse of innovation and transformation for the San Joaquin Valley.”
