From President Drake: Guiding graduates to the finish line
President Drake shared the following message in the June issue of UCnetwork.
The joy and pride in the air on college campuses this time of year are palpable, as students in their caps and gowns pose for photos with the people who helped them reach this goal. For those whose life work is all about helping students achieve their dreams, seeing these celebrations further motivates our faculty, staff, and campus leaders to do our best work for the next generation of students.
Commencements are the culmination of an incalculable amount of hard work and perseverance. Our faculty and staff — at times behind the scenes — have provided critical support and guided our graduates to this finish line. I am grateful for all that you do to help our students cross the stage to receive their diplomas. No matter your role, you carry out the University of California mission of teaching, research, and public service. And our more than 61,000 graduates in the Class of 2024 are a shining example of that mission.
I’m particularly proud that of those 61,000, nearly a third started their higher ed journey at a community college (as did I). These graduates have overcome many hurdles to get where they are. Check out some of their stories — they are sure to inspire a renewed commitment to our mission. And thank you, sincerely, for all that you do every single day to lift up our students and make transformative differences in their lives.
Fiat Lux!
Michael V. Drake, M.D.
UC President