President Drake poses with the UCPath Staff Connection Committee

On July 31, UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D., made his first on-site visit to UCPath. He toured the Riverside facility, met with UCPath leadership and staff, and even found time to talk a little about jazz.

President Drake addresses a packed conference room at UCPath

“I wanted to have a chance to meet you and to let you know how much I appreciate your work on behalf of the University. It was important to me to acknowledge all that you do behind the scenes to support UC,” President Drake told 200+ assembled employees and guests.

President Drake emphasized the critical role UCPath plays in the University, and in turn, in the lives of Californians through UC’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. He talked about how this impact goes on every day, sometimes invisibly, and thanked UCPath Executive Director Calvin Turner, leadership, and staff for the improvements they have made over the last few years. “Finding ways to do your work more effectively takes constant professional dedication, day in day out, and you’ve really done a wonderful job,” President Drake said.

President Drake with the UCPath Executive Leadership Team

With his visit coming the same day he announced that he will step down in 2025, President Drake reflected on the University’s accomplishments over the past four years, including the challenges UC overcame during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also offered an entertaining history of his affinity for jazz and gave recommendations on Miles Davis’s best albums for those looking to discover more for themselves.

President Drake with UCPath Executive Director Calvin Turner

In addition to the large group remarks and Q&A session, President Drake engaged in a 30-minute conversation with members of the Staff Connection Committee (SCC), who valued the time he took to engage with them.

“President Drake shared that since joining the University, he has met with many employees. He understands that those who work behind the scenes, like us at UCPath, make a significant impact,” SCC member Kathy Garcia said.

SCC member Ethan Puente added, “I really appreciated the time President Drake took to get to know each of us personally and to recognize the importance of our contributions to the workplace culture.”

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