In 2025, the University of California (UC) system faced a significant challenge when a federal demand for a $1 billion settlement from UCLA threatened the stability of the entire UC network. Despite these difficulties, members of the UC community—including students, staff, faculty, alumni, and patients—expressed strong support for the institution by sharing personal stories about its impact on their lives.
One such supporter is Alex Ruiz, who graduated from UC Riverside with degrees in Economics and Higher Education Administration and Policy. “I am proud to be a UC graduate and lifelong member of the UC community. I was born in Mexico and grew up as a first-generation, formerly undocumented student. Thanks to programs like AVID, Talent Search and Upward Bound, I was prepared for college. When I arrived at UC Riverside, it became my second home. The staff, faculty and support programs gave me the foundation I needed to succeed. For the past 23 years, I have had the privilege of serving the UC system — first at UC Merced for two years, and for nearly 20 years at UC Riverside. In that time, I’ve recruited and supported thousands of students pursuing their UC educations.
“UC has also become a family legacy: over a dozen of my relatives have graduated from UC Riverside, my wife and sister work here, and my children have benefited from UC Riverside’s Child Development Center. The University of California transformed my life and opened doors for my family. I believe every student deserves that same chance to thrive, and I am committed to ensuring future generations benefit from the opportunities UC provides.”
Cianna Calia is another example; she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry at UC San Diego after earning undergraduate and master’s degrees there as well. She recounted how medical care provided by Jacobs Medical Center saved her life following severe complications related to Type 1 diabetes: “I owe my life to UC in more ways than one… Early on in graduate school…I suffered an unforeseeable, nearly fatal medical incident that left me with multiple organ failures…I received incredible care there—the amazing staff and extensive resources were able to bring my health back…While continuing to receive outpatient care…I proceeded to get my master’s degree and I am now a Ph.D. candidate doing research in protein design…Without the phenomenal opportunities and experiences the UC system provided, I would not be who I am today.”
Mohan P. Ananda reflected on his time at UCLA where he earned his doctorate in Astrodynamics and Control before contributing significantly to GPS technology development: “After graduating [from UCLA], I contributed to interplanetary navigation at JPL/NASA and later served as one of the architects of [GPS] while working with the Department of Defense…Over the years…I have been privileged to create more than 5,000 high-paying jobs.
“Every success I have achieved is a direct extension of the education and values I received at UCLA…The education, research and innovation coming from UCLA are critical to America’s future.”
Joseph Goetz and Genie Penn described how their family’s history is closely linked with UCLA since their parents survived Nazi persecution before enrolling there after arriving in Los Angeles in 1950: “My parents…enrolled at UCLA…achieved undergraduate degrees…I attended undergrad and med school at UCLA…My family loves UCLA.” According to Genie Penn: “UCLA runs deep in this family…gave my parents the American Dream.”
Yevette Peterson credited her survival from aggressive breast cancer to Herceptin—a treatment developed through UCLA research: “I am alive today ONLY because of Herceptin…Thanks to Herceptin and the UCLA scientists who created it…I pay my gratitude forward by trying to make a positive impact for others.”
Jack de Golia shared how several generations of his family attended various campuses within UC since its early days: “At UC Davis…I was an ‘experimental freshman’…All of which helped buoy me as a park interpreter with the National Park Service…Lifelong learning? I’ve lived it.”
Julia Halprin Jackson said her existence was made possible by her parents meeting at UC Davis; she holds degrees from both Santa Barbara (B.A.) and Davis (M.A.): “The best gift a UC education offered me was…the confidence…and experience…”
Ammar Zia explained how his training at UCLA shaped his work supporting schools nationwide: “To date…I’ve partnered with more than 200 schools…and 50 districts…This work has saved districts millions while reducing redundancies…” He added: “My grit,…belief in…the power of research…and relentless commitment…were shaped by…the extraordinary professors…and opportunities…”
Jennifer Ishikata expressed pride as both an alumna and current staff member at UCLA: “I chose the UC system because…I believe in what our university has to offer: diversity,…community,…creativity,…excellence.…UC has given me some of my richest memories,…friendships,…education that…I value…”
These stories reflect diverse ways individuals credit their educational or medical achievements—and even their families’ trajectories—to opportunities found within University of California institutions.
