Stories
Our Students
Immersion in childhood cancer research transforms undergrads into scientists—and advocates
The Treehouse Childhood Cancer Initiative is giving 80 students the opportunity to become cancer researchers for a quarter, thanks in part to generous funding from the UCSC Degree-Defining Experiences Program and the Dragon Master Initiative.
Finding an affordable path to a UC Santa Cruz degree
Students like Jadin Archambeault and Jacob Chaudhry are actively navigating the cost of college while planning for life after graduation. Their experiences highlight the ways students use financial aid, scholarships, and campus resources to manage costs.
Students in summer field school unearth artifacts and a new passion for archaeology
Interns funded by a UC-HBCU grant learned key professional skills and found their calling while excavating an archaeological site in West Africa
Photo Field Research Quarter: An art-filled road trip across California
Each summer, UC Santa Cruz students spend three weeks on the road in Photo Field Research Quarter, traveling across California to camp, connect with community partners, and create art shaped by the places they visit.
Leadership gift advances East Field running path renewal
A generous $500,000 gift will revitalize the East Field running path, enhancing movement, connection, and well-being across the UCSC community.
Humanities EXCEL Fellows build community through hands-on Internships
At UC Santa Cruz, the Humanities EXCEL Program is helping Humanities undergraduates discover new pathways to professional growth and connect to local communities through paid internships.
Our Donors
From founding faculty to future generations
Celebrating Jim Pepper’s 50-year legacy of teaching, mentorship, and environmental leadership
Connecting hearts, heritage, and higher education
By supporting The Humanities Institute and volunteering with Senderos, Carolyn and Curt Coleman help bridge campus and community—connecting students, families, and cultural traditions across generations.
Rooted in education, expanding opportunity
Inspired by a shared love of learning and a family of educators, alumnus Roger Koopmann (Stevenson ’80, economics) and his late husband, Tom Bullen (Ph.D. ’86, Earth sciences), established scholarships that give UC Santa Cruz students the chance to pursue research and study abroad experiences.
Opening Doors: The Sergio Klor de Alva Memorial Scholarship
After losing her 24-year-old son in 2016, Julie Lawes transformed her grief into mission: creating a memorial scholarship in his name. The Sergio Klor de Alva Memorial Scholarship helps UC Santa Cruz students pursue life-changing experiences—a legacy born from a mother’s love and her son’s keen insights.
New program to train U.S. college students from all backgrounds to be conservation leaders
$1 million from Cedar Tree Foundation will fund a conservation-leadership academy to continue the work of the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars program at UC Santa Cruz
The future of science
A generous gift from the Mayfield Fund is transforming undergraduate research and mentorship opportunities at UC Santa Cruz, creating a powerful chain reaction of scientific mentorship across disciplines.
