The University of California (UC) system faced significant challenges in 2025, including a federal demand for a $1 billion settlement from UCLA that threatened the entire system. In response, students, staff, faculty, alumni, and patients voiced their support for UC by sharing personal stories about the impact the university has had on their lives.
Among those who spoke out was Alex Ruiz, a first-generation college graduate from UC Riverside. Ruiz described his journey from working in the fields of Tulare County to serving in various roles at UC Merced and UC Riverside over 23 years. “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 credited both her education at UC San Diego and care received at its Jacobs Medical Center with saving her life after a severe medical emergency during graduate school. “I owe my life to UC in more ways than one. I have both undergraduate and graduate degrees from UC San Diego, and UC San Diego’s Jacobs Medical Center saved my life.
“During my undergraduate years at UC San Diego, I took classes that I will never forget, did research in three different academic divisions and served as president of two student clubs. These experiences profoundly shaped not only my academic, professional and social life, but also who I am as a person.
“Early on in graduate school…I suffered an unforeseeable, nearly fatal medical incident that left me with multiple organ failures…I awoke in the ICU to be told that I was the sickest patient in UC San Diego’s Jacobs Medical Center…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…And without the outstanding medical care I received, I would not be alive.”
Mohan P. Ananda recounted how earning his doctorate at UCLA led him to contribute significantly to interplanetary navigation efforts at JPL/NASA before becoming one of the architects behind GPS technology while working with the Department of Defense. “I am proud to share my journey…After graduating [from UCLA], I contributed to interplanetary navigation at JPL/NASA and later served as one of the architects of the Global Positioning System (GPS)…UCLA’s impact on me extended far beyond science and technology…”
He emphasized how his education enabled him to start several companies—four taken public—and create more than 5,000 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 shared how his parents survived Nazi persecution before immigrating to Los Angeles where they enrolled at UCLA; he noted that three generations of his family have since attended or plan on attending UCLA: “My parents…survived Nazi persecution…They enrolled at UCLA…My son is soon starting classes…a third-generation Bruin!…The UCLA Chair in Holocaust Studies has my dad’s name attached to it….We are honored…”
Genie Penn echoed this sentiment: “My parents were Holocaust survivors who both attended UCLA…and helped establish a chair in Holocaust Studies there…Their children attended UCLA undergrad…and two grandchildren attended as well…”
Yevette Peterson described surviving cancer thanks to Herceptin—a treatment developed through research by scientists at UCLA Health: “I am alive today ONLY because of Herceptin…developed by UCLA research…I’ll never forget my oncologist’s words: ‘You have a very aggressive type…but fortunately we have Herceptin now.’ …Thanks to Herceptin…I am better than OK—I am thriving!…UCLA research quite literally saved my life.”
Jack de Golia reflected on four generations connected with University of California campuses since 1877; he credited his studies at Davis with shaping his career path: “At Davis…I was an ‘experimental freshman’…and ended up with a degree…and fascination with history…the foundation was laid now long ago…”
Julia Halprin Jackson stated her existence is owed partly due to her parents meeting while studying at Davis; she stressed higher education’s transformative power: “I exist thanks to…the University…where my parents met…I have degrees from two UCs…and worked for three campuses…the best gift…was confidence…the narrative skills learned continue guiding me…”
Ammar Zia discussed how lessons learned during studies prepared him for roles supporting schools nationwide after teaching English post-graduation: “After graduating from UCLA…I began teaching before stepping into administration…Today…I support schools across America ensuring access…This work has saved districts millions while reducing redundancies…and doing right by every student…”
Jennifer Ishikata explained her pride as both alumna and current staff member: “I chose [UC] because…I believe in what our university has to offer: diversity,…community,…creativity,…excellence.…As staff member…I continue [the] legacy…it must be protected for generations…”
These stories illustrate how individuals attribute personal growth or survival—as well as professional success—to their experiences within University of California institutions.
