Impacts of Giving

Because UC Davis’ reach is so broad, the impacts of philanthropic gifts are vast and diverse. This page is just a sampling of stories that describe how private contributions from alumni and other friends, corporations, foundations and other supporters are furthering UC Davis’ land-grant mission to serve society.

Taken together, these stories weave together in a singular narrative, the one story of the difference that you can make in partnership with UC Davis.

Inspiring Stories

Barbara Linke, associate professor of engineering, leads a class in which Matt Llanes (blue shirt) is among the students participating in a mechanical design contest.

’18-19 Fundraising 2nd Best in UC Davis History

By Trevor Stewart

Quick Summary

Chancellor says the numbers go far beyond dollars and cents — to positive impacts on people’s lives
Gifts propel UC Davis as the home of world leaders and innovators across many industries and areas of research
“It’s a great day to be an Aggie” when you read a sampling of last year’s most impactful gifts

The University of California, Davis, posted its second-highest development year ever in fiscal 2018-19, raising $234 million from 36,800 donors.

Ralph Hexter standing in front of road sign directing drivers to UC Davis, The Mondavi Center and Manetti Shrem Art Museum

State (Highways) of the Art: New Signs Direct Visitors to Manetti Shrem Museum

By Ashley Han

It’s now harder to get lost on your way to UC Davis’ fine arts museum. The Manetti Shrem Museum of Art boasts new signage along Interstate 80 and State Highway 113, with iconic white-on-green type directing drivers to the museum on Old Davis Road.

Gift From Alumnus, Botany Professor John Boynton Creates Fellowship

This article originally appeared on the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences website.

By John Stumbos

Dr. John E. Boynton, a UC Davis alumnus, retired Duke University professor and renowned expert on photosynthesis, has bequeathed a generous gift from his estate to establish a fellowship in honor of his mentor, tomato geneticist Charles M. Rick, Jr.

Volunteer Work Made Possible by philanthropy

Miranda Gilbert ’19 treated applying to scholarships like a job throughout her undergraduate years, earning the support that allowed her more time to volunteer and pursue her studies in genetics.

Christopher Almaraz (left) and Aina Smart Truco (right)

Reviving Student Activism by philanthropy

UC Davis’ inaugural Green Fellows are highlighting student activism at UC Davis through art. Aina Smart Truco ’19 and Christopher Almaraz ’20 received the Green Fellowship last year to fund projects each proposed about past and current activists on campus.

Relieving Financial and Mental Burdens by philanthropy

It’s normal for students to feel financial relief thanks to scholarship support from UC Davis donors – but for Robin Nguyen ’19, the Alan Jackman Scholarship offered a lifeline during the most difficult time in his life.

Motivated to Achieve More by philanthropy

A packed schedule does not faze Aidan Sandhoefner ’19. The graduating senior says he’s motivated and committed to doing his best in everything he does.

Ruth Vanessa Verdugo, Amber Medina, Bret Hewitt, Clare Hewitt and Mia Groff

Arboretum Interns Explore Unique Career Paths by philanthropy

Pinkerton Prize winner Amber Medina ’19 compares the award to a seed that grows into a tree and bears fruit— a fitting description for an annual honor given to three exceptional UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden interns.

Marie Heffen in a blue lab coat sitting in a lab and smiling at camera

UC Davis Chemist Marie Heffern Wins Hartwell Foundation Award

The Hartwell Foundation awarded Marie Heffern a 2018 Individual Biomedical Research Award to study metal micronutrient status as a biomarker and treatment target for obesity and metabolic disease.

People in crowd holding "give day" flags

A Great Month for Philanthropy: Give Day Breaks $2 Million, Employee Giving on the Rise

This year’s Give Day (April 12-13) brought in a record-setting $2 million dollars from 4,454 gifts from across campus and around the world.

Nearly Half of UC Davis’ Sustainable Campus Buildings Funded by Donors

Sustainable Campus, Sustainable Cities Big Idea provides a model for California and the world

Person standing outside smiling at camera

From Poverty to Empowerment by philanthropy

It might sound a little cliché to say that one act of kindness can change a life. But for me, this statement could not be truer. I have overcome many hardships, and my path toward higher education was not simple or straightforward.

An Unexpected Path to STEM Education by philanthropy

Crystal Lee ’21 always loved math and science –– but during her childhood, these subjects were not a part of her education. She began attending a non-accredited homeschool in fifth grade and did not attend high school. She earned her GED in 2001 when she was 17 years old. Now, fueled by personal motivation and an inquisitive mind, Lee is pursuing a physics degree at UC Davis.

Gearing Up for Big Changes

Thanks to a generous $5M gift from John ’69 and Mindy Baum, the Engineering Student Design Center (ESDC) will provide an expanded, visionary new space in which students will be able to dive into creative and entrepreneurial ventures.

Becoming a Community Leader by philanthropy

Hope is a powerful emotion –– it can get us through tough times, it can help us persevere trials and tribulations until we reach our goal. Third-year mechanical engineering student Martin Vega-Martinez ‘20 is the perfect embodiment of what hope, combined with hard work, looks like.

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