Fall is one of my favorite times of year for many reasons. Our campus is once more a place of learning and thriving. We’re reminded of new beginnings and we discover new opportunities for growth.
We also are reminded that ٺƵ is one of the best public universities in the country for how students experience their education, but also for how well they do beyond our doors once they graduate.
We were pleased once more that US News & World Report ranked us as the No. 10 best public university last month. Washington Monthly also ranked ٺƵ the second-best public university in the country for research, social mobility and public service.
We held our No. 4 public university ranking with Forbes in its 2022 edition of “America’s Top Colleges,” which is based on student outcomes, including graduates’ high earnings and influence.
All of this recognition reinforces the academic excellence that the campus provides. It reminds us of our public service mission that was on full display over the last two years of the pandemic. We continue to see collective efforts behind Healthy Davis Together get national attention.
World-changing research
We’re also seeing our research enterprise reach new heights. In August, ٺƵ surpassed more than $1 billion in research funding for the fiscal year. Fewer than 20 public universities in the country can make the same claim.
These research awards get to the heart of who we are at ٺƵ. A core part of the university’s mission is to address some of the world’s greatest challenges and drive innovation. And more than ever, ٺƵ is being sought to find solutions and help create a better tomorrow for all.
Whether or not you’re part of the ٺƵ community, the research taking place here has the potential to benefit all communities. It includes a two-year project to study alternative COVID-19 antigen production.
ٺƵ is also on the forefront of finding new ways to feed a growing planet. Last year, , which has the potential to rapidly develop new crop varieties in the face of climate change.
This team is using 3D modeling, artificial intelligence and crop genetics to develop a tool that improves and accelerates breeding pipelines for legumes and sorghum, a species of flowering plants that’s often grown for cereals and animal feed.
Other research awards were awarded for projects related to autism research, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity among low-income individuals and a host of others. In all, this current record was up $102.9 million from the previous record set in 2020-2021.
Record philanthropy
Philanthropy at ٺƵ is also soaring like never before. In each of the past three fiscal years, fundraising totals have continued to break previous records.
For the fiscal year of 2021-22, . It actually crossed that mark by a notable amount, with a final total of $323 million overall. That included more than 58,000 gifts and pledges from 32,434 donors.
With each of our achievements, we are reminded more than ever that our partnership with the city and county has strengthened. We uplift each other.
Getting into the fall spirit
As we progress into fall, I encourage the community to reconnect with the campus. Aggie Spirit Week runs from Oct. 10 to Oct. 16, and it’s the perfect time to visit. You’ll find a including a tour of the Botanical Conservatory, class reunions, plus our . Note that our home opening football game last month set a new attendance record with 14,000 in the crowd. We are grateful for the support and energy shown to the Aggies.
Don’t forget the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary season and has an exciting range of performances for your to enjoy. The Manetti Shrem Museum has a fantastic exhibit, “Young, Gifted and Black,” that’s on display through Dec. 19. Don’t forget that admission to the Manetti Shrem Museum is free for everyone.
As always, if you see me in Davis or on campus, please stop and say hello.