With the UC Davis Marching Band leading the way, 350 UC supporters walked to the state capitol for UC Day. Their mission: to remind their state senators and assembly members how academic preparation programs, access and affordability and research initiatives need their support in order to continue to propel California’s economy.
“It’s a great way to show in quantity and quality how UC alumni prove the higher education priority for the state,” says John Valva executive director of the alumni association. “Legislators listen to those that vote.”
Sixteen UCSD alums, along with staff, attended eight meetings throughout the day, emphasizing the success of the Preuss School, CalIT2 and the medical centers. They also stressed how the University of California has a critical role in educating the best in the state, regardless of their economic circumstances. With fee increases almost across the board, recruitment to the UCs is at a critical point. In order to attract underrepresented and educationally disadvantaged California students, UC alums asked for $19.3 million in state funds to be restored to programs that support outreach efforts.
Volunteers Mark Diamond, ‘87, and Jeffrey Fenton, ‘80, have been discussing topics like these at UC Day for over 10 years, but this year was chock full of newcomers eager to get involved.
The day ended with a reception, an inspiring speech from Advocate of the Year Lt. Gov. John Garamendi and the hope that the day’s efforts will lead to renewed support from the capitol.
Special thanks our volunteers: Gelena Aleksandrovskaya, ’07; Marc Bernard, ’79; Cesar Calderon, ’09; Diddo Clark, ’73; Mark Diamond, ’87; Nicole Eberhard, ’97; Jeffrey Fenton, ’80; Chris Kim, ’91; Rochelle Lakey, ’98; Laura Silva Lopez, ’95; Richard Martinez, ’02; John McIntyre, ’83; Kari Middleton, ’97; Pam Murphy, ’04; and Steve Schreiner, ’80.
Legislators participating in UC Day: State Sen. Denise Moreno Ducheny (D-San Diego), State Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego), Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon), Assemblyman Martin Garrick (R-San Diego), Assemblywoman Shirley Horton (R-Chula Vista), Assemblyman George Plescia (R-San Diego), Assemblywoman Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista) and Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña (D-San Diego). 
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— Neda Oreizy, '08
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