Author Bios

An etched power fist colored as the Pan-African flag, the face of a Jack Russell Terrier, and a fading rose littered with dew drops were some of the sights to be held within SSM’s Art Gallery during the month of February. The gallery played host to a new kind of project, as photos, sketches, and paintings blended together to form one collective masterpiece. With the theme of “dreams” in mind, various students submitted some of their most creative works to the campus’ first participatory art project.

Joshua Gonzalez and his family escaped an unjust government in 2005 when they traveled to the United States seeking a better future. The decision to move from the Philippines was primarily swayed by Joshua’s father who, along with other small business owners, was pressured by corrupt tax collectors fishing for bribes. “My father would rather let the company go down than bribe someone. When his business did go down, he thought it would be best to move to the U.S. for better opportunities,” stated Gonzalez. 

UC Merced’s Black Student Union, in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California, hosted the “Know Your Rights” workshop on campus this month in order to inform students of their rights as outlined by our nation’s constitution. Representing the ACLU, answering students’ questions, and speaking on the importance of our country’s greatest asset of nationwide freedom, was Hector Cerda.

UC Merced’s Alumni Association Board Members were selected and named during summer 2011. Only recently, in mid-October, were the names of the board members officially announced to the greater UCM community.