To: Faculty and Staff
October 28, 2026
To the Campus Community:
UC Merced is deeply grateful to MacKenzie Scott for her extraordinary generosity and continued investment in our University. Philanthropic gifts like this help create important opportunities to advance student success, strengthen research, and expand UC Merced’s impact across the San Joaquin Valley and beyond.
In 2021, UC Merced received its first contribution from MacKenzie Scott, which was used to support the schools, research, faculty and student success. In Fall 2025, our campus received a significant second and larger gift, a portion of which was initially distributed to further support areas of faculty research, the Academic Senate, staff development, undergraduate student success, graduate education, and other key areas of the campus, totaling more than $10 million.
Today, I am delighted to announce yet another allocation from that second gift directing over $9 million in new funding commitments toward targeted campus priorities. These critical investments will provide additional support to our three schools; the Graduate Division and Undergraduate Education; strengthen graduate student training; support the Library and the new UC Merced Honors Program; expand research equipment, seed grants, and strategic research initiatives; leverage additional private philanthropy; and support efforts to grow enrollment for Fall 2027. Together, these commitments are intended to address priority needs, enhance educational and research opportunities, and build institutional capacity.
These resources also carry an important responsibility. While the gift provides meaningful opportunities for strategic investment, it is finite. We must use these funds thoughtfully while continuing the work of aligning resources with our priorities and strengthening UC Merced’s long-term financial sustainability.
Through purposeful investment and responsible stewardship, we can honor MacKenzie Scott’s generosity and that of so many others as we approach the conclusion of our $200 million Boldly Forward campaign to ensure a stronger, more sustainable future for UC Merced.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our students, our mission, and the communities we serve.
Sincerely,
Juan Sánchez Muñoz
Chancellor
