About 2,000 new students were welcomed at UC Merced on Tuesday during the annual Scholars Bridge Crossing event. The ceremony, which is a campus tradition to greet first-year and transfer students, was marked this year by an unusual summer storm.
Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz addressed the crowd as clouds gathered overhead. “We’re all excited to have you here, and we’re going to get this thing moving,” Muñoz said. “You are the realization of a future launched 20 years ago. You will find countless ways to discover who you are and who you want to become.”
As soon as Muñoz finished his remarks, heavy rain began to fall. He led the procession across Scholars Bridge along with his wife, Professor Zenaida Aguirre-Muñoz, and three school deans. Faculty and staff cheered on the students despite the weather, holding up welcome signs for cover as lightning flashed nearby.
The downpour forced changes in the usual program. Instead of stopping at campus landmarks for greetings from leaders, students moved quickly through their walk before seeking shelter near library and classroom buildings.
Inside, faculty worked to adjust schedules while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. Students ate boxed lunches indoors and participated in sessions with academic advisers and professors.
Some incoming students shared their reasons for choosing UC Merced. Romeo Yang from Sacramento said he appreciated how walkable the campus is and looked forward to meeting new people. Winnie Mabula from San Jose cited generous financial aid and a friendly environment as factors in her decision. Jonathan Brown of Placencia chose UC Merced over other universities because of its campus life.
Academic support was also highlighted during orientation sessions. Kassandra Suentel from Tracy described receiving helpful advice about her studies: “I asked him a couple questions and he was very informative,” she said about Professor Yang Lor.
Fourth-year student Luis Onofre demonstrated scientific concepts for newcomers by showing how a metal wire returns to its original shape when heated—a metaphor for resilience that resonated with attendees starting their university journey.
Public Information Officer Patty Guerra contributed reporting for this story.
