University News

UC Davis announces another record-breaking fundraising year

After 15 years in the automotive industry, including a career customizing hot rods, Joe Williams ’14 came to the University of California, Davis, to study brewing, then stayed on as a staff researcher. Now, Williams is UC Davis’ first endowed brewer, thanks to a $2 million gift from Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and his wife, Katie Gonser.

Wilbur Curtis Co. supports expanded Coffee Center

Wilbur Curtis Co., an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of coffee-brewing equipment, has pledged $250,000 to the University of California, Davis, to support the university’s expanding Coffee Center. The donation is the first by Wilbur Curtis to a major academic institution.

Annual auction June 24 at the UC Davis Horse Barn

Whoa Nelly! The annual horse auction will be held Saturday, June 24, at the UC Davis Horse Barn on LaRue Road. For sale will be a variety of horses, including a weanling, 13 yearlings, two broodmares, a gelding riding horse, and two mules fathered by the late and legendary donkey, Action Jackson. All yearlings and the weanling were bred at the UC Davis Horse Barn and raised by students.

Anita Oberbauer selected as new CA&ES associate dean for agricultural programs

Anita Oberbauer, professor and chair of the Department of Animal Science, has been selected as the new associate dean for research and outreach in agricultural programs in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Her appointment becomes effective July 1.

“Anita comes to us with a wealth of experience as a credentialed researcher, educator, mentor, and administrator,” said CA&ES Dean Helene Dillard. “She is a colleague who is thoroughly dedicated to service.”

Good news for the Public Strawberry Breeding Program at UC Davis

A federal jury has ruled in favor of the University of California in its lawsuit with two former UC Davis strawberry breeders and the private breeding company they created with UC-owned plants. A separate jury is expected to decide issues related to damages at a later time.

Ron Tjeerdema named to NAS committee on dispersants for oil spills

Ronald Tjeerdema, CA&ES Associate Dean for Environmental Sciences, has been named to a select committee for the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) that will evaluate the use of dispersants in future oil spills.

 “I am looking forward to contributing my 30 years of experience in oil spill research,” said Tjeerdema, who is a professor in the Department of Environmental Toxicology and also holds the Donald G. Crosby Endowed Chair in Environmental Chemistry.

Engaged scholarship makes a difference in our communities

Dave Fujino to receive industry accolade

Dave Fujino, executive director of the California Center for Urban Horticulture (CCUH), will be inducted into the Green Industry Hall of Fame on May 20.

CCUH has been under Fujino’s leadership since its founding more than a decade ago. From its headquarters at UC Davis, the organization has been the catalyst for bringing together academia, industry professionals, and public agencies in the horticulture and landscape arena. CCUH workshops promote scientific research and strategies to enhance California’s urban environment.

Top rankings reflect academic excellence

With the arrival of Picnic Day on April 22, now is a good time to reflect on what makes UC Davis so special. This beautiful, bike-friendly, collegial campus draws students from many different places for many different reasons. Among my favorite places are the pathways of the Arboretum, the barns housing our draft horses, mules and carriages, Shields Library, and the Student Community Center. I'm sure you could come up with your own list of what's special about your experience here.

A dozen CA&ES studies rank top 7 in the world

UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES) is ranked first in the world in agricultural economics and policy—and among the top 7 in 11 other subjects—in the prestigious Center for World University rankings.