For the Coates family, cheering on and supporting UC Davis is a family affair.

That commitment began in 1970 when Bill Coates left Bakersfield for UC Davis to study horticulture, where he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 1972 and 1974, respectively.

After finishing post-graduate studies in Oregon, Bill went on to a long career in California as a farm advisor specializing in fruit and nut crops, retiring in 2011. He was internationally known and respected.

He was considered a “Super Aggie” and attended nearly every home football game for 45 years. That love for the university passed on to his wife, Nancy, and three kids, who all attended UC Davis.

Ryan earned a communications and psychology degree in 2009, followed in 2014 by Darren who studied exercise biology and fellow twin Ashley, who obtained a degree in aerospace science and engineering. Ashley also received the University Medal, awarded for excellence in undergraduate studies, community scholarship and promise of future contributions to society.

When Bill died in 2016, Nancy set up a scholarship in his honor, with the first $1,000 award distributed in 2022. The gift goes to undergraduate students, with a preference for those studying plant sciences and dedicated to contributing to a positive, well-rounded college experience.

Ashley Coates said her dad encouraged all the kids to stay involved. As a lifelong learner, he sometimes joined her in classes. “You get so much more of the college experience if you get involved,” she said. “You meet people from different majors and interests. You get a more diverse experience.”

Nancy continues to give annually to support students and she and Ashley routinely attend Picnic Day. She enjoys giving back to the place that gave so much to her husband and her children.