May 11, 2006 - Merced, CA - The University of California at Merced held it's first Commencement.
UC Merced opened September 5, 2005 as the 10th campus in the University of California system and the first American research university to open in the 21st century. The campus significantly expands access to the UC system for students throughout the state, with a special mission to increase college-going rates among students in the San Joaquin Valley. The three graduates of this first Commencement are all from the Central Valley. Daniel Santillano was born and raised in Sacramento. Eve Delfin and Kristi Imberi are both frm Merced.
Chancellor Carol Tomlinson-Keasey gave the commencement address, "Framing a University for the 21st Century", in which she shared memories and goals of the University.
Lee Anderson, President, San Joaquin Valley UC Alumni Network and Roger Wood, President-Elect, San Joaquin Valley UC Alumni Network also spoke at the Commencemen.
The students shared their experiences while attending the UC and their hopes of the future. They presented the 2006 University Gift of an aquarium for all to enjoy.

View The Commencement
Ceremony on streaming video

Presenting the Class of 2006:

Daniel Santillano, Master of Science with an emphasis in Environmental Systems
Kristi Ann Imberi, Bachelor of Arts in Social and Cognitive Sciences
Eve Delfin, Bachelor of Arts in Social and Cognitive Sciences

Kristi Ann Imberi, Bachelor of Arts in Social and Cognitive Sciences