Voices for good
The “why” and “how” of giving are different for everyone. UC Davis donors share what makes their support personal.
“My parents couldn’t afford to send me to college, so financial aid was key to my attending UC Davis. I’m committed to funding scholarships and work opportunities, particularly for first-gen students from underserved communities who face far more difficult obstacles to attend and graduate from university. It’s a way to give back recognizing all that I have learned and benefited from my UCD experience.”
Caroline Cabias ’72
UC Davis Foundation trustee
Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association co-chair
“I donate to the School of Education because I believe in our commitment to ‘eliminating inequities in schooling and creating learning opportunities for diverse learners.’ I give to support our undergraduate and graduate level programs and I also donate to the school’s centers, such as the Transformative Justice in Education Center.”
Darnel Degand
Assistant professor, School of Education
“My husband and I fund scholarships for medical students enrolled in the accelerated three-year program that began in 2014. This program prepares students for residency training in primary care internal medicine or family medicine. Many of the students come from underserved communities and are the first in their family to attend college—and plan to return to practice in their areas after graduation.”
Glenys Kaye
UC Davis Foundation trustee and Stewardship Committee chair
“Mary and I firmly believe that in order to gain a broad perspective in life, it is necessary to experience other parts of the world. The Eivind Lange and Mary Puma Fellowship supports graduate students conducting research in Chile in partnership with UC Davis Chile Life Sciences Innovation Center. We support the university’s vision of ‘global education for all,’ to provide all UC Davis students with global learning opportunities that change their lives and our world.”
Eivind Lange ’77
UC Davis Foundation trustee; Global Affairs Advisory Council member
“There is so much to admire about our exceptional School of Veterinary Medicine. At its core is a deep appreciation for the well-being of all animals. I’m also excited about the One Health approach, which means that the veterinary school makes connections between animal health, human health and the environment. This is incredibly important work with a global impact.”
Sue Mayer ’80
UC Davis Foundation chair
Global Campaign Leadership Council chair
“I have been very fortunate to be the recipient of several undergraduate scholarships while pursuing degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology. This has helped me develop a passion for giving back, which is why I joined Aggies Helping Aggies, the student-run philanthropy group on campus. I am excited to assist students like me with their pursuit of education at UC Davis!”
Barry Nguyen ’23
Aggies Helping Aggies president
“I am a proud Aggie and believe the connection to Davis extends beyond one’s years on campus. This inspires me to support the alumni association and stay connected. As a Punjabi woman with strong ties to northern California agriculture, I also hope to support causes that benefit both groups.”
Anu Johl Singh ’04
Vice president/president-elect, Cal Aggie Alumni Association
