The year 1969 was the beginning of what would become African American and African, Asian American, Chicana/o and Native American studies programs. Since then, these programs have been a catalyst for social and political action on campus and beyond, and cultivated a lifelong commitment to making a difference.

The Maria Manetti Shrem Arts District will bear the international art patron’s name in recognition of her support of multiple disciplines and her vision to bolster collaboration among them with a holistic approach to the arts. The “Maria Manetti Shrem Arts Renaissance” will be created at the University of California, Davis, with a pledge of more than $20 million to further the art patron’s longstanding philanthropic partnership with the university.

The Accelerating Success by Providing Intensive Research Experience at UC Davis gets students into labs early vastly widening their vision of research through hands-on experience. Through ASPIRE, Valerie Klein has worked as a research assistant in the lab of Richard Huskey, an assistant professor of communication and cognitive science, since her second quarter at UC Davis.

UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May presented the 2023 UC Davis Medal, the university’s highest honor, to international arts patron and philanthropist Maria Manetti Shrem at the afternoon commencement ceremony on June 18 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. The award presentation was followed by a ceremonial tree planting on the UC Davis campus and a dinner at the UC Davis Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.