Now, this is what I’d call a great day for UC Davis! As the saying goes, it takes teamwork to make the dream work, so I’d like to thank all those who collaborated with their talent and vision to make this Graduate Center a reality.

Now, one of UC Davis’ oldest buildings is among the most innovative spaces on campus. The Graduate Center at Walker Hall is also the first of its kind within the entire University of California. I’m proud that we’re leading the UC system in this effort and believe we can serve as a model for other universities.

Our talented graduate students will thrive even more with this center. UC Davis is home to more than 100 graduate and professional degree programs, and our graduate and professional student community is more than 7,000 strong.

These graduate students are the bedrock of our success as leading research university. Our graduate community makes important discoveries and contributions that move our campus, our region and the world forward. They are making discoveries in such pivotal issues of our times as climate change, public health and the COVID-19 pandemic. They are the innovators and visionaries who will help create a better tomorrow.

As scholars, researchers, teachers and community builders, our graduate community has broad impact that helps shape UC Davis and beyond. No matter their field, the new Graduate Center provides a dedicated space to support and focus their efforts.

The Graduate Center at Walker Hall is significant in other ways as well. One of the key goals in UC Davis’ 10-year strategic plan is to provide a world-class educational experience. The development of Walker Hall and many other projects around UC Davis are reflective of this goal.

With all of the detour signs and sounds of jackhammers, you may have heard the joke that UCD stands for “Under Construction Daily.” This is a good thing. It’s a sign of a thriving campus.

This is about much more than just making renovations. We’re taking the opportunity to make sure UC Davis isn’t just meeting the needs of the day, but shaping itself for the best possible future. More than ever, we must pay close attention to both how we teach and what we teach. And, we need to pay close attention to how our students learn and how well they learn.

We’re creating spaces that embrace new methods and technologies for learning and teaching. We’re creating spaces that offer increased support for students, such as the centers for mentoring and mental health, and the financial health services found here. The future of UC Davis and its graduate students are in great hands with this space we celebrate today.

Thank you so much for being here as we give a proper grand opening to the Graduate Center at Walker Hall. It is a true hub for academic life at UC Davis and hope everyone relishes in the support and opportunities that it provides.

Go Ags!