A few of our amazing grads - Celebrating graduates of UC Santa Cruz

Crossing and Zooming: A joyful 2021 commencement

This year’s UC Santa Cruz commencement festivities blended online ceremonies with jovial, in-person gatherings, including “Slug Crossings,” a chance for graduates to cross a stage on campus with their caps, gowns, and tassels while loved ones cheered them on.

Norberto Garcia

As Norberto (Norbit) Garcia interviewed 18 families about their experiences for his senior thesis, he was reminded of why he chose sociology as a major—the realization that he wanted to help communities that are underrepresented and motivate students like him to go to college.

Desiderio Ascencio

Halfway through Desi Ascencio's undergraduate years, he got work at a research lab, then was accepted as a summer research assistant for the STEM Diversity Programs. Both of these environments were pivotal to his finding the confidence to explore his interests as a student and as a scientist.

Evanjelin Mahmoodi

Evanjelin Mahmoodi knew she was interested in STEM fields when she arrived at UC Santa Cruz but soon discovered she especially liked mathematics. Now she’s graduating with a double major in mathematics and computer science.

Jeven Zarate-McCoy

In his four years at UCSC, Jeven Zarate-McCoy has served in various lead roles and officer positions with the Game Design and Arts Collaboration student group and is capping his final year as president.

Jonah Gertz

Jonah Gertz tried to choose between his two academic passions: intensive history and music. But, he said, the choice was impossible since he was surrounded by so many different opportunities to grow as both a historian and musician.

Joslyn Chu

Joslyn Chu loved psychology before arriving at UCSC and planned to follow that path. But after a couple of classes she soon fell in love with the issues of Oceania and climate change, particularly how “people in Oceania are using art as a form of activism to spread awareness of effects of climate change,” she said.

Katharina Pierini

The qualities of patience, perseverance, focus, hard work, and striving to achieve an elusive goal helped Katharina Pierini hold the course toward a UC Santa Cruz diploma, an educational path she completed in spite of a 27-year-long delay and a devastating wildfire.

Montserrat Lopez

Montserrat Lopez dedicated her college career to art, outreach, activism, and giving back to the communities that have sustained her. With her far-ranging goals and ambitious course of study, Lopez had not a minute to lose when she transferred to UC Santa Cruz last year.

Nabeela Ariqat

Nabeela Ariqat, a first-generation college student, hoped for a new beginning at UC Santa Cruz, which she attended in part because “I felt like I could be who I was,” she said.

Nicholas Hidy

It’s tough being a performing arts major when all the performing arts spaces are shut down. That’s the predicament Nick Hidy, who plays the French horn and trombone, found himself in as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe. But, as they say, out of adversity comes innovation.

Sharon Valle Rodriguez

When she started at UCSC, Sharon Valle Rodriguez was unsure about everything. But she learned to be independent and emotionally intelligent. "Now I believe in myself and know I can achieve my goals," she said.

Simayijiang Xirenayi

When Simayijiang "Sherin" Xirenayi left home at age 19, she knew she wanted to study biology. She attended community college and then transferred to UC Santa Cruz, but it wasn’t an easy move. Her life turned a corner when she was asked to meet with a campus adviser.

Vaishnavi Dornadula

Vaishnavi Dornadula was a leader in creating the first-ever Baskin Day celebration, which launched in February 2020. Since then, it has turned into a popular campus tradition, with students from across the disciplines, as well as off-campus visitors.

Ray Jara

Ray Jara liked science and was good at it, but he didn’t have college in mind until his freshman year of high school. A trip to Northern California with a college-readiness organization brought him to UC Santa Cruz. His concentration now is on photonics and electronic devices.

David Sanchez Godinez

David Sanchez Godinez arrived at UC Santa Cruz with a passion for scientific exploration. Taking a full load of science classes and getting hands-on learning honed his scientific knowledge—especially his experience working as an undergraduate researcher.