Dear Class of 2020

My husband, Kevin Volkan and I met at UCSC in '78 and credit our education there to our long marriage and excellent careers. I grew up in a counter-culture community in the 70's so UCSC was the obvious choice. Kevin and I traveled the world, lived in Europe and then finally got married in 1987 after we both obtained graduate degrees. Kevin earned two doctoral degrees and has testified as an expert in front of the US Senate; he is founding faculty of the newest California State University (Channel Islands) and I earned an MFA and a JD and am now an attorney for a highly successful company that helps consumers all over the US free themselves from their unwanted timeshares. This month, our son was accepted into UCSC, to our excitement. The current situation for the class of 2020 are confusing and difficulty now, but please know that a bright future awaits you. All the adaptability and agility that UCSC and the current uncertainty will be a great boon for you in your careers!

Class of 2020 you are pur future leaders. Stay focused on yoir goals and dont give up. Its the best advice from a First Generation UCSC Alumni. The opportunities are endless. Ten Fe, Si Se Puede!

Congrats to the class of 2020! I wanted to share these words that were eched in the student union where I attended grad school "you come to college not alone to learn to make a living, but to learn to live a life"

Dear Member of the Class of 2020,

Congratulations on completing your studies at the most beautiful campus in the world! I know you will miss being on campus as much as I still do, and you will love coming back in the future and reliving all the great times you had there. I also know that UCSC students are a special kind of student, taking personal control of your education and making it your own. That kind of self-agency will only serve to benefit you in your future career, whatever you decide to do. And I also know you will do your best to make the world better. That is the culture of UCSC.

Don't forget to stay in touch!

Congratulations again

Laurie Brady O'Loughlin

Cowell College 1978

Many congratulations to you for completing your degree under such trying circumstances! Don't give in to the temptation of thinking that the part of you that is freaking out has no grounds--of course it does! But we freaked out, too. And we didn't have a pandemic going on! It is just a weird time, leaving the structured educational years to enter the open, wild world at last. It's crazy! But you'll be fine. And as it turns out, life out in the working world moves just one step at a time. Very few people make huge leaps and bounds, and that is fine. Life works, trust it. You will be more than okay, things will be great, and soon! In the meantime, don't take this personally. C-19 is not about you, and you, like the rest of us, just have to hunker down, be patient, and get creative. And in years to come you will have the most wonderful set of memories to fall back onto, these wonderful years you spent at one of the finest institutions in the world. I have seen many of them now, and I bless the day I chose UCSC to be my alma mater. Keep that chin up! And be glad! The future holds awesome days for you.

Congratulations, Graduates, including our Porter Slug, Simone! You've successfully navigated many uncharted waters in your time at UCSC. That epic journey continues, so thankfully you have had some serious adulting lessons to draw on. My advice is that it doesn't matter what you end up doing next, it's merely the first step of many, but choose SOMETHING. Momentum matters. Much love to all from someone further down the road than you, still navigating as well. Keep going - it's worth it. Good luck!

Find reasons to smile. If you can't?

Note and attend to the little things. Gaze.

Hear other beings. Heed.

If you still can't find a reason to smile, smile once in a while anyway.

Congratulations to Jessica from Joanna...once a Slug, always a Slug! Jess, you amaze me and inspire me! As long as the world has vibrant, caring, intuitive, intelligent, hard-working, passionate, logical, critical-thinking, fun leader like you, we will end up all right. I'm sorry that you and your fellow graduates have such a toned-down finale of all you have accomplished, but please allow your heart and mind to do a congratulatory dance in celebration! Sending positive vibes and lots of love to you and all your fellow UCSC graduates, love Joanna (UCSC Crown College Class of 1988)

To Xiaoke Li

Dear son, congratulations on your successful completion of college studies. Mom and Dad are proud of you! Because of the global spread of COVID-19, we are sorry that we cannot attend your graduation ceremony, but our happiness and excitement stay the same. The epidemic has brought unprecedented suffering and challenges to people, but it cannot stop you from growing and struggling. You have opened the way to a better life in the future! May everything you experience at UCSC become your life's wealth and good memories, so as to achieve your future academic career and life. Please remember to thank your teachers and classmates, as well as everyone who cares and supports you, and brave the courage to confidently welcome your new starting point in life, ready to contribute your knowledge and talent to this world, congratulations.

Always love you.

Taylor Redding- we love you so much and have missed you over these past 4 years. We are proud of you following your dream in SC. Regardless of the path that life takes you, we will always be with you, we wish you the very best that life has to offer. With all of the love in our hearts, Mom, Adelaide, Emilia, Nana Socorro, Tata Jose and Grandma Pat

Congratulations to you all. We are so very proud of you for your accomplishments. I wish we could be there with you but know there will be many celebrations TOGETHER to look forward to in the years to come. I loved my time at UCSC, it took me 20 years to get out of community college due to work and family responsibilities and two at UCSC. I smiled from the day I got on campus to graduation day and beyond. You have accomplished much and shown yourself and the world that you can get through anything. And I mean anything after the last several months. I look forward to sharing many years with you all as a fellow Alum!

Congratulations CHI TOWN!!! Much LOVE & ALL the BLESSINGS from your OK family!

Congratulations big sister! I love you! ❤️ Many blessings for your next chapter.

Langston Watson

CONGRATULATIONS - CLASS OF 2020!

Love, Nana and Boppa

Congratulations Ethan Foster! So very proud of you - my awesome nephew!

UCSC Class of 2020, You are about to face a tough world out there, but you are well prepared and will prevail.

Congratulations Naryan!!!!🎉🎓🎈🤗🥰

You did it!!👏👍 We are so extremely proud and we know life has wonderful things in store for you.

You are our shining star and we love you so very much!!!!❣️🥰😘

Mom and Dad ox

Congratulations Maia!!!🎉🎓🎈🥰

You did it!!👏 We’re so happy to share in the excitement of your graduation day, and so very proud of you!!

You are such a beautiful special girl and your future is bright.🌟

Our Nar is lucky to have you in his life.

We hope to see you soon!

Big hugs and lots of love🤗❤️🤗❤️OX

Nimai and Bret

To Cami and the Class of 2020: Your achievements and resilience will be remembered for years to come. You have faced great unexpected challenges as your college careers came to a close. When you look back on these past few months, take pride in how you overcame adversity and pulled through to earn your diplomas. With pride and good wishes for your amazing future, Mom.

To Allie Mandel -

Agro-ee-what??? You have so many majors and minors and emphases we can hardly keep track. You always set high goals for yourself and surpass them with grit and determination. You are a leader and a superstar. We are so proud of you and everything you have accomplished. We can't wait to see all the wonderful things life holds in store for you. With love, mom, dad and Jake

I love you infinity and I am very proud of you. This is just the beginning!

Congratulations Morgan on your graduation. We are very proud of you for accomplishing so much as a young woman.

A few quotes selected just for you on this momentous day...

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” - Diane Mariechild

“The power you have is to be the best version of yourself you can be, so you can create a better world.” - Ashley Richards

“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa

We love you — the Tennessee Clan

Even though graduation is going to look different for y'all, the achievement is still the same. Y'all have put in the same hard work. Y'all have learned and grown so much. I couldn’t be prouder. Y'all did it! Congrats class of 2020!!!!!!!!!

Special shout out to:

Diana Luz Morales

Cindy Bautista

Adam Ishigo

Andres Ortuno

Kyle McCauley

Elexi Williams

Dear Class of 2020 - I didn't go to my graduation either. After 12 years of Catholic schools, and ceremonies for every occasion, I didn't want to wear another costume, sit for hours (even if it was in the quarry amphitheater), or march in a procession. I told the University to mail my parents the diploma, and I took off, the black sheep of the family: no graduate school, no studying for a teaching credential (gasp)! I had $ 1500 saved and a one-way ticket to London and a backpack. I have never regretted not going to a college graduation ceremony. I am sorry the choice was not yours to make, but it's the life you had at UCSC and the life you will make after UCSC that count for anything. Go set the world on fire, but wash your hands well and wear your face mask. This too shall pass.

To our dearest Granddaughter Lauren Cohen. One of the greatest satisfactions in life, is that after a long effort you achieve your intended goals. You have done just that. We hope it is the first of many other accomplishments in your life, that will give you satisfaction and deserved rewards. This is a wonderful beginning ,but to us the most wonderful thing is you ,a loving and fantastic Granddaughter. God bless you and keep you safe and happy. Mayola and Isaac Cohen, very proud Grandparents.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

We wish you great success with your dreams and career. This is just the beginning of many accomplishments to come.

Sherri and Victor Cohen

Stav Yativ, congratulations for graduating, we wish you lots of success, keep on doing a wonderful job, we’re so proud of your great achievement!!! with love Mom, Dad and Amit ❤️

Way to go Slugs. Come visit Montana.

CONGRATS & a job WELL done Ethan!! The whole family is SO PROUD of YOU!! We LOVE you!❤️

Super-proud Aunt to Zachary Sweet!! Congratulations to ALL the 2020 graduates.

Congratulations 2020 UCSC Graduates! You are an extraordinary cohort of an already remarkable bunch. I can’t wait to see what you do. Try to enjoy it.

Dhriti, Congratulations to you in achieving this great milestone!! Our whole family is very proud of your success! Wish you only the best and great success in your future endeavors! Dream big, work hard, stay humble and motivated!

We are living through this non-graduation time with our daughter, so we know its complicated. The Class of 2020 is special, and we all with you the best as we get back to the world around us!

Congratulations, Graduates! You are lucky it's 2020, even without the pandemic, because it's so easy to remember. But now you'll be able to amaze people (in the distant future) by telling them the year you graduated, same as I "impress" people by saying I was in the Pioneer class. You are your own pioneers, beginning the rest of your lives in the post pandemic world, and I am guessing many of you will devote yourselves to saving us from climate change, which we greatly appreciate. Having experienced this year at exactly the right age (graduating from college) puts you in a perfect position to help save the planet, as well as, if we're lucky, the country. Be sure you vote, be sure you act, be sure you follow your instincts as well as your dreams.

In my opinion, every day you've gotten to walk around that beautiful campus, breathe the ocean air, see the trees and wild animals, and learn, has been a sort of mini-graduation for you. I'm guessing you've enjoyed your time there, and I certainly hope I'm right. Now you move on, and please know the rest of us appreciate you, and are proud of you as you graduate!

The photograph is of a demonstration against a regent of the University of California named Ronald Reagan, who wanted to reduce funding to the UC system. Page Smith is at the microphone, though it looks like it was at Stevenson, not Cowell, where he was provost.

Congrats to the Class of 2020!

Justin,

We are so proud, what an accomplishment!!

Love, Freddy and Kenya

Congratulations on an enormous accomplishment! It is so unfortunate that you have to celebrate this achievement virtually but it does not diminish the worth. As a first generation student, I know what this graduation means to many of you. Hold on to how this achievement feels as you go forward to your next endeavor. ❤️

Congratulations to my son, Austin Gerstenslager, on his well-deserved success. I am extremely proud of you, Austin! I know you worked hard to achieve your goals and you are now on your way to bright opportunities. You deserve nothing but the best. Happy graduation! I love you!

I remember well my graduating year because we had a huge storm that flooded downtown Santa Cruz, collapsed the bridge with all the power lines underneath it and campus closed for 2 weeks. We had no power living off campus and I remember candles in every window and making up classes on weekends when we got things sorted out. This seems like such a minor incident compared to the disruption that students have faced in 2020. But if I can take anything from my experience, it is that you are building a resilience to re-bound. UC Santa Cruz was an important time in my self-exploration and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I wish all of you time to reimagine, and persevere--your energy and talents will help shape the future.

Congratulations, Class of 2020! Though you originally might have thought you would be united by such a cool year to be graduating in, things have turned out differently. You will be united in another way now, one that will make you stronger, more resilient, and bonded in a way you can’t imagine in the future. Remember, this, too, shall pass, and when it does, we parents, faculty, alumni have great hope and faith in

Slug Power to make the world a better, fairer, more just place. We celebrate you! Banana Slugs Forever!

You fulfilled your dream despite the difficulties you had to overcome along the way, now you have all the opportunities in the world to choose your path! Never stop dreaming !! we are so proud of you, we love you !

Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad

Congratulations to all the 2020 Graduates. Know that the work you have done and the milestone you are marking is not diminished by what is going on right now. Celebrate and be proud of your accomplishments. Johanna Graham I am so proud of you and all you have achieved and I am so looking forward to seeing what more you will do in this world. You have always made me proud and have so often amazed me with your tenacity and ability to face your challenges and fears - taking on new goals and experiences because you knew you could! You are also not afraid to say "this isn't for me". Those are traits that will take you far in life my child. I am so proud of the woman you are and continue to become! Love mom.

Hey Neph!

I couldn’t be more proud of you. Not for what you’ve done, but for who you are. You are a man of integrity and compassion. You will go far in life and I am blessed to be part it that ride. Much love kid, Unc.

Congratulations Ethan Foster! We are so proud of you, and excited to watch you succeed in your next adventure. We love you! Xoxo Maura, Tom and Mason

Congratulations on a great achievement, crossing another bridge into a bright, promising future. I am so proud of you!

Congratulations on your achievement! Now go and conquer the world!

Congratulations on your well-deserved success. You worked hard and persevered, and didn't let COVID-19 get in the way. We think you are beautiful inside and out, and love you from the bottom of our hearts. You will do great things in your life, we believe in you, and can't wait to see what is next for you.

With love and pride today and always,

Mom and Dad

Congratulations! You've worked hard to get here and you should be proud. Take a moment to recognize the ways your education has changed you, and know that you will never stop growing and learning. Life will continue to present you with many challenges; know that you have every tool you need already to face them. Nurture the connections that you've made during your time in Santa Cruz, and they will nurture you, too. Your extended UCSC family is proud of you!

Congratulations class of 2020! Graduating from UCSC is a huge accomplishment! Don’t let the lack of graduation ceremony take away the excitement of this time!

Congratulations UCSC Class of 2020! Your endurance this past year will be remembered always. It will be a story you will tell your friends, children and/or grandchildren in days to come. Don't forget to write down some of your thoughts during these days while your experiences are raw and current, perhaps alongside some of your favorite photos while at UCSC. Keep your courage focused on positivity in the days to come, and use your unique experiences at UCSC to make a difference and help build a better future for us all. Happy Graduation!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Class of 2020!

It has been a long time since my own graduation from Crown College - held in the quarry on a surprisingly and uncomfortably warm June afternoon. Looking back it is hard to say which of life's steps and missteps I would take back. I have ended up in a pretty good place, right here in Santa Cruz where it all began. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors. You have already experienced one of the wildest rides imaginable this year. Your future is bright. Make a difference where you can. Be kind, be careful. Change, grow, love, and dream. Cheers!

You will get through this because we are all in this together. You are not alone. If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. We will get past this.

Congratulations to my amazing and handsome nephew : COLE MATTHEW WATTS!!! And to the entire UCSC graduating class of 2020!

What an amazing accolade and accomplishment to achieve during such an uncertain time in our world !!!! BRAVO !!! You are beyond deserving and We extremely proud of you!!! Always remember you are Braver than you believe , Stronger than you seem, Smarter than you think and LOVED MORE THAN YOU KNOW!!! Now, where ever the next chapter in your life takes you ..... GO and GO WITH ALL YOUR HEART!! We love you and are so excited for you ! All Glory to The Most High YAH!!! 💗 May HIS face always shine upon you!

My heartfelt congratulations as you close one of the most significant chapters in your life and embark on the next. In 1999 I completed my journey at UCSC; and I just knew then that the world was my oyster. And you know what? The world is! Do all the things you think about doing, manifest your dreams, and absolutely go for it. You will never know what you’re capable of until you try.

My unsolicited advice to you: be curious, be kind, be genuine, and seriously wear sunscreen.

Hats off to you all UCSC class of 2020

“You are the mountain, but awake.

You are the rain, but breathing.

You are the forest, but unanchored.

You are the soil, but with choice.

You are the sunlight, but dreaming.

Soon, you will be these things again. Mountain. Rain. Forest. Sunlight.

So, what will you do until then?”

—Jarod K. Anderson

Do good work. - Kyle

"Think Global, Act Local"

That was our motto at Merrill College back in late 80's- still valid today, and forever.

Congratulations, Class of 2020! Here's wishing you all the best in a crazy graduation year.

Alexis, Throughout the years we have enjoyed seeing you grow, your smile has brought light to our lives.We are so proud of you. Your dedication and hard work have made today possible. May you continue to Thrive and always remember, there are no limits in the sky, Just a vast variety of directions to choose from,Let the world see your light.We love you more than the stars love the moon. With Love, Mom & Dad ~Congratulations Class of 2020~

We are so proud of Nicholas Tai! You are a blessing to us all.

No matter how we celebrate the completion of our studies at UCSC, in my experience what stays with us is the joy of the whole process in the years at UCSC (e.g. learning and living and interacting with others and the daily contact with nature ...) , the lovely experiences, the friends, the unique environment we lived in. The history and the college values. Its alternative practices (e.g. we had only qualitative assessments) that showed that alternative futures are possible. And all these light our personal lives and our social and professional contributions to this world. They constitute a lighthouse in the turmoil of life. So, treasure all these years and build on them with respect to the past-present and future, and to the people you have known, you will know and those that you will never know.

You will do great things in big and small ways, UCSC Class of 2020. May the community you built in Santa Cruz support you as you move on and may you always draw on the gift of your years in the redwoods. Congratulations on your graduation.

Congrats! Nicholas

I am so proud of you!👍

Love❤️

Mom

Ray:

We are so proud of you on completing this journey. The road to this day is paved with hard work, dedication, and your perseverance to see this through.

But as one journey ends, so another begins. The road ahead of you is wide open, full of adventure, discovery and adversity. And whatever path you choose, pursue it with your all, and you will succeed.

Parabens, e te amamos.

Mom, Dad and Lou

Congratulations on your major accomplishment! YOU DID IT...DURING A PANDEMIC! As someone who graduated during the recession, wishing you lots of luck.

Be kind to yourself, find the people and things that brings you joy! Take your time, listen to what your gut. Cheers! See ya at a future alumni weekend!

Congratulations! We are proud of you for all of your hard work. We know you will have a bright future ahead of you! Although we are unable to physically attend a ceremony, we are still excited to celebrate with you!

God bless you everyone!!! To all the Banana Slugs class of 2020... You did it congratulations!!! You are a part of Santa Cruz forever, treasure the moments into beautiful memories that live again everytime you step into our beautiful campus. All your hard work, countless hiking hours and all the all nighters will pay off!! Thank you for going out there and making the world a better place!!! Represent and don't forget your roots. Go Slugs!!! Class of 2020!!!❤❤❤🌸🌸🌸🌸🎓🎓🎓🎓💙💙💙💙💙

Many decades between your graduation this year and mine in 1969. You are going out into the world in a time of real uncertainty. When I graduated there was no pandemic but the country was putting itself together after a serious war and Political unrest. I know you have many choices for work, the kind of work and the Conditions you might work in. I hope you will find along with family and friends The right niche to do what you enjoy. Congratulations to you! 🎉👩‍🎓

Congratulations, Hannah! I am so proud of you and know the future holds many more amazing adventures for you. Look at all you’ve accomplished in the last four years!!

I love you,

Mom

Cheers to the this remarkable class of 2020💖

Nicholas Friedman - you shine brighter everyday. Heres to you and the memories of the past 3 wonderful years at UCSC. Always and forever in my heart. Mom

Congratulations to our grads Ethan & Emma! Oh the places you’ll go! We are so excited for you both for your next adventure. Be strong and courageous! We love you so much!

Congratulations Nikki Donnelly!

Your hard work and dedication are to be admired! Your degree is now in your hand and nobody can take that away from you!

We are proud of you and are excited for you in this next journey of your life!

Love,

Dad, Mom and Bro (Charlie)

Everyone is deserving of a chance at success, though no one more so than another. I hope that during your time at Santa Cruz you have found both the tools and your voice, and that in doing so you have also found within the courage to use them, both for yourself and for others. Good journey and good luck.

Congratulations Tomo!!! We so proud of you !!! You did it !!!!!!

Congratulations for you all !!!! We all so proud of you guys !!! It had been 4 long years b a housemates but still you guys look each other and b friend , congratulations again !!!!

Congratulations Class of 2020!!! You persevered in the face of uncertainty and made it happen anyway. Your hard work has paid off and you will have memories to last a lifetime. Bravo!!!

Congratulations to the class of 2020!

One special congrats to Imelda Mercado🥰

We are beyond proud of you for this huge achievement. Keep this going and never give up or let anyone or anything stand in your way. We love you Yaya!

Slugs rule, gang. Nothing can stop you.

You should all be proud to have mastered the requirements to graduate from this fine school. I came back to school in my 50s and had to work as hard as I did in my previous experiences at Stanford, Harvard and Yale. I'm very proud to add that UCSC B.S. Comp Eng. degree and you should be also.

Congratulations, Ladies & Gentlemen! Keep Watching the Skies! And, Save the Great Meadow!!

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020!

It's been a wild year right?

Strikes / COVID 19 / Shelter in Place

And yet you persevered!

We so proud of you nick !!!! You did it !!!! Thank you for your hard work love you !!!!!!

Congratulations UCSC 2020 graduates! You made it despite a global pandemic! In addition to all the daily sacrifices you made to get through your scholastic hurdles, you achieved. Your flexibility and determination have strengthened your ability to overcome the unexpected, to keep focused on your goals, change tactics, and find your path. Now you bring these sharpened skills and talents to the next stage - you got this! Every class faces some different challenges, your situation will be unique, but you are uniquely suited to succeed with the same attitude and will. GO SLUGS!

Sarah Grace, congratulations on your amazing feat of graduating from UC Santa Cruz in this historic year of 2020. You've passed another hurdle in life w (2/3) ith flying colors. Your entire family are thriiled you are graduating with a BS degree in Cognitive Science and a minor in Philosophy. Love you and look (3/3) forward to seeing you blossom in your career.

Congratulations 2020 Graduates. You are blessed with the opportunity to imagine a whole new future. An amazing challenge for an amazing class!

Congrats to my daughter Krista Moreno

You have made the whole family proud of your hard work and dedication.

I am so blessed to be related to someone so smart! Congratulations on your fantastic achievement. We love you!!

Soy muy afortunada de tener una hija cómo tú dedicada,linda e inteligente.Me has sorprendido siempre y está no es la excepción.Hoy celebramos el fruto de ese gran esfuerzo que pusiste cada día durante tus estudios.Te amamos al infinito y más allá.Orgullosos de ti.

I am so proud of you Ethan , you are an amazing man. Congratulations ! Now go out there and kick butt! Love ya tia sandrita

Congratulations Sarah Tedjakusuma and the Class of 2020. This is a memorable year to graduate. Dream big! This is only the beginning of good things to come!

Congratulations graduating class of 2020.

A special congratulations to our son Tyler Mecher who has made us so proud. It’s been such a difficult time living far away from home but you have adapted and excelled at your studies each year. We will celebrate when we see each other again. We love you !!!Mom, dad and Luna

Congratulations, fellow Banana Slugs! You are making history today. You are graduates of the Pandemic Class of 2020. May your day, while not at all like you had anticipated, be memorable and beautiful, and have its own special poignancy for each of you. Your family is no less proud, in fact, I'm guessing their pride is swelling today, seeing your tremendous strength, resilience, and perspective. I am proud of you. As a 1984 Stevenson graduate, I've looked back so many times at my UCSC years as profoundly shaping the person I have become. Slugs, you're ready. The world needs you more than ever. Take what you know, and walk the walk. I'll be thinking of you all and send an embrace to each and all. (Yes, I'll keep my mask on!) Love, Mary Frances Smith-Reynolds

Hello Class of 2020!

Congratulations! Those are four years of the incredible journey that will play a part of your life forever. I know it's a very difficult time right now with the pandemic going. The pandemic has been impacting every single of us out there, so you are not alone! Life will have ups and downs, and this difficult time is probably a very meaningful difficulty that you will overcome and become stronger from! The whole world is changing with the pandemic, however, what can stabilize you in whatever kind of changes in this world is: believe in yourself, and keep pushing through! Again, congratulations, and where the future comes!

Well done all graduating 2020 students!

You did it, despite the best efforts of UCSC administration!

No grades for the longest time, oversubscribed class and finally, online education at in person cost, a true bargain.

Mikayla!!! We are so proud and at awe of your achievements! We love you so much and congratulate you on graduating! YAY!!

Congratulations graduating year of 2020!

I recommend you to have a healthy combination of pragmatism and creativity in your professional and personal life! They'll complement each other perfectly and help you make your own luck.

Experience and skillset are key to your success, but without creativity and imagination, you don't know which lock to open.

Keep improving your skills, and you won't ever be jaded.

Be open to getting support from your friends when you need it, and don't forget to return it when your friends are in need.

Enjoy life, because without the joy, what story would you tell?

Congratulations to our amazing daughter Siena. Words can’t express how proud we are of you and all that you’ve accomplished. Love, Mom, Dad, Aida, Tony, and Alyssa.

Congratulations on achieving such an important milestone. I support you all in your dreams and goals going forward.

Blessings and warmest wishes.

Congratulations Jared! I’m so proud of you! And congratulations to the “Brekkie Order”! You know who you are! I wish you all the best in what lies in front of you all!

Dear Class of 2020!

Alumni in my generation, the so-called Boomers, are depending on you to save our Earth! You are the chosen ones! Thank you in advance!

All the alumni are so proud of you and welcome you to the UCSC graduate family! Things will improve and you will always have the UCSC community to support you. Blessings be!

A graduation is collimation of everything you have worked for and experienced in your life; the condition of the world when the event occurs is merely a footnote. You have shown though your efforts, struggles, and determination that you deserve and are worthy of this recognition. Gaining the experience required to graduate from a university is something only a fraction of people have the privilege to experience. Your diploma recognizes this but only you embody it.

Congratulations, it's always good to have more Slugs in the world. I sincerely look forward to what you do.

Congratulations, class of 2020! I vividly remember my graduation day and I feel for you that you cannot graduate in person. Know that your class will definitely go down in the history books. However, an online celebration is no less an achievement. Graduating from college is a big deal and you did it! Cheers and go banana slugs!

Congrats class of 2020!! You did it! You should be very proud of yourselves!! Welcome to the Alumni Club.

Congratulations Class of 2020! You all rock!

Blen Tewodros,

Congratulations on your graduation and great achievement. We are very proud of you and wish you the vey best in your up coming professional career.

With love,

Your parents.

I know it's a hard time to be hitting the pavement, but YOU CAN DO IT!!! Have faith in yourself—you are a UCSC graduate, which is The Best!!!

Congratulations Kyle Medina. All your hard work, perseverance and time has paid off. Your dad and I are so proud of you. We know this is only the beginning. The world is yours. Embrace it and fly! We love you son!

This is an incredible achievement!! Be proud of yourself and your peers. You've overcome obstacles that no one saw coming. Your journey is only just beginning!

Now, more than ever, the world is in your hands. Congratulations 2020!

Congratulations, Frances! Your dedication, hard work and integrity are remarkable. We could not be more proud of you. Go, Wolf-Slug! We can't wait to see what is next for you.

Congratulations Salvador!! Your brothers and I are SOOOO proud of you! You did it! You kept pushing, even when you felt like you might not make it. You set an amazing example for your brothers and we cannot wait to see where your next chapter in life takes you. I will always be your biggest fan!! Love Mom!!

Dear Christian,

How time flies! Today is an exciting milestone. It tells you how far you’ve come. We hope that your dreams take you to the countless windows of opportunities! We are so proud of you! Congratulations!

Love,

Mom

Congrats to you class of 2020! Those graduating from our wonderful institution should be courageous, vigilant and definitely content with the knowledge you will carry on with you to another institution, jobs and most importantly community. Be that leader of change! Never forget what it took to get you here and what work needs to be done. What battles that are needed to be won during the long haul of our journey! Never be afraid of reaching out to those around you! We our SLUG family/familia!

Congratulations Ethan!!

I’m so proud of you 😘❤️

I know it is a weird way to celebrate a milestone in your life as there will be no graduation ceremony. But always remember that the journey of life bring both challenges and chances. May you carry your spirit to seize the chances and beat the challenges. Shine on! Congratulations Class of 2020!

This is my thirtieth year teaching which is a long way from the electrician gig I had in 1989. If your boat sinks, start swimming - anywhere. I can't tell you where you'll end up but that's got to be better than where you'll end up if you don't. Keep going, my friends.

Congratulations, class of 2020! The best is yet to be. Trust the process, trust your heart, and know we are all rooting for you now and always! Woo-hoo!

Dear Sagel,

Congratulations on your graduation!!

Hope you succeed in your future ventures and good luck in everything you do!

Lots of love from boba, rohan, cali and me!!

Congratulations Grads! You did it! I'm so proud your hard work, your dedication, your sacrifice to make it to this day. I also want to extend my deep gratitude for the sacrifice you've been asked to make by foregoing formal graduations. As a citizen of the world, we are asked to think of others, to fight for the greater good and do our best to leave the world in a better way than we found it. This sacrifice, though it cuts deep, is part of that. Thank you for doing your part to keep others safe. Sending so much love and support to you, my fellow Banana Slugs!

Devon and Shelby, Congratulations!!! You've both worked so hard and grown through the challenges. May all your dreams come true! Love, Mom & David

Dear Class of 2020,

So true that your completion from college has been unexpected, challenging and different. It also sets you apart as having persevered in a tenuous time. When you can, consider this strange season as a unique springboard to the rest of your wonderful lives. The class of 2020 will always have a famous ring. Take it away, class of 2020. You've got this.

You guys crushed it under truly awful circumstances. The worst since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake wiped out a lot of Pacific Mall. Proud of you and waiting to see you better the world!

To all of my dear friends graduating this year, first of all, congratulations! While this may not be the ideal end to this phase of your lives, I hope that you all made many memories to cherish and will remember your overall time at UCSC fondly. All of you were a wonderful part of (at least) 3/4 of my college life, and made it a truly irreplaceable time, so thank you all and welcome to joining me in this wild world, across these new horizons. It's honestly rough and at times terrifying, but as long as we all have each other, it'll be ok :)

Congratulations class of 2020!! Special shout out to Nick Olds on your BS in Computer Science / Computer Game Design. We are so proud of all your hard work.

Wishing you the grace and motivation to recreate this world so that we all may benefit from the ways in which you touch it with your insights and ideas. Go off class of 2020.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! You are truly extraordinary in extraordinary times. I regret that you could not experience my graduation in 1968 in the quarry nor the Stevenson graduation where I had the honor of speaking to the graduation class in a beautiful setting. That inability does not diminish the gravity of your graduation and the responsibility you share for the future. Commencement means beginning, and as you begin a new journey knew that your alumni are here to support you! All the best for the future! Senator Art Torres (Ret.), Stevenson, 1968.

Dear Class of 2020,

Congratulations, Fellow Slugs, on earning your degree from UC Santa Cruz and for your proud achievements! Your spring term has been among the most challenging that any group of college students has faced in decades, but you have made it through and, I'm sure, learned valuable life lessons about resilience, persistence, and the invaluable gifts that a sense of humor provides in one's life. I wish all of you the best as you pursue your dreams and participate in helping to heal and improve our troubled country and world.

All the Best,

Jennifer Selwyn, PhD

Class of 1985, Merrill College,

Congratulations Class of 2020! This has been a challenging year and we honor your commitment and drive to make this day a reality! Congratulations on your well-deserved success!

Wonderful work class of 2020! The future is bright for you. Go forth and be bold! GO Slugs Hockey!

Congratulations Marissa! We are so proud of all your accomplishments. Never stop shining bright. We Love you.

Love Mom and Dad

To the graduates of UCSC, congratulations! Almost 40 years ago I received what turned out to be the best education I could ever hope for. I didnt know it then but I sure know it now. The world has sure changed, back then we got Bachelor of Arts degrees in Science fields, we had Evaluations and not grades. I did my Physics thesis in the Chemistry department! I mixed Surfing and Sailing classes (took them 3 times EACH) with incredible access to my professors and research. I sent some of the worlds first emails! What UCSC taught me was the value of a "whole" experience, that no one is the same, and that you could try new things, you could pursue your own path. I thank you for carrying on this great tradition of the out-of-the-box graduate, you make your own way, carry on the UCSC tradition! Be a PROUD SLUG - you did it!

50 years ago I had the joy of completing my four year degree at the Cowell College commencement. The class sat not far from the Cowell College mail boxes and we wondered what the future would hold as we graduated toward the end of the war in Vietnam. The graduates looked out at the beautiful Monterey bay and our parents and well-wishers sitting below and wondered what would our world be like. I thought at that time, no other class would have such an unusual future, but thought that we'll continue to contribute to a world where wars might end. Vietnam ceased, but wars have not ended. Today we are fighting an invisible corona virus and still having military conflicts, and wonder what the future will be, but I know UCSC graduates will play an important role in shaping the future and remain engaged for positive outcomes in spite of (and because of) the fact that challenges remain. Salute to this year's graduating class.

Congratulations you did it! All your hard work has payed off. Now you get to start another chapter in your life. Wish you the best!

UC Santa Cruz is a unique place and each of you is a unique graduate. Your graduation is not traditional but neither are UCSC grads. Like the banana slug, UCSC graduates have perseverance and delight and amaze all who they encounter. The best of luck to all of you. Go Slugs!

Please see video for congratulations!

You've persevered through an unprecedented year and came out a victor! We're over the top proud of you! Congratulations to you and all the graduates!!

Congratulations class of 2020! You are fabulous and you will do amazing things in the world. I am so proud of you!

Congrats y’all for finishing your degree. Don’t let anything including pandemic stopping you from being happy for your achievement. I am sure you are ready to change the world. Go get it guys and girls.

Just a side note. You guys are so lucky that you won’t be cooked under the sun in graduation day. One positive thing about doing it vertical :). Stay Positive

Congratulations, Class of 2020! Langston, I am so proud of you and your commitment to learning and knowledge. You made it! Now go celebrate!

Your graduation will be remembered forever for its historic timing. You are the graduates of the pandemic! My hope is that this experience will change you in ways that only struggle and disequilibrium can provide - courage, patience, flexibility and introspection. My wish is that, ultimately, you will find that the vicissitudes of life are constant, and our control is in how we weather them. As we used to say at UCSC in the 70's: Be the surfboard, not the surfer.

Love to you all (specially congratulations to Abby Kaufman!)

Wishing you lots of love and joy on your next adventure. We are all so proud of you and look forward to seeing your future accomplishments. You make all of us Banana Slugs proud!

Congratulations to the class of 2020!

Giving a shoutout to the entire graduating class and congrats to each and everyone of you. Sending out a special salute to my Son, Ethan Foster and how proud I am of you my main man! You left as a senior right out of Santa Rosa High and now return a seasoned Banana Slug. You impress me more everyday as you have grown into an awesome person. I can’t wait to see all that you do in this life and congrats on your new instructors position.

Love Dad

Congratulations to the class of 2020! I know this is a weird time and your graduation is not ideal, but remember how much hard work you put in to get to this point! You did an amazing job and you should be proud of yourselves!

Congratulations to our son, Naythan A. Ramos! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. We are very proud of your hard work and dedication. We will always be here for you. Class of 2020!! Go Banana Slugs! 🍌🐌

The next 2 years of your life will be weird, especially given the times. You might be doing something you never pictured yourself doing, but the key is to pursue happiness. If you find yourself in a place (professionally or otherwise) where you are not valued, leave it. Your time is too precious. Be selfish, and live your truth.. whatever that looks like. You'll be okay.

Congrats Class of 2020, your resilience and patience is admirable. Good luck with what's to come! Shoutout to Kim Castro, love you!

Dear Class of 2020, you have my deep respect, admiration, and congratulations on graduating from UC Santa Cruz this year. As it has been for me, I know going through those four years has raised you to a high level of scholarship, as well as a high level of responsibility for your fellow man. If I can offer you anything of value now, as you embark on the rest of your lives, it is to recommend you to a book I read about a year after I graduated from UCSC in 1971. The book was "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health". It will clue you in to what is holding back people from attaining their deepest potentials. The book has been read and applied worldwide, constantly, since its first publication in 1950, which kept it on the NY Times Bestseller list for months. And it's re-publication about 30 years later brought it once more onto the bestseller lists. I urge you to read it. I should note here that, as a novelist, I'm the author of two books, one of them on da Vinci, "Leonardo's Secret", and the other "Dark Labyrinth", about Galileo. The publisher is The Mentoris Project. I'm also a screenwriter, and I have two producers developing a $40 million dollar feature film from one of my World War II screenplays. I have send all of you my best wishes. And great good luck to all of you on achieving your dreams and goals! Peter David Myers, Los Angeles, May, 2020.

Dear Class of 2020. It's up to you, now, to fix everything my generation made a mess of. Some of us tried to shape the nation within our limited scope and authority, but much of what we confronted is very resilient! I don't know how many of you plan to get advanced degrees, but if you can stand a few more years of study, getting an MA/MS or PhD will help you get better jobs. I wish you all a wonderful summer--this may be your last "free" time before your next venture, so enjoy it! Always keep your sense of humor well lubricated: you'll need it. Most of all, follow your heart's desire and aim to do something you love, even if you have to dig ditches for a while to get to where you want to be. Congratulations on reaching a major milestone! Good luck to you all.

Congrats to the class of 2020, best of luck..... Although my son is graduating, he missed a deadline and the hardliners at UCSC showed no grace or compassion to stressed out students and now won't be able to participate in the online commencement. Thanks for the sour ending.

I didn't attend my graduation in 1992 either (I graduated a quarter early), but whether I was there that day or not, the love I felt for the faculty, students, and community was shining bright. And it still does. I am proud of my affiliation with UCSC, and wish all graduates congratulations on your next step of the journey!

Dear Class of 2020. UCSC has come a long way since I first set foot on the campus in 1967. Since that time it's grown from 2+ residential colleges to 10, with successful alumni all over the world. I'm proud to be a Banana Slug.

Having said that, I congratulate you on the journey you've undertaken. Your graduation is a giant step. The education you've built here will carry you as far as you choose to go. Wear your Banana Slug badge proudly and share it with the world. Believe me, not only the planet, but the galaxy, the universe -- the multiverse -- need all you have to offer. Regardless of your spiritual or cultural or ethnic orientation, you have unique gifts that you alone can share. And make no mistake, you will share them, whether or not you do so consciously and purposefully or not. I urge you to set your intention each day toward making the best life you can, because what you achieve for yourself will enrich everyone and everything everywhere and everywhen.