This is a great way to start the day.  I’m standing in front of the next generation of leaders and change-makers who will make a better tomorrow.  And later this morning, I’ll be speaking at our School of Law graduation.  Our School of Law is also known as King Hall, named after Martin Luther King Jr.

So, I’m starting the day with the inspiration of Cesar Chavez and then will celebrate our law school graduates who’ve felt the influence of Dr. King.  Both of these were great men who dedicated their lives to social justice and equality. They believed in the power of education.

I’m thinking of this quote from Cesar Chavez now.  “We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community — and this nation.” How true this still is today.

I know that there are many other things you could be doing on a Saturday morning. But you are here, joined together with a broader community and ready to pursue your college dreams.

I want to give special thanks to all the counselors bringing students here during the weekend.  We recognize the time it takes to coordinate with all the school districts, parents, the transportation, and other logistics -- all so our students can have a greater chance for success.

I’d like all of the counselors and chaperones to please stand up.  They are “gems of our community” and deserve a round of applause.

I encourage each of you here today to make the most of this day. For 20 years now, the Cesar Chavez Youth Leadership Conference has welcomed thousands of students, families, and teachers.  And now, it’s your turn.

Today you’ll learn about the next steps toward college.  

Here’s what we strive for today:

• To nurture the concept that all individuals are leaders;
• To disseminate information about how to take the path of least resistance towards college, degree attainment, and professional love;
• And to provide you with tools for planning college success and career workforce opportunities in STEM and other industries, both in the public and private sectors.

Today will also be a good reminder that you’re not alone.  It might feel that way sometimes, especially if you’re the first in your family to attend college.  But, your dream of graduating from college is within sight.  You can do it – and you’ll have many people by your side along the way.

A college degree helps put destiny in your hands, especially one from a school like UC Davis.  And you couldn’t be visiting us at a better time.  Forbes ranked as the 4th best public university in the country for student outcomes. We’re also in the elite of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, in which we’re ranked 10th in the country for public universities.

Furthermore, UC Davis continues to ascend as a role model for diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence.  We were named No.1 in the nation for campus diversity, inclusiveness, and internationalization in the most recent QS World University rankings.

That means we’re preparing our students for success in the global workforce.  And, we’re also on the cusp of being designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic Serving Institution, or an “HSI.”  This federal designation means we’ve enrolled at least 25 percent of our domestic undergraduate students from a Latinx background.

Our efforts to be recognized as an HSI shows how we’re empowering more young people from underserved communities. We’re closing the gap on access to higher education.

And for that, we can be proud.  Our underrepresented students occupy the elite spaces of higher education in greater concentrations.  They’re going where the innovations are happening, and the solutions to societal problems are found.

And, we’re going to keep moving up with talented students like you!

So, no matter if you love arts or engineering, we have a place for you at UC Davis.  Whether you love science, social studies, or dream of running your own business, UC Davis has a place for you.

You’ll enter a university that values students of all backgrounds, whether you come from South Sacramento, Manteca, Fresno, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Sinaloa.  We’re guided by our Principles of Community, which reinforce our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

It means we recognize that UC Davis is made stronger by its variety of ethnicities, faiths, and perspectives.  We strive to create mutual respect and caring culture.

It means we provide key resources like the Center for Chicanx and Latinx Academic Student Success.  We have programs like the Center for Multicultural Perspectives on Science – or “CAMPOS” – for Latinas in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

It means we’re committed to supporting our DACA students.  Our AB 540 and Undocumented Student Center is an empowerment, opportunity, and equity model.  The center helps guide our DACA students through their financial, legal, and even emotional challenges. It provides a sense of community and solidarity. It’s a show of support and humanity for these talented students as they seek a path to success.

Here at UC Davis, we recognize the diversity of individuals and the contributions that each person brings to our campus.  We are committed to fostering new experiences in academics and professions, exchanging opportunities with educational advocates present, and envisioning a future that benefits the student, the family, and the community.

Like many of our higher education partners, we strive to make a place for every student.  Today, I am committed to supporting every secondary school student’s access to California’s higher education system.  That access includes the California Community Colleges system, the UC and CSU systems, and private schools as well.

Like a family, we bring together our higher education sisters and brothers, our neighboring community-based educational partners, counselors, advisors, and mentors to build capacity for each student and their families.  And today, we ask everyone here to “Reach for the Stars.”

So, as your day continues, I hope you picture yourself riding your bike to class.  I hope you see yourself studying at our Shields Library, relaxing in the Quad, or seeing a show at the Mondavi Center.  You have what it takes to be here, so don’t be shy about asking questions.  UC Davis welcomes you to be part of our family. We want you to feel at home as an undergraduate, graduate, professional student, faculty, or staff.

Have a great day … Si se puede … and Go Ags!