At UC Davis, we believe in the power of community. For 35 years, our Principles of Community have served as a guiding light, fostering an environment of mutual respect, inclusion and belonging. These values are more than words on a page — they are the foundation of our culture, shaping the way we learn, work and engage with one another.

This year, we’ll celebrate through the theme, “principles of community, by community, for community,” which reflects the origins of these values, their impact across our university and the city of Davis, and how they continue to serve as a beacon of respect and unity.

Established in 1990, our Principles of Community affirm our dedication to free expression, diversity and equity while rejecting discrimination and hate in all forms. They are rooted in one essential value: respect.

Respect is a universal principle, that embraces all cultures, political perspectives and life experiences. It is the cornerstone of a thriving community, as seen here at UC Davis.

As the principles have grown, so have our successes in rankings, research funding, fundraising and global impact. Whether in our classrooms, our research or our engagement with the broader Davis community, UC Davis strives to uphold respect as a fundamental value in everything we do.

Our Principles of Community were not dictated from the top down. They were written by students who envisioned a university that embraces diversity and fosters belonging.

They have grown beyond our campus, inspiring the city of Davis and Yolo County to adopt similar commitments. That includes the Principles of One Community adopted between the city of Davis, UC Davis and the Davis Joint Unified School District. These efforts demonstrate how a student-led initiative at UC Davis has influenced broader policies that promote inclusion and mutual respect across our region.

Additionally, the Hate-Free Together initiative — led by UC Davis, the city of Davis and Yolo County — expands on these values to actively combat hate and discrimination. This collaborative effort fosters a safer, more inclusive community where everyone can live, learn and thrive.

We invite all Davis residents to celebrate this 35th anniversary milestone with us. Throughout the year, we will host events that bring our community together. On Feb. 10, UC Davis Health will host a reception to kick off our anniversary celebrations. Other upcoming events include author talks, lectures and performances at the Mondavi Center, as well as community discussions through the Campus Community Book Project.

I encourage you to visit the Principles of Community website regularly, as we will be hosting numerous events between now and November of 2025.

In moments of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel disconnected or divided. But our Principles of Community remind us that we are strongest when we stand together. They have guided us through 35 years of growth and change, and they will continue to shape our future.

UC Davis is a global higher education leader not just because of our academic excellence but because of the values we uphold. We believe that respect, inclusivity and collaboration are not obstacles to success. They are the very foundation of it.

Together, let’s celebrate 35 years of fostering a community where everyone belongs — and commit to decades of doing the same.