Campus Rolls Out Red Carpet for Founders’ Celebration

Festivities kick off today with Founders’ Symposium

UC San Diego is putting the finishing touches on the preparations for its 2013 Founders’ Celebration, which kicks off today. For Founders’ Day alone, this includes bringing in more than 1,000 bags of popcorn, 300 feet of extension cords, 30 pounds of Atlantic City salt water taffy, 124 square feet of artificial turf and 375 chairs—just to name a few of the items on the setup list. The result: a transformation of the heart of campus into a festival reminiscent of the time when UC San Diego was officially established, that is, San Diego in the 1960s.

When you ask someone at UC San Diego what drew them to this campus, there are a few common answers: the academics and research opportunities, the reputation for positive impact and, of course, its enviable location just minutes from the beach. The people who choose to be here often have a few things in common as well, including a deep curiosity about the world and a desire to create and explore. Founders’ Celebration is about taking pride in what makes UC San Diego a unique place to be, and celebrating all Tritons for the their contributions at home and around the globe.

Founders’ Symposium

The celebration starts today with Founders’ Symposium, a sampling of the exciting research happening on campus now. Guests will hear from six innovative faculty members and graduate students in a relaxed, casual setting. Leave behind any expectations of a traditional academic symposium for this event—it’s our twist on research. Be sure to stop by the reception preceding the symposium to grab a bite and relax before the main event.

Founders’ Day and Hullabaloo

Tomorrow, Nov. 15, is Founders’ Day and Hullabaloo. Founders’ Day is a true mix of tradition and innovation. The event opens with a short program and processional to honor UC San Diego’s founding faculty and 54-year history. At noon, Town Square opens up into a 1960s beach-boardwalk themed festival with free food, prizes, carnival games and live entertainment.

From ceremony to festival to dance party and carnival, Town Square is transformed again later in the night, this time for the student-run Hullabaloo. Now in its third year, Hullabaloo has quickly become one of the most anticipated events on campus for UC San Diego students. Chance the Rapper, an up-and-coming hip hop artist from Chicago, is this year’s headlining performer. Popular amusement rides such as the Kamikaze and the Zipper will return, and for the first time, a 200-foot zipline over Town Square and Matthews Quad will give students the chance to travel down Rupertus Lane like never before.

For more information about Founders’ Celebration events and activities, visit the Founders' Celebration website.

Founders’ Celebration Events at a Glance

Thursday, Nov. 14, 4-7 p.m.

Founders’ Symposium

The Loft and Price Center East Ballroom

Advance registration is now closed. Standby registration will open Thursday, Nov. 14, at 4:30 p.m. at the Price Center East Ballroom. Seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

As part of the annual celebration, Founders’ Symposium offers insights into world-changing initiatives being developed by UC San Diego researchers. Seating is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more on the Founders’ Symposium page.

Friday, Nov. 15, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Founders’ Day

Town Square

Come one, come all! Town Square will be transformed into a 1960s beach boardwalk featuring tasty treats, entertainment and activities from academic departments across campus showcasing our accomplishments, discoveries and innovations over the past five decades. This event is open to the public. Learn more on the Founders’ Day page.

Friday, Nov. 15, 8-11:45 p.m.

Hullabaloo

Town Square and Matthews Quad

A free nighttime festival for UC San Diego students with live performances, breathtaking rides and delicious food—need we say more? Student ID required. Students can pick up their wristbands at Founders' Day for this event. Visit the Hullabaloo website for information.

You Can Make a Difference

Tritons united: Your gift, large or small, when pooled with others can make an important difference in supporting ambitious and motivated UC San Diego students. In honor of Founders’ Celebration, please help us fund student scholarships. Give now to the UC San Diego Undergraduate Scholarship Fund (2222).