From Twitter to Town Square, Campus Celebrates Tritons United at Founders’ Day Celebration

Photos by Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego Publications

In Greek mythology, Triton is the messenger of the sea. With a trident in one hand and a conch shell in the other, he has the power to calm or raise waves. At UC San Diego, Tritons are messengers of knowledge and discovery across the globe. From pioneering climate change research to mapping the human brain, Tritons are shaping our understanding of the world and transforming society.

That’s the idea behind the 2013 Founders’ Celebration theme, “Tritons United.” Taking place Nov. 14-16, Founders’ Celebration recognizes all Tritons—those on campus, in the local community and around the world; undergraduate and graduate students; physicians, staff and faculty; alumni and friends—and their collective achievements.

“Beginning with our campus’ founding fathers, UC San Diego has thrived on the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of the people who have been, and continue to be, a part of this institution,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “The tradition of Founders’ Celebration is an important opportunity to come together as Tritons united, to recognize our historical milestones, our campus members’ achievements and our promising future.”

For those who want to start the celebration early, there are two new Founders’ Celebration activities that have already begun: a Triton Stories collection and a Twitter contest. Triton Stories invites members of the UC San Diego community to give a “shout-out” recognizing a fellow Triton who is making a difference on campus or in the community. Already, we’ve heard about a staff member who volunteers with foster youth, two alumni entrepreneurs with a sustainable mission and a random act of kindness. These profiles, as well as information about submitting a story, are available online here.

Also underway is a Founders’ Celebration Twitter contest, a fun opportunity to help create the myth of how King Triton came to be UC San Diego’s mascot. The contest is open through Nov. 13 with winners selected weekly. The prize: a limited-edition UC San Diego beach chair. To enter, participants can simply tweet their idea of what King Triton was doing before he came to UC San Diego, with the hashtag #FoundersContest. For contest details, visit the Founders’ Celebration contest page. The full story of King Triton will be revealed at Founders’ Day.

Founders’ Celebration events taking place Nov. 14-16 include a variety of free activities for the campus community. Kicking off the celebration is Founders’ Symposium on Nov. 14, which features interactive presentations by UC San Diego researchers who are taking creative approaches to solve some of society’s most pressing challenges. Next, Town Square will be transformed into a 1960s beach boardwalk for Founders’ Day on Nov. 15. Guests will enjoy tasty treats, entertainment and activities to celebrate the history and accomplishments of UC San Diego. Later that evening, the student festival Hullabaloo will return with carnival rides, food and live entertainment.

In addition, Founders’ Celebration will honor the 2013 recipients of the Chancellor’s Medal and Revelle Medal. Philanthropists and arts patrons Conrad Prebys and Molli and Arthur Wagner will be awarded the Chancellor’s Medal, one of the highest honors given by the campus, for their exceptional service in support of UC San Diego’s mission. The Revelle Medal will be presented to Walter Munk, professor emeritus of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The Revelle Medal was recently revived by the chancellor to recognize faculty members for their sustained, distinguished and extraordinary service to the campus.

Visit the Founders’ Celebration website for more information about activities and events.

Founders’ Celebration Events at a Glance

Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of Tritons united at these Founders’ Celebration activities. More information is available at the Founders' Celebration website.

Through Wednesday, Nov. 13

Twitter Contest

Enter to win a UC San Diego beach chair by tweeting your idea of what King Triton was doing before he became our campus’ mascot. Be sure to use hashtag #FoundersContest. See the tweets already entered here.

Triton Stories

Know a fellow Triton who is making a difference on campus or in the community? Send a brief description to marcom@ucsd.edu to be considered for the Founders’ Celebration website.

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 4:30 p.m.

Academic Senate Lecture: Michael Parrish

Faculty Club, Atkinson Pavilion

Michael Parrish, a professor in the department of history, will speak on “Reconsidering Mr. Justice Frankfurter.” Event is free and open to the public. RSVP to awelch@ucsd.edu by Nov. 6.

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

Founders’ Symposium

The Loft and Price Center East Ballroom

Learn how the research happening at UC San Diego translates into real-world benefits. Speakers include Jamie Alexandre, graduate student in the department of cognitive science; Eric Allen, associate professor in the marine biology division and molecular biology section; Jacopo Annese, assistant professor in residence in the department of radiology; Jessica Graham and Dana Velasco Murillo, assistant professors in the department of history; and Morgan Nunn Martinez, graduate student in the department of chemistry and biochemistry. Event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Friday, Nov. 15, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Founders’ Day

Town Square

Tasty treats, entertainment and activities showcasing UC San Diego’s discoveries over the past five decades. Interactive affinity booths representing various departments and campus organizations will offer games, giveaways and an opportunity to connect with fellow Tritons. Event is free and open to the public.

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

Hullabaloo

Town Square and Matthews Quad

Featuring live performances and carnival rides, this nighttime festival is just for UC San Diego students. Student ID required.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 4:30 p.m.

Academic Senate Lecture: William Young

Faculty Club, Atkinson Pavilion

William Young, a professor of physical oceanography at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, will present “Long-Range Propagation of Ocean Waves.” Event is free and open to the public. RSVP to awelch@ucsd.edu by Nov. 6.