Part Living History, Part Community Festival, Founders Celebration Hits Campus Nov. 13-15

In just 54 years, UC San Diego has transformed into one of the world’s top public research universities. Reflecting upon the opportunities and challenges that have shaped the campus, UC San Diego’s fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth chancellors will come together—for the first time—to discuss the campus’s history and rise to prominence. “Through Their Eyes: A Conversation with Our Chancellors” will take place tomorrow, Nov. 14, at 11:30 a.m. in Price Center East Ballroom, as part of this year’s Founders Celebration.

From the early days in 1980 when Richard C. Atkinson took the helm, through the years of explosive growth in the 1990s and 2000s under the leadership of chancellors Robert C. Dynes and Marye Anne Fox, to the campus’s first-ever strategic-planning initiative led by Pradeep K. Khosla, the conversation is sure to offer new insights—and surprises—about the campus.

“Founders Celebration is an important opportunity for our community to reflect upon UC San Diego’s roots, recognize our past and current achievements, and look toward the future and what we can accomplish together to ensure this campus continues to serve as a model public research university,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla.

The event is one of several activities planned to commemorate the 54th anniversary of UC San Diego’s founding. The celebration kicks off tonight with the Founders Symposium, a series of short dynamic talks by six extraordinary researchers who are addressing complex issues that impact both the planet and human society.

Relating to the theme “understanding and protecting the planet,” three faculty members will discuss research connected to climate change: Matthew Alford, Scripps Institution of Oceanography; Richard Carson, department of economics; and Eugene Pawlak, department of mechanical and aerospace engineering. The second theme of the evening is “enriching human life and society.” Focusing on cutting-edge research relating to personalized medicine, three additional faculty members will deliver TED-style talks: William Griswold, department of computer science and engineering; Dr. Razelle Kurzrock, division of hematology-oncology; and Dr. Lucila Ohno-Machado, division of biomedical informatics.

The symposium begins at 5 p.m. in Price Center East Ballroom and is free and open to the public. Preceding the event, a reception at The Loft will showcase undergraduate social innovators who are addressing issues such as poverty, health, education and the environment.

Photo by Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego Publications

On Friday, Nov. 14, Town Square will be transformed into a festival reminiscent of the world’s fair for Founders Day. Campus members are invited to connect with fellow Tritons while enjoying entertainment from Ballet Folklorico la Joya de Mexico, the UC San Diego Dance Team, Duly Noted (an a cappella group) and more.

Among the interactive booths will be a “living yearbook” hosted by UCSD Alumni to spotlight Revelle College’s 50th anniversary and Warren College’s 40th anniversary. Attendees who stop by the booth can check out a historical timeline and photos, as well as test their knowledge about the founding years. Rolling out the red carpet, the Graduate Division (formerly the Office of Graduate Studies) will premiere its new look and name. Guests can have their photo taken “on the set” and view a highlight reel of current students, alumni and graduate education factoids. At the Division of Social Sciences booth, dancing robots will invite guests to learn more about the department of cognitive science.

Founders Day begins at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 14 with “Through Their Eyes: A Conversation with Our Chancellors” in Price Center East Ballroom. The Founders Day Festival follows from noon to 2 p.m. in Town Square. Both events are free and open to the public.

After dark, the student festival Hullabaloo will return with amusement rides, live entertainment, carnival food and more. The lineup of musical performers includes Erik Hassle, a Swedish pop singer/songwriter; Conway, a Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter; Logic, an American rapper and Avery, a singer/songwriter from Arizona.

Hullabaloo starts at 8 p.m. on Nov. 14 in Town Square and Matthews Quad. Designed for UC San Diego undergraduates, a valid student ID is required to attend.

Learn more about all of the Founders Celebration activities at founders.ucsd.edu.