EJIE Event Digest

Toloma 5K 2025 returns

Saturday November 1!

You are invited to demonstrate your support for Native American focused initiatives by walking, running, or soaring above at this event!

(more details to follow)

Latinx Celebration

Join the campus community in honoring Latinx graduates and their families during this cultural celebration, hosted by EJIE, the Office of Social Justice Initiatives and Identity Programs, and the Bright Success Center. All are welcome to participate.

May 18 | 5:00 PM
UC Merced Recreation Field

PAB Quarterly Public Meeting

Join the UC Merced Police Accountability Board for their quarterly public meeting. Learn about the board’s work, meet board members and staff, and engage in open dialogue about complaint processes and community concerns.

Open to the public, both in-person and Zoom participation are available; please register.

May 28 | 5:30–6:30 PM
DCC 105/106, 655 W. 18th St.

7th Annual Lao New Year Celebration – Downtown Merced

Celebrate the rich heritage of the Lao community with a day full of tradition, culture, and festivities. Featuring alms giving, a vibrant parade, Baci ceremony, water festivities, live music, and cultural performances.

May 17 | 10 AM
235 Main St.

Una Noche Bajo La Luna

Join Luna Dance Company for an unforgettable, family-friendly evening of powerful performances and heartwarming community spirit. Open to all members of the community. Get your tickets here.

May 24 | 5 PM

645 Main St.

Falsettos

Accessible Arts Merced presents Falsettos, a musical exploring love, family, and identity. Includes a Pride Kickoff Reception to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

May 30 & 31 | 7:30 PM

June 1 | 2:00 PM + Pride Kickoff Reception at 4:30 PM

Carnival for a Cause

Enjoy a day of family-friendly fun with food vendors, classic cars, games, and live music. All proceeds benefit Jordan’s Guardian Angels.

May 31 | 1:00 PM
1707 N St., Merced, CA

Friends Helping Friends

Enjoy a free, inclusive community event especially welcoming to youth and adults with special needs. Activities include guided tours, a petting zoo, hands-on exhibits, live music, and free lunch! Register your group.

June 6 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Merced County Fairgrounds

This event is part of the Merced County Fair, taking place June 4–8.

View Fair schedule & purchase tickets

Allensworth Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate Juneteenth with a special trip to Allensworth State Historic Park  

Amtrak San Joaquins is offering discounted fares for travel on Saturday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit their website for details.

Systemwide Academic Freedom Congress

Join UC colleagues on Monday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PT) for a daylong program featuring leading voices from across the UC system and the broader higher education landscape. Discussions will focus on key issues surrounding academic freedom, such as free speech on campus and the role of shared governance. Open to all UC staff and faculty.

Apply for the VOICE Initiative – One Month Left!

UC’s National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 Valuing Open and Inclusive Conversation and Engagement (VOICE) Initiative. This opportunity provides funding for UC students, staff, and faculty to support research or programs that promote open dialogue, democratic learning, and civic trust. Learn more & apply here.

20 Tips For Addressing Unconscious Bias In The

Workplace, Starting From The Top Down

Would you like to learn about top-down strategies for identifying and mitigating unconscious bias in the workplace—particularly among leadership? Bias can subtly (and not so subtly) shape decisions. Explore expert-backed tips for creating a more equitable work environment. Read here.

The More You Know

In this section, EJIE highlights initiatives, ideas, & programs beyond UC Merced that offer food for thought, inspiration, & success in advancing inclusion.

Aruba’s Slavery Documents Join UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register

Documents detailing the history of slavery in Aruba have been officially added to UNESCO’s International Memory of the World Register. These digitized records are now accessible to the public through Colección Aruba and the Internet Archive, helping preserve and share this important part of global history. Read here.

Celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

The month of May honors the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. From early immigration to key moments in civil rights, this month highlights stories that have shaped our nation. Explore the history and legacy behind this important observance here.

Jewish American Heritage Month

May is also Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrating the deep and lasting impact of Jewish Americans on the nation’s culture and history. Since its official recognition in 2006, this month has offered a chance to honor the stories, achievements, and contributions of Jewish communities across the U.S. Take a deeper look here.

Student awardees: Keirah Jones, Carlo McCallick, Lai Garcia-Jacobo, Erlyne Pimentel, Viridiana Hernandez, Destiny Soltero, Alisa Ruiz Rios, Marlen de Jesus, Adela Tejada, Ashley Alvarado-Barragan, Sandra Hernandez, Leighton Shelley, Mitzy Perez, Luis Guevara, Blossom Abudu. Also pictured VC & CDO Delia Saenz and EJIE student success manager, Lorena Mejia.

Chancellor Muñoz celebrating with students.

Students, staff, and families rejoicing in celebration of our EJIE Student Champions.