As a member of the College of Letters and Science Dean’s Advisory Council, Kirk DeClark is part of a group of civic, business and education leaders drawn from the college’s alumni, donors, emeriti and friends. For DeClark, the role has given him an opportunity to help students and young alumni explore their intellectual curiosity and career prospects.

UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May presented the 2023 UC Davis Medal, the university’s highest honor, to international arts patron and philanthropist Maria Manetti Shrem. Manetti Shrem is one of the largest supporters of the arts at UC Davis, funding projects such as the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, artist teaching residencies, and new arts curricula in the College of Letters and Science.