Two months ago, I had the honor of shaking more than 7,000 hands at UC Davis' commencement ceremonies. It's when we celebrate our graduates' successes and recognize how much the world benefits from their bright minds and compassionate hearts.
The Class of 2024 joins the more than 310,000 living UC Davis alumni with degrees. They are found in all corners of the world and, in many cases, right here in our backyard. Generations of Aggies have planted roots here in Davis, raising families, running beloved local businesses and shaping the civic life of our thriving college town.
Aggies in business
Some graduates stay in Davis once they graduate. Donbi Kim is an example of that. She's a proud Aggie who graduated in 2022 with degrees in political science and philosophy. Now she serves as co-owner of Yesterday, a vintage clothing store in the E Street Plaza. The shop's co-owner, Tuan “Stevie” Tat, is a UC Davis alum as well.
Donbi was driven to stay in Davis because of the city's youthful culture and tight-knit business community. She's originally from San Jose but found like-minded people who enjoy the quality of life in Davis and its opportunities. She‘s lived in town for five years, starting with her days as a student. Donbi says she feels validated by the reception that the store has received so far, and she looks forward to connecting further with students and locals.
Others might leave Davis after graduating, only to find their way back. Such was the case with Brett and Erin Arnold, owners of The Avid Reader.
The two met as UC Davis students in the 1990s and married during Erin‘s fourth year. They relocated to southern California to finish their master‘s programs. They decided to move back to Davis because they wanted to raise their children in a town known for its friendliness, good schools and walkability.
The Arnolds bought The Avid Reader bookstore on 2nd Street in 2020 and immersed themselves even more in the local community. They also oversee a sister store, Avid & Co., that's stocked with toys and games for kids. They took ownership during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought many challenges. However, the support from the local community and their downtown business neighbors kept them pushing forward.
Longtime connections
Some UC Davis graduates have lived here for decades, such as the celebrated writer Bob Dunning. He‘s lived in Davis for the better part of 70 years and earned both his political science and law degrees from UC Davis.
I think we can all agree that Bob is an institution here in town. His enduring support of UC Davis, especially its athletics programs, are deeply appreciated.
Other members of Bob‘s family are Davis locals and Aggie alums as well. They include his daughter Erin, who earned an American studies degree from UC Davis in 1999. She now owns Hot Yoga Davis. Another daughter, Maev, was among the students I shook hands with during undergraduate commencements in June. She earned a degree in design and continues to work on campus at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art.
Aggies are also well represented at City Hall. They include Vice Mayor Bapu Vaitla, Councilmember Donna Neville and City Manager Mike Webb, who has served since 2017.
Councilwoman Gloria Partida, who also served as mayor from 2020 to 2022, has lived in town since transferring to UC Davis in 1989 as an undergraduate zoology student. Back then, she was raising a young family of three children and was struck by the city‘s welcoming character, especially for a son who is disabled.
To Gloria, Davis remains a family-oriented town, where residents know they can find activities and neighbors that encourage a sense of belonging. Because of her love for Davis, other family members, including an uncle and a sister, moved here.
UC Davis alumni are found all around town, and its impossible to include them all in this column. Aggies are bound to be your neighbors, no matter where you live in Davis. Given the focus on community, it's no wonder that so many people choose to stay.