UC impacts every Californian
As a new California resident, I am often struck by the deeply woven connections between the University of California and our great state. Every day I marvel at how great a part the university's contributions play in California's health, economy and cultural enrichment.
I'm reminded of that Jimmy Stewart movie "It's a Wonderful Life" in which he sees a vision of what his hometown would be like without him. What would California be like without the University of California? A lot of things we take for granted would be missing.
From its earliest beginnings, UC has been a partner in the growth of our multibillion-dollar agricultural industry. From the berries on your breakfast table and the tomatoes on your BLT to the sip of wine or beer you enjoy with dinner, UC has played a role in helping farmers develop the highest quality agricultural products.
UC is behind hundreds of diagnostic and therapy discoveries that are revolutionizing health care – everything from the MRI to a new TB vaccine we're working on. In the fight against AIDS, cancer, dementia, autism and a host of chronic diseases, we are leaders in the stem cell and genetic research that could lead to those cures. And if you've visited a hospital, doctor, dentist or pharmacy lately, chances are a UC-trained caregiver treated you. Our health science programs educate more than 13,000 students a year.
The UC culture of innovation has resulted in the distinction of having the most patents awarded to any research university – for the 14th year in a row. Some of those patents helped launch the biotech industry: In the 1970s, a UC San Francisco biochemist, Herbert W. Boyer, discovered gene splicing and co-founded Genentech. In California alone, 1,100 biotech and R&D companies have benefited from UC discoveries.
UC researchers have increased the structural safety of our buildings and bridges. Our labs have developed the new screening technologies making our airports and highways safer from terrorist attacks. Now UC inventions are inspiring the startup of new green businesses. Art galleries, music halls, theaters, bookstores, sports stadiums and movies showcase the talents of UC's many creative graduates.
All of these UC achievements not only enhance the quality of life for Californians, but they also help create jobs and bolster the state's economy. In this period of unsettling financial downturn, everyone is looking for that perfect low-risk investment with a high rate of return. Higher education is one of the best investments the state can make. According to the Campaign for College Opportunity, if just 1 percent more of Californians were able to earn a bachelor's degree, the state's economy would grow by $20 billion. In this decade alone, UC, along with California State University and the California Community Colleges, will create 2 million new jobs.
Certainly California wouldn't be the same without the University of California. And the University of California couldn't exist without the support of the citizens it serves. Many challenges lie ahead of us. With your support, we can build a bright future together.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on ways UC can contribute further to California. Contact me at president@ucop.edu.
Visit www.universityofcalifornia.edu/president/ for updates on our educational, research and public service missions.