On Nov. 9-10, University of California President Robert C. Dynes will visit UC Merced and Fresno as part of his ongoing efforts to explore and improve upon the university's impact in regions throughout the state. To ensure that UC's contributions will continue to keep California competitive and serve the needs of all communities in the future, Dynes will host a series of events and listening sessions with UC students, faculty, staff, health providers, and business, education and agricultural partners.

Dynes will visit UC Merced to learn about new faculty research and meet with the inaugural class of students. In Fresno, he will discuss the future of agriculture with agribusiness leaders, visit UCSF Fresno "Doctor's Academy" students at Sunnyside High School, and co-host a forum on the region's key challenges in education, health and economic development.

Media are invited to participate in the following:

Wednesday, Nov. 9

- 1:30 - 1:55 p.m.: UC Merced water/hydrology research (UC Merced, Kolligian Library, 5200 N. Lake Rd.)

UC Merced professors Sam Traina, Tom Harmon and Roger Bales present their work on hydrology and water research and a model for a new National Park Service partnership.

- 2 - 2:40 p.m.: UC Merced solar energy research demonstration (UC Merced, Kolligian Library, 5200 N. Lake Rd.)

Dean of Engineering Jeff Wright and Professor Roland Winston discuss development of the UC Merced Energy Research Institute and provide an overview of research on the increasing use of solar power for improved solar thermal applications and solar electricity production. Includes demonstration of solar concentrating designs being developed at UCM.

- 2:40 - 2:50 p.m.: Media availability with President Dynes (UC Merced, Kolligian Library, 5200 N. Lake Rd.)

- 2:50 - 3:45 p.m.: Meeting with UC Merced students (UC Merced, room 232, Kolligian Library, 5200 N. Lake Rd.)

Media are invited to sit in on this informal discussion with Dynes and a cross-section of the fall 2005 class.

Thursday, Nov. 10

8 - 10 a.m.: Future of agriculture breakfast (Love & Garlic Restaurant, 5351 N. Diana St., Fresno)

President Dynes hosts informal dialogue with local growers and ranchers about how UC can continue to contribute to the economic vitality of the world's leading agricultural region.

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Sunnyside High School Doctor's Academy visit (1019 S. Peach Ave., Fresno)

Dynes visits Sunnyside High School to meet with students in the UCSF Fresno Doctor's Academy, which provides accelerated classes and mentoring to encourage students to pursue further study in the health sciences and ultimately train to become physicians and health-care professionals in this under-served region.

Noon-2:45 p.m.: Forum on the future needs of the Valley (UCSF Fresno, 155 N. Fresno St., Fresno)

Dynes, Assemblymembers Juan Arambula and Michael N. Villines, and Senators Dean Florez and Charles Poochigian co-host a forum on emerging issues in health, education and the economy. The forum will be moderated by UC Merced Chancellor Carol Tomlinson-Keasey. Speakers include: Peter Mehas, superintendent, Fresno County Schools; Katherine Flores, director, UCSF Fresno Latino Center; and Peter Weber, co-chair, Regional Jobs Initiative.

For more information or to participate in any of the events, please contact Abby Lunardini for additional details and directions.

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For more information on President Dynes and UC:

www.universityofcalifornia.edu/president/