Across our district and throughout our community, summer is a time for rest, but it is also a time for exploration, discovery, service and growth.

This summer has been a time for young students to first imagine themselves on a college campus, for performers to carry Merced College with them to one of the world’s great stages, for graduates take bold next steps, and for members of our campus community reflect on the people, experiences and even the four-legged companions who help shape their journeys.

In this issue of the Blue Devil’s Advocate, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of College for Kids, a program that has welcomed generations of children to Merced College. What began with a few hundred students in summer sports camps has grown into a broad and joyful introduction to theater, art, science, sports, aquatics and more.

For many children, College for Kids is their first experience on a college campus, and it sends an important message: Merced College is a place where they belong.

You’ll also read about members of the Merced College Community Chorus, who spent part of their summer preparing for and performing at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Professor Alex Simon. When our students and community members step onto a national stage, they carry the name and spirit of Merced College with them, and we are so proud to celebrate them and the amazing moments they shared.

This issue also highlights recent graduate Rebeka León, whose path from Hilmar High School to Merced College to UC Merced in the fall now includes a prestigious quantum research internship at UC Santa Barbara. Rebeka’s story reflects the power of encouragement, preparation and opportunity, especially for students who may not yet see how far their talents can take them.

Finally, we introduce you to nursing Professor Marit Medefind-Bond and celebrate the retirement of Prim, the service dog who supported her through nursing school, clinical work, and her time at Merced College. As Marit begins a new chapter with her new service dog Kahanu, her story reminds us that education is shaped not only by knowledge and training, but also by lived experience, innovation and a deep commitment to serving others.

Together, these stories show a few of the many paths people take to Merced College, through Merced College, and beyond Merced College. This summer, I am grateful for the students, families, employees, alumni and community members who continue to make this a place of possibility in every season.