UC Blog

Foundation created to energize community support for UC ANR mission

Board of Directors to promote philanthropy through advocacy and fundraising in support of agriculture, natural resources and community health

The new University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Foundation has been established to advance UC ANR's essential research and extension mission.

The foundation – to be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization following approval by UC President Michael Drake in October – will support programs that promote California's agriculture and food systems; natural ecosystems and working landscapes; and healthy and thriving communities.

“The establishment of this foundation could not have come at a better time, as it will inspire the vital resources and energy we need to meet the pressing challenges we pinpointed in our recently released Strategic Vision 2040,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president for agriculture and natural resources.

Modeled after similar entities at UC campuses, the UC ANR Foundation will be guided by a volunteer Board of Directors. Representing a variety of regions and communities across California, the directors collectively bring years of experience in the agriculture, natural resources, government, academic and nonprofit sectors.

“By tapping into the board's connections, relationships and knowledge of our work and its impact, UC ANR is well-positioned to undertake significant and truly transformative fundraising initiatives and campaigns,” said Greg Gibbs, executive director of UC ANR Development Services.

The Board currently comprises eight community leaders and three ex officio members:

Don Bransford
Owner and Operator
Bransford Farms

Tom Delfino
Sr. Principal
S.S. Papadopulos & Associates

Bill Frost
UC Cooperative Extension Advisor Emeritus and former Associate Vice President
UC ANR

Anne Haddix
Co-President, Board of Directors
UC Master Gardeners of Sonoma County (Volunteer)

Corinne Martinez, Board Chair
President and Chief Operations Officer
Berryessa Gap Vineyards

Soapy Mulholland
Principal
Sopac & Associates LLC

Sharon Nance
President
NTAPROBLM LLC Inc.

Stephen Reid
Head Gardener of the Rose Garden
The Huntington Library and Botanic Gardens

Ex Officio Members

Greg Gibbs, Board Secretary
Executive Director, Development Services
UC ANR

Glenda Humiston
Vice President
UC ANR

Tu Tran, Board Treasurer
Associate Vice President
UC ANR

“We are grateful to the members of the new board for their leadership, expertise and passion for our mission, and we're thankful to the many donors – past, present and future – who generously support our work to improve lives all across California,” Humiston said.

History of philanthropic support empowered creation of foundation

It has been that outpouring of support – channeled by Gibbs' fundraising team – that enabled the establishment of the UC ANR Foundation. Gibbs was part of a nascent development team created just seven years ago, in 2017, to increase private funding from individuals, foundations, companies and agricultural commodities groups.

Within that time, the Development Services team has raised crucial funds for a wide range of impactful programs and projects. For example, philanthropic support is fueling efforts to cultivate workforce development in agriculture and related fields in Orange County, drive innovations in the “circular bioeconomy” within the San Joaquin Valley, strengthen wildfire resiliency in communities across the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and propel leading-edge research to benefit growers of citrus, grapes and other valuable commodities.

“People are seeing the true impact of UC ANR, and I think this foundation board is a testament to that,” Gibbs said. “It's a validation of all the work that's been done over the last seven years.”

In 2023, a Vice President's Cabinet began laying the groundwork for the foundation by establishing its bylaws and structure. That group comprised several current board members, as well as Andrea Ambrose, UC ANR director of advancement; Adina Merenlender, professor of Cooperative Extension in conservation science; and Kerry Tucker, chief strategic counsel at Nuffer, Smith, Tucker.

Then, presented with UC ANR's track record of robust fundraising and measurable impacts, UC President Drake approved the incorporation of the new nonprofit foundation on Oct. 2. The foundation will begin work with UC ANR leadership and staff in early 2025 to develop short- and long-term fundraising plans.

For the public, there is an immediate opportunity to support UC ANR's work – Giving Tuesday. From midnight to midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 3, visit donate.ucanr.edu to donate and participate in a global online giving event.

“Just as UC ANR programs significantly improve lives in California and across the nation and world, our donors substantively improve those programs,” Gibbs said. “They believe in what we do, and they make our research and extension activities better in every sense – more impactful, more accessible and more sustainable.”

For more information on the UC ANR Foundation and opportunities to contribute, contact Greg Gibbs at glgibbs@ucanr.edu.

President Drake urges UC students, faculty and staff to get flu vaccine

The following message is from UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D.

Colleagues:

Respiratory virus season is approaching. If you haven't yet received your flu vaccine, please remember that all covered students, faculty, other academic appointees, and staff are required to get vaccinated against influenza or opt out using a form supplied by their location. President Drake has extended the compliance deadline from Nov. 1, 2024, to no later than Dec. 1, 2024. (Individual UC locations may choose to enforce an earlier deadline.)

If you are planning to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday or winter break, keep in mind that it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body. We also strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get a COVID-19 booster vaccine in the coming weeks. For questions about vaccine policy at your location, contact your health care facilitator.

For general questions or comments regarding the UC Policy on Vaccination Programs, contact vaccinepolicycomments@ucop.edu.

Michael V. Drake, M.D.
UC President

For more information about UC ANR's flu vaccine policy, contact Pia Wright, ELR compliance coordinator in Human Resources, at pwright@ucanr.edu or (530) 750-1288.

Employee Comment: Presidential Policy on The Use of Animals in Research, Teaching, and Testing

Employee Comment: Presidential Policy on The Use of Animals in Research, Teaching, and Testing

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy on the Use of Animals in Research, Teaching, and Testing. The proposed policy would update and replace UC's current policy, “Use of Animals in Research and Teaching”. 

The revised policy:

• Reiterates UC's commitment to the responsible, humane use and care of animals in research and teaching.
• Updates the list of currently applicable laws and regulations.
• Aligns legal and UC systemwide requirements with campus practices.
• Includes considerations for wildlife and agricultural animals in research and teaching.

The proposed revisions are posted here: https://ucanr.edu/sites/PCPA/Revisions/.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than March 3, 2025. Please indicate “Use of Animals Policy” in the subject line.

California’s public higher education leaders reassure communities after presidential election

University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., California State University Chancellor Mildred García, and California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian released the following statement today (Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024):

Following the presidential election results, we understand that there is a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety within California's higher education community. The University of California, the California State University, and the California Community Colleges remain steadfast and committed to our values of diversity and inclusivity. We are proud to welcome students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and we will continue to support and protect all members of our communities. California represents a beacon of hope for so many, and we stand ready to support our state and its people as we all move forward together.

If you need additional support, please take advantage of the resources available to you through the university. These include tips for coping with election stress, classes on resiliency and wellness, and confidential counseling services from the Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP).

We also offer:

• UC ANR Healing Circle, Friday, Nov. 15, noon to 1 p.m. (Register)
• UC ANR Healing Circle, Thursday, Dec. 5, noon to 1 p.m. (Register)
• UC Systemwide Resources: Mental health and supportive resources for a challenging time
• Recorded webinar: Coping with the Impact of Current Events
• UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center with expert tips to help you cope during a stressful election. 
• A comprehensive list of resources in this UCnet article.

Coping with election uncertainties

Dear Colleagues,

With the presidential election tomorrow, I know that many in our community may be feeling the unique stress that election season can bring. As we've seen in past years, it could take several days or weeks to confirm the results, which can be a source of anxiety. These feelings are understandable, especially given the many other challenges affecting our campuses, our country and the world.

If you feel you need extra support right now, I encourage you to take advantage of the many resources available to you through the university. These include tips for coping with election stress, classes on resiliency and wellness, and confidential counseling services from the Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP).

We also offer:

• UC ANR Healing Circle, Friday, Nov. 15, noon to 1 p.m. (Register)
• UC Systemwide Resources: Mental health and supportive resources for a challenging time
• Recorded webinar: Coping with the Impact of Current Events
• UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center with expert tips to help you cope during a stressful election
• A comprehensive list of resources in this UCnet article

As with any election cycle, we will monitor for any actions that may be needed to address potential impacts to the university and members of our community. When we know the outcome of the election, we will move forward together. Until then, let's focus on taking care of ourselves and supporting each other.

Sincerely,

Bethanie Brown
Interim executive director of Human Resources

 

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