Spring 2026 Content

Students Learn Economics Research Practices

Jocelyn C Anderson — February 17, 2026 - 10:42am

Sam Lawrence is fascinated learning about how economists study the impacts of safety net programs designed to lift people out of poverty.

In a class last year with Marianne Page, a professor of economics in the College of Letters and Science at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis, he asked if she knew of any research opportunities. She said no at first. Then, a couple weeks later, she contacted him.

“She was, like, ‘I have something, but I don't know how much you'll like it,’” said Lawrence.

How a Beaked Whale Made its Way to 51�ԹϺ�� Davis

Jocelyn C Anderson — February 17, 2026 - 9:49am

Long ago, on a faraway Aleutian island, a pair of rare beaked whales got stranded. One was saved by biologists and swam back to sea. The other perished, and its skeleton now hangs in the atrium of Storer Hall at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis.

Over the 40 years that it has hung there, the whale has become a mascot of sorts, even donning seasonally appropriate accessories — a witch’s hat in October and a graduation cap in June.

But where did it come from?

Staffer to Serve as Picnic Day Parade Marshal

Jocelyn C Anderson — February 17, 2026 - 9:45am

Paul Cody, Ed. D ’17, prepares to take his place as this year’s Picnic Day parade marshal, a role that celebrates his more than two decades of dedication to the beloved tradition. Picnic Day is set for April 18, 2026.

“It’s an honor,” said Cody, a senior research associate in Student Affairs who served as staff advisor for Picnic Day in the Center for Student Involvement for 25 years. “I take great pride in serving as the marshal.”

The Alumni Behind Tandoori Pizza’s National Rise

Jocelyn C Anderson — February 17, 2026 - 9:40am

A popular chain restaurant that combines traditional Indian flavors with pizza traces its roots to 51�ԹϺ�� Davis.

A Brewing Reunion at a Turning Point for Beer

Russell L Thebaud — February 17, 2026 - 9:34am

The American beer industry is at an inflection point. Sales have slowed. Younger drinkers are choosing other beverages or none at all. Many craft breweries have closed in recent years, pressured by fierce competition and changing consumer habits. But in a moment of uncertainty, a gathering of 51�ԹϺ�� Davis alumni at the Anheuser-Busch InBev pilot brewery offered a reminder of how the industry arrived here and who helped build it.

3 Ways to Protect Your Soil

Russell L Thebaud — February 17, 2026 - 9:33am

Beneath the urban landscapes of California lies a diverse ecosystem, teeming with invertebrates and microbes. Soil acts as a carbon sink, filters water and provides essential nutrients to plants. Maintaining healthy soil is critical for these functions.

Expert horticulturist Kitty Bolte, who oversees several collections in the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, shares three essential practices California homeowners can use to protect their soil.

Alum Goes Pro for Major League Soccer

Jocelyn C Anderson — February 17, 2026 - 9:30am

Lucas Fernandez-Kim ’25 had a childhood habit that predicted a lifelong passion.

“I always had a ball on my feet when we went on hikes as a family,” he recalled.

Now, the 22-year old midfielder and Aggie alum, is living the dream as a newly drafted professional soccer player for the Portland Timbers, part of Major League Soccer.

Alum Tells Story of Survival

Jocelyn C Anderson — February 17, 2026 - 9:28am

Ellen Cochrane '84 (Courtesy)

In 1971, 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke crash landed in the Amazon rainforest on a flight from Lima, Peru, en route to her family’s res

The Library as a ‘Third Place’

Jocelyn C Anderson — February 17, 2026 - 9:27am

Smooches from therapy dogs? Music and dance performances? Drop-in tutoring? Mental health ambassadors? Yes, all this and more is at the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Library as it molds itself as a “third place.”

American urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg (1932-2022) coined the term and highlighted the importance of these social gathering spots — beyond home, our first place, and work or the classroom, our second place — in fostering community, connection and belonging.