Gov. Newsom’s revised 2026–27 budget proposal reinforces the importance of investing in the @University of California. We’re encouraged to see the Assembly recognize higher education as a priority in its budget roadmap — but continued advocacy is critical as budget negotiations continue.
Join us in urging legislators to fully fund the Compact agreement: https://universityofcalifornia.quorum.us/campaign/maybudget2026/?utm_source=quorum&utm_medium=toolk… #UCAdvocate #CALeg
The @University of California will always speak up for science, which is why we are proud to be a sponsor of California Senate Bill 895, the California Science and Health Research Bond Act! This legislation would mean long term support for #UC to meet urgent statewide research needs in climate resilience, wildfire and water management, biomedical science, public health and more.
Join us in urging Governor Newsom to support #SB895! https://universityofcalifornia.quorum.us/campaign/researchbondmay26/?utm_source=quorum&utm_medium=t…
✨ Staff Spotlight: Krystal Gonzales ✨
Krystal Gonzales, Staff Assembly Delegate with 6 years at UC Merced, brings heart, pride, and a deep sense of community to everything she does. 💚
She believes in lifting others up—encouraging, supporting, and sharing knowledge—because helping others grow is just as important as your own journey.
A proud mom of five boys, Krystal values the family-centered culture at UC Merced. As a newer campus, she says it truly feels like home thanks to the strong sense of connection and support.
Krystal first got involved as a volunteer for the staff picnic and was also a scholarship recipient, which helped support her education. That experience inspired her to become more involved and join the team.
She takes pride in being surrounded by such dedicated individuals, finding daily inspiration in the community around her.
#StaffSpotlight #UCMerced #CampusPride #Community #StaffAssembly
✨ CUCSA Spotlight: Kelli Breland ✨
Kelli Breland, Talent Development Specialist and Staff Assembly Delegate, brings 14 years of passion, creativity, and community to UC Merced.
She lives by the idea that growth doesn’t always mean climbing higher—sometimes it means shifting directions to find what truly fits. 💡
When she’s not supporting professional development, Kelli is coaching her daughter’s 8U travel softball team—where her daughter proudly plays catcher, just like she did. 🥎
After 20 years on campus, Kelli still calls UC Merced home, drawn to its kindness, collaboration, and the people who make it such a special place.
Joining Staff Assembly as Communications Chair gave her a creative outlet—and quickly led to an executive leadership role that became one of her most meaningful professional experiences.
#StaffSpotlight #UCMerced #StaffAssembly #Community #CareerGrowth
Joash Wampande | UCLA Health
Program Manager, Department of Medicine Physician Onboarding Program | 7 Years of Service
🏆 Outstanding Staff Assembly Board Member Award
Joash Wampande has shown exceptional leadership through his work with the UCLA Staff Assembly, championing initiatives that uplift staff and expand opportunities for growth.
As Vice President for Development, he led a standout fundraising campaign that raised over $26,000 for staff scholarships—more than doubling the original goal and opening doors for professional development across the community.
“Serving as a bridge between campus leadership and the staff community reinforces the essential role staff play as the backbone of our institution.”
Driven by a passion for staff engagement and advancement, Joash continues to create meaningful pathways for collaboration, communication, and impact.
#CUCSA #UCLAHealth #UCStaff #Leadership #StaffDevelopment HigherEd StaffExcellence CommunityImpact
Linaflor Layiktez | UC Davis
Director, Conference and Event Services | 32 Years of Service
🏆 Outstanding CUCSA Alumni Award Recipient
Linaflor Layiktez is a driving force behind staff development, inclusion, and community-building at UC Davis. Through initiatives like the Event Planner Certificate Program and Lunch & Learn series, she has empowered hundreds of staff with skills, growth opportunities, and meaningful connections.
Her efforts to bridge staff and campus leadership—through programs like “Breakfast with the Chancellor”—have strengthened communication and fostered a more connected campus community.
“When staff feel supported and valued, the entire university is stronger.”
Her time with CUCSA continues to shape her leadership, with a strong focus on transparency, advocacy, and uplifting staff voices across the UC system.
#CUCSA #UCStaff #StaffDevelopment #Leadership #UCDavis HigherEd CommunityBuilding StaffExcellence
Michael Witherell | Berkeley Lab
Laboratory Director | 39 Years of Service
🏆 Outstanding Senior Leadership Award Recipient
For nearly four decades, Michael Witherell has dedicated his career to advancing the UC system and strengthening the culture at Berkeley Lab. Since 2016, his leadership as Lab Director has centered on one key priority: people.
From establishing the Stewardship Office to championing mentorship, wellness, and inclusive leadership, Witherell has created space for collaboration, innovation, and staff voices to thrive.
“Everyone feels responsible for trying to build a culture of stewardship that enables the great science we do for the nation.”
His commitment to teamwork, trust, and service continues to shape a stronger, more connected community.
#CUCSA #UCStaff #Leadership #PublicService #BerkeleyLab StaffExcellence HigherEd TeamScience
🎉 Congratulations to Lou Gill on receiving the Kevin McCauley Memorial Outstanding Staff Award! 🎉
With 26 years of service at UC Irvine, Lou has dedicated his career to uplifting staff, strengthening community, and leading with care and intention. From championing staff voices to promoting wellbeing and connection across campus, his impact is felt far and wide.
As a former Staff Assembly Chair, CUCSA delegate, and current internal operations chair, Lou continues to create meaningful change—always putting people first.
💬 “Supporting staff and fostering community is my way of giving back to a place that has meant so much to me.”
Thank you, Lou, for your leadership, compassion, and lasting contributions to the UC community 💙💛
#UCIrvine #StaffExcellence #HigherEd #Leadership #UCSystem CUCSA AnteaterPride
Celebrating Kelsey Miller, recipient of the Kevin McCauley Memorial Outstanding Staff Award 🎉
From championing early-career staff to creating spaces for collaboration, Kelsey’s impact is felt across Berkeley Lab. Through initiatives focused on pay transparency, data sharing, and dependent care—as well as launching learning forums and peer engagement programs—she continues to build a stronger, more connected community.
“I love working with colleagues who share my passion for supporting research and collaborating for the common benefit.”
Congratulations, Kelsey, and thank you for your leadership and dedication! 👏
Honored to celebrate Kelly Wood, recipient of the Kevin McCauley Memorial Outstanding Staff Award 👏
In just three years at University of California, Santa Barbara, Kelly has transformed staff engagement—creating inclusive, meaningful spaces for connection through initiatives like the Staff Community Building Circle series.
Her approach is a powerful reminder that engagement isn’t just about big events—it’s about making people feel valued, supported, and connected every day.
“A truly engaged individual is someone who feels challenged, yet safe and fulfilled, valued and recognized, and connected to their work and colleagues.”
Congratulations, Kelly, on this well-deserved recognition! 🎉
Congress is considering major cuts to federal research funding that would harm innovation, slow medical breakthroughs and jeopardize America’s economic and
national security.
Join UC in urging lawmakers to reject these cuts and reinvest in science. #SpeakUp4Science ucal.us/fundscience
✨ Highlights from this month’s newsletter are here! From exciting updates and upcoming events to community spotlights and opportunities to get involved, there’s so much happening. Be sure to stay connected, mark your calendars, and join us for what’s ahead. 📅💫
#NewsletterHighlights #CommunityUpdates #Events #StayConnected
