Student Success Everywhere
Here, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our current and former students both in and out of the classroom. Our students excel academically, earn top honors and scholarships, and contribute significantly through research and leadership. Beyond academics, they thrive in their careers, community service, entrepreneurship, and creative pursuits.
Explore inspiring stories of students transforming education into impactful careers, leading community projects, and pursuing their passions. Celebrate these exceptional individuals and see how the Bright Success Center can help you achieve your dreams. Success truly is everywhere, starting here.
De'Zhane Brown-Churchill
As an alumni of UC Merced, De'Zhane majored in Psychology, originally from San Bernardino, CA. During her time pursing higher education, she took part in the Psychology Club, and participated in research within the Psychology Department. She shined bright with co-founding Black Student Coalition in 2022 with the idea of creating a safe space for Black students at UC Merced with an emphasis on mental health. They helped spread awareness for black queer women in leadership spaces.
Mariel Garcia
As an alumni of UC Merced, Mariel majored in Management & Business Economics. During her time pursing higher education she served as the President of the Professional Fraternity Council where she oversaw 7 professional fraternity chapters. Mariel also worked with for Undocumented Student Services at the Monarch Center!
Letha Jarman
Now standing strong as a recent grad, now reclassified as an alumni. Letha Jarman obtained a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. She served as the President of Black Student Coalition majority of her undergraduate journey pursing higher education. Outside of academics, UC Merced & Amazon have featured her in Amazon Prime's "College Tour" to highlight her experiences in leadership! Letha is also employed at the Calvin E. Bright Success Center as the Student Adminstrative Assistant also serving in this position majority of her undergraduate journey.
Brianna Rubio
Brianna is now an alumni who secured a bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Public Health. Brianna is a first-generation college student, and has described her journey by mentioning The Monarch Center strengthens my leadership skills, and I have become more outgoing! I love working here because I can help undocumented students who don't have the same resources as someone else might have, it brings joy to me!"
Stephen Smith
Stephen Smith, a recent graduate of UC Merced, majored in Critical Race & Ethnic Studies, from Downey, CA. During his time here he took part in ASUCM as the Commissioner of Diversity, and he conducted research in the Sociology Department. He co-founded the Black Student Coalition with the idea of creating a safe space for Black students at UC Merced with an emphasis on mental health. Post Graduation he is pursuing his master's degree in Global Communications with a fashion track in Paris, France.
