LETTER FROM THE CHANCELLOR
LET THERE BE LIGHT
UC San Diego has a 60-year history of bold thinking , inspired creativity and groundbreaking
innovation . Free from the constraints of tradition and expectation , our faculty , staff , students and alumni have led the university to global prestige and distinction through innovative research and discovery , next-level patient care and a deep commitment to service in the pursuit of solving societal problems .
At its inception , our campus was a handful of buildings that represented the aspirations and ideals of our university ’ s founders . Today , it is in the midst of an exciting physical , intellectual and cultural transformation . Guided by our institutional Strategic Plan , we are expanding college access and affordability for underserved students , initiating campus-wide interdisciplinary research initiatives to foster collaboration and strengthening industry and community partnerships to drive regional impact . UC San Diego is becoming a destination .
“ I hope the Gilman Bridge sign reminds you that you will always belong at UC San Diego . I hope that it illuminates the Triton spirit inside of you ...”
In February , I was honored to turn on the lights of the new University of California San Diego lighted sign on the Gilman Bridge . This long-awaited span across the I-5 freeway is the culmination of plans that were first conceived in 1963 . This bridge represents more than just a means of crossing the freeway to physically unite our campus . It is a symbol of our interconnectedness with the community . The sign creates a sense of place and serves as a welcoming beacon to patients , students and visitors alike .
In this issue of Triton , you ’ ll see many physical changes coming to life as part of our campus transformation — including homes for new colleges and the evolution of Pepper Canyon into a new campus entrance from the UC San Diego Blue Line . I wonder if our founders could have imagined a campus and community so transformed , yet so representative of their founding philosophy of nontradition .
I hope that as alumni , you are as energized as I am by the transformation of our campus into a true living-learning environment and emerging destination for art , culture , recreation and patient care . I hope the Gilman Bridge sign reminds you that you will always belong at UC San Diego . I hope that it illuminates the Triton spirit inside of you — the knowledge and experience that you gained here and share with others . Sharing knowledge with others is how our University of California motto is truly realized : Fiat Lux — let there be light .
With kind regards ,
Pradeep K . Khosla Chancellor
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