University of California, Davis announced on May 5 that Shama Mesiwala, an associate justice of the California Court of Appeal, and Paul Tran, a physician and educator known for his social media presence, will be guest speakers at the first commencements of the season.
The announcement marks the beginning of UC Davis’s graduation events, which include multiple professional school and undergraduate ceremonies. The selection of speakers reflects a focus on public service and educational innovation.
Mesiwala will address graduates at the School of Law commencement scheduled for May 9 at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. She is a UC Davis School of Law alumna from 1998 and has served as an adjunct professor there for over a decade. Mesiwala joined the bench in 2023 after holding roles such as commissioner and judge in Sacramento Superior Court. She created Northern California’s first Indian Child Welfare Act courtroom and oversaw compliance with disability access laws. She is also co-founder of the South Asian Bar Association of Sacramento.
Tran will speak at the School of Medicine ceremony on May 16. He serves as assistant professor at University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and pediatric gastroenterologist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Tran uses platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook under “Alimentary School” to reach medical students worldwide. In March he told medical students: “We don’t say it enough. Thank you for what you do. Thank you for what you’re doing today to take care of someone who’s depending on you tomorrow. You are seen. You are important. You are enough.”
The university will hold eight professional school or graduate studies commencements through June 12 in Davis, followed by five undergraduate ceremonies from June 12-14 in Sacramento.
University California Davis extends its research and educational efforts globally to address issues like climate change and food security, according to the official website. The university features facilities such as the Bodega Marine Laboratory for coastal research according to its official website. It has achieved top national rankings in areas including agriculture, veterinary medicine and sustainability according to its official website. UC Davis began as an extension focused on agriculture according to its official website.
The institution focuses on serving society through research, education and public service addressing societal needs according to its official website. Gary May served as chancellor according to its official website.
Numbers regarding degrees awarded this academic year have not yet been released; last year saw more than twelve thousand degrees conferred.