'Onward California' Tour Promotes UC's Impact on the State and Offers Sweet Treats

“Whether you know it or not, the University of California, or a UC grad, has probably played a part in your day.” That message is the focus of a mobile tour aimed at promoting UC’s impact on the state that’s coming to UCSF this week.

The Onward California public outreach campaign celebrates UC’s people and innovations, and encourages people to share their own personal experiences with the 10-campus university system.

The campaign comes amid California budget cuts to education and rising tuition costs that threaten to limit access to higher education. Onward California aims to partner with businesses for a five-year, multimillion dollar commitment to support undergraduate education. Visitors of the mobile tour also are encouraged to fill out postcards, telling elected officials that they support UC. The mobile tour is supported by private funding.

The Onward California mobile tour stopped at Venice Beach on Oct. 12, one of 24 stops to promote the University of California's impact on Californians' lives.

As part of the festive atmosphere at the tour visits, visitors can take photos against a special Onward California backdrop and snack on a complimentary Naia gelato bar, offered in 10 different flavors to represent each UC campus. UCSF’s flavor is “Super Strawberry,” inspired by University researchers who found that eating lots of fruits and vegetables is associated with a 50 percent reduction in the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

The 24-stop tour comes to the Parnassus campus on Wednesday, Oct. 24, before concluding with two stops in Merced.

Photo provided by UC Office of the President