UCR School of Business

Class of 2026, Commencement is almost here! 🎓

Before arriving at the School of Business commencement, graduates and guests are encouraged to review important information regarding the day-of security protocols, prohibited items, and ceremony details. Here’s some important info to keep in mind this coming week!

-All guests must have a ticket for entry, including children ages 2 and older.
-Graduates must wear approved academic regalia. Graduate students should wear the appropriate hood.
-Cap decorations are permitted if they are flat, appropriate, and non-obstructive.
-Balloons, flowers, signs, flags, noisemakers, confetti cannons, selfie sticks, laser pointers, and other similar items are not permitted inside the venue.
-Bags are limited in size and subject to inspection upon entry.
-Toyota Arena is a cashless venue for parking and concessions.

Please be sure to arrive early, allow extra time for security screening, and follow all venue and commencement staff instructions throughout the ceremony.

Learn more about this year’s commencement festivities at business.ucr.edu/commencement



Image description: A smiling UCR graduate in blue cap and gown adjusting mortarboard among seated peers at the 2025 School of Business Commencement Ceremony.

What began as a conversation between two graduate students has become a new platform for innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning.

Founded by Yung-Sian “Sammy” Fang ’27 PMBA, president, and Sandeep Lakkireddy ’25, ’27 MBA, vice president, the newly-created Google Developer Group (GDG) at UCR is opening opportunities for students to explore emerging technologies and develop practical, real-world skills.

“Rather than simply teaching through slides, the goal is to create an environment where students actively engage with ideas, tools, and projects in a practical and approachable way,” Lakkireddy says.

The organization has already launched AI workshops, technical training sessions, and industry speaker events that encourage students from all backgrounds to learn, build, and lead.

“For noncoding students, the club is an opportunity to engage with innovation, product thinking, teamwork, design, and technology applications in a way that feels approachable,” Fang says. “Students can come in with curiosity, build confidence over time, and collaborate with others in a supportive campus community.”

Read more: https://business.ucr.edu/news/2026/05/27/something-students-have-been-waiting

Image description: Group of thirty students posing in a classroom holding a Google Developer Groups banner.

The UCR School of Business Executive Fellows are accomplished C-Suite executives and industry leaders who serve as advisers to our dean, faculty, and staff. Through mentorship and special events, they help connect our students with real-world insights and professional opportunities around the county. Please join us in welcoming our incoming Executive Fellows:

James R. Merino ’98 MBA, Meta/WhatsApp
Damon A. Richardson ’94, Alphabet/Google
Michael J. Xu, Micron Wireless Inc.

We extend our sincere gratitude to outgoing Fellows Jordana Katcher ’96 (Nike) and Mickey B. McGuire Jr. ’97, ’99 MBA (HCN Bank) for their dedication, commitment, and impact on our students throughout the past year.

“The Executive Fellows program is an integral part of achieving our goal to be nationally renowned, to strengthen our ties with the community, and to ensure our students’ success in their careers,” said School of Business Dean Yunzeng Wang. “Together, we are creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits our students and the broader community.”



Read more: https://business.ucr.edu/news/2026/06/04/executive-fellows-recognized-mentorship-students

The UC Riverside School of Business is expanding access to graduate business education with the launch of a fully online MBA program this fall!

The program offers the flexibility to earn a University of California MBA while continuing to advance your career and meet day-to-day responsibilities. Students will benefit from a rigorous curriculum, faculty engagement, networking opportunities, and career development resources, all in a fully online format.

“This online MBA program opens the door to a high-quality graduate business education for talented people whose work, family, military service, or geographic circumstances make attending classes on campus difficult,” said Yunzeng Wang, dean of UCR’s School of Business.

Whether you're looking to strengthen your leadership skills, transition careers, or prepare for the next stage of professional growth, the UCR Online MBA provides a flexible pathway to achieve your goals. “It marks an important new chapter in the growth of our business school and extends UCR’s reach and reputation to a broader community of future business leaders.”

More information on the Online MBA program, register for our Virtual Info Drop session happening this Wednesday, June 3 from 7:00-8:00pm: https://events.ucr.edu/event/info-drop-ucr-admissions-live-a-gary-anderson-graduate-school-of-management-3151



Image description:
Laptop displaying the front of the School of Business Building in the early evening light.

Shayla Michel, a first-generation business administration student, reflects on the confidence she gained at UCR and the people who helped her realize she belonged in professional spaces.

A Victorville, Calif. native, Shayla served as the undergraduate chief ambassador for the School of Business, leading her fellow student ambassadors and representing the school at major events, including the 2026–27 Executive Fellows installation. Through these experiences, she developed the confidence to navigate professional spaces, build meaningful connections, and lead with purpose.

She credits the faculty and staff at UCR for encouraging her growth and helping her recognize her potential. “Being in professional spaces and sitting at the table with industry leaders reminds me that my experiences have shaped who I am today and that I am deserving of them,” she says. “It also inspires me to serve as a representation for others who come from similar backgrounds and may see themselves in my journey.”

After graduation, Shayla looks ahead to pursue professional opportunities in higher education. “What I will miss most about being a student at UCR is the strong sense of community. Truly, a one-of-a-kind experience and environment that I will cherish forever.”



Image description:
1: Shayla Mitchel wearing a black blazer with green bushes in the background.
2: A blue background with a tartan stripe design with a quote from Shayla Mitchel advising students to find a strong support system early on.

Congratulations to the newest Beta Gamma Sigma inductees in the UCR School of Business Class of 2026!

Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student can receive at an AACSB-accredited institution, honoring students for their academic excellence, dedication, and leadership. We are so proud of all that you’ve accomplished!



Learn more: https://business.ucr.edu/programs/bgs

Wishing you a safe and reflective Memorial Day!

Today, we honor and remember the individuals who bravely served our nation. We reflect on their courage, dedication, and lasting impact.



Image description: A young woman placing small American flags in a grassy park area on a sunny day.

Gina Gardea, a first-generation Latina from Los Angeles, CA, was able to combine her knowledge of tech and love for community to positively impact culture and become a leader across the UCR campus.

The business administration student concentrating in information systems discovered her love for fashion through Vain Editorial while building her leadership experience through the Women’s Business Association (WBA) and the Association for Information Systems (AIS), where she later served as co-president. She also helped establish Club Quetzal, UCR’s first Guatemalan heritage club, serving as its inaugural vice president.

“I always knew I wanted to make an impact, I just didn’t know what that would look like,” she says. “At UCR, I found equally driven people who made me feel like I belonged and had room to fully become myself.”

After walking in June, Gina will continue exploring opportunities in the tech or fashion industries, using the lessons, connections, and community she built at UCR.



Image description:
1: Gina Gardea wearing a black blazer with a concrete staircase in the background.
2: A blue background with a tartan stripe design with a quote from Gina Gardea reminding students to keep showing up for themselves and others.

Our student-led organizations continue to shine!

At this year’s AGSM & School of Business Leadership Council Spring Banquet, several student business organizations were recognized for their leadership, innovation, and impact across our community. Congratulations to all the student leaders whose dedication continues to shape campus life!

Event of the Year Award
-Latino Business Student Association (LBSA) - Latino Summit: Representando Mi Cultura

Collaboration of the Year Award
-Business Strategy Club (BSC) x Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) x Latino Business Student Association (LBSA) - Consulting Con Cultura

Marketing Campaign of the Year Award
-Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

Educational Initiative of the Year Award
-AGSM Product Club - Al Tech Venture Challenge 2026

New Organization of the Year Award
-Business Entertainment Association

Campus Partnership of the Year Award
-Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

Recruitment Initiative of the Year Award
-AGSM Women in Business

Community Impact Award
-Latino Business Student Association (LBSA)

School of Business Advancement Award
-Latino Business Student Association (LBSA)

Banquet

Image description:
1: Students in formal attire holding awards at the SBLC Spring Banquet.
2: Dean Yunzeng Wang speaking at a podium beside students at the banquet.
3: Five students posing in formal attire in front of a UCR School of Business backdrop.
4: Students on stage during the banquet, with one speaking at a podium.
5: Three students and Lecturer Arturo Alcaraz posing together, one holding an award.
6: Student speaking at a podium during the banquet ceremony.
7: Group photo of formally dressed attendees inside an aircraft hangar with vintage planes overhead.
8: Students posing with an award in front of a UCR backdrop.