College of Creative Studies Leads 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

Seventy-four graduates from UC Santa Barbara’s College of Creative Studies (CCS) celebrated their achievements at the university’s first 2026 commencement ceremony on June 7, showcasing a combined portfolio of 38 original works, 11 published poems, and 16 first-authored peer-reviewed publications. CCS Dean Timothy Sherwood and executive vice chancellor David Marshall emphasized the graduates’ role as ambassadors for liberal education amid declining public support for the arts and humanities, while alumnus Ronald Vale highlighted the program’s unique, personalized learning environment that shaped his career in neuroscience." "article": "UC Santa Barbara’s College of Creative Studies (CCS) graduated 74 undergraduates on June 7, 2026, marking the university’s first commencement ceremony of the year. Held at Campbell Hall, the event celebrated students’ original works, including 38 art pieces, 11 published poems, and 16 first-authored peer-reviewed publications. The graduates also contributed to 17 concerts, 71 posters, and 59 oral presentations across 28 international gatherings, alongside 66 internships and 41 grants secured. During the ceremony, David Marshall, executive vice chancellor and provost, urged graduates to advocate for liberal education and public research universities amid declining public support. He noted their combined achievements, including 14 prose pieces, 17 computer applications, and 36 additional peer-reviewed publications, alongside 58 group-art exhibits and 13 solo shows. CCS Dean Timothy Sherwood praised the cohort for fostering both personal and collective growth, describing their insights as transformative. The program, established in 1967, emphasizes original research and creativity, blending CCS courses with university-wide studies. Graduates are guided by faculty advisors to develop independent projects, a model that alumnus Ronald Vale (’80) credited for his career trajectory. Vale, a professor of biology at MIT and UC San Francisco, shared how CCS’s personalized environment influenced his decision to attend UCSB over Stanford’s scholarship. After earning degrees in chemistry and biology, he earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience and discovered kinesin motor proteins at the Marine Biological Laboratory, contributing to research on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. He emphasized that success depends on environment, not just academic rankings. The ceremony featured performances by music composition majors, including Lillian Wiechelt’s *Performance Anxiety* and Kai Jenkin’s *To Sleep*, alongside multimedia works by Cameron Kennedy and Hudson Rose. Vale’s speech underscored CCS’s legacy of nurturing interdisciplinary talent, from the arts to sciences, preparing graduates to redefine fields and inspire future generations.