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Senate honors University of California President Michael Drake on retirement
Summary
The Senate hosted UC President Michael Drake on the floor and senators from across the state praised his leadership during a lengthy series of floor remarks acknowledging his tenure and impact on higher education in California.
Members of the California State Senate honored University of California President Michael V. Drake with on-floor remarks and a resolution recognizing his years of service and his retirement.
Senator Allen introduced President Drake and noted Drakes leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic and his work to expand affordability and access across the UC system. Multiple senators recounted personal anecdotes and highlighted system achievements referenced by speakers: growth in resident enrollment, advances in student affordability and financial-aid policies that reduced student debt for many undergraduates.
Senators from across the stateincluding Senator Umberg, Senator Cabaldon, Senator Laird, Senator Perez, Senator Becker and many othersspoke in praise of Drake's record: restoring UC Cooperative Extension, supporting UC Merced's development, advancing scholarship and research, and prioritizing student diversity and access. Several speakers noted Drake's background in medicine and higher education leadership and said his work strengthened California's public research universities and economic competitiveness.
The event included a reception planned on the Capitol's third-floor following the session. The appearance and remarks were ceremonial; the transcript records no separate roll-call vote tied to a binding statutory action. Senators asked that the chamber formally welcome President Drake and his family and thanked him for his service.
