Presented at the college’s faculty and staff Fall Welcome on October 28, the 2026 Principles of Community Awards honor colleagues whose leadership, engagement and service help build a welcoming and supportive environment.

The awards reflect the college’s commitment to the UC Davis Principles of Community, now in their 36^th year, which affirm the inherent dignity of every person and call for a culture grounded in mutual respect, equity and caring.

“The college is a community of faculty, staff and students who are committed to the shared value of mutual respect,” said Frédéric Chédin, dean of the college. “This year’s recipients exemplify our community’s efforts to ensure each member of our college is seen and supported. My congratulations to each of them.”

This year’s recipients advance those values by connecting colleagues, expanding opportunities for students and removing barriers to participation.

Patricia Baldrich González

Director of Strategic Initiatives and Research Funding, UC Davis Genome Center

Patricia Baldrich González received the award for bringing people across disciplines, professional roles and career stages together to learn and receive recognition for their contributions.

Baldrich González coordinates the Genome Center’s Faculty Talks and developed its Mentoring Seminar Series, helping researchers exchange ideas and navigate academic careers. She also helped establish the Genome Center Hive Users Group, where users of shared computing resources exchange expertise and solve problems together.

She plays a central role in the center’s annual Halloween Symposium and created the Genome Center Awards to recognize excellence in science, mentoring and service.

“Whether organizing a seminar, developing a mentoring program, creating new ways to recognize the contributions of colleagues, connecting researchers to shared resources, facilitating a new collaboration, welcoming visitors, supporting trainees, or helping colleagues pursue new research opportunities, she consistently invests in the success of people around her,” wrote Genome Center Director Blake Meyers in his nomination. “Through these efforts, Pat exemplifies the UC Davis Principles of Community.”

Marty Usrey

Professor and Chair, Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior

Marty Usrey received the award for his sustained commitment to mentorship, equitable leadership and student success.

As department chair, Usrey has served on every new faculty recruit’s mentoring committee and introduced a system to distribute departmental service assignments equitably. He also established a brown bag lunch program where faculty share their research with staff.

Through the Neuroscience Initiative to Enhance Discovery, which he developed and directs, Usrey brings 25 undergraduates from across the country to Davis for workshops on preparing and applying for neuroscience graduate programs. More than half of participants have gone on to graduate or professional school.

Usrey also brought the college’s Educational Enrichment and Outreach Programs into the department, supporting students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds.

“This program builds community between faculty and staff and helps instill pride among staff for their contributions to the department’s research mission,” wrote Professor Aldrin Gomes in his nomination, describing the lunch program. “Overall, Dr. Usrey is an excellent candidate for the CBS Principles of Community Award as he strongly affirms the inherent dignity in all of us and maintains a climate of equity and justice through mutual respect.”

Evan White

Director of Marketing and Communications, College of Biological Sciences

Evan White received the award for advancing digital accessibility and helping colleagues make information and opportunities more widely available.

When the college faced a short timeline to bring its websites into alignment with accessibility requirements, White organized and facilitated six town halls to give faculty and staff practical guidance.

These efforts help people with disabilities access information about academic programs, advising, research and other opportunities. White undertook this work alongside communications responsibilities spanning the college’s five academic departments, student support programs, graduate groups and development. He also served as chair of the college’s Principles of Community Committee.

“His service as chair, his accessibility efforts, and his support of colleagues demonstrate how the Principles of Community can guide our work throughout the college,” wrote Associate Professor of Teaching Brie Tripp in her nomination. “He has devoted substantial time and expertise to removing barriers and helping others fulfill their responsibilities, despite considerable demands on his own time.”

Together, this year’s recipients demonstrate how the Principles of Community take shape through daily work: sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues and ensuring that more people can participate fully in the life of the college. 

About the Awards

The CBS Principles of Community Awards recognize faculty and staff whose leadership, engagement and service exemplify the UC Davis Principles of Community. This year’s recipients will have their names added to the award plaques in the lobby outside the CBS Dean’s Office in 202 Green Hall.