From the Nominator

In 2023, University of California, Davis was thrust into the national spotlight due to a series of high-profile tragedies that deeply affected the community. The Davis Day of Reflection invited our community to mourn losses together, to share the many ways we care about and uplift each other, and to envision ways we can move forward. The event was organized by UC Davis’ Finance, Operations, and Administration Communications Office in partnership with over two dozen university units, the City of Davis, and Yolo County. This initiative was a departure from the university's typical approach to student deaths. Instead, we took a novel, community-centric response to the crisis. The primary objectives of this special event were to foster communal healing in the wake of these tragedies, encourage diverse community members to participate, and facilitate personal and shared reflections. The event was crafted swiftly and thoughtfully without a dedicated budget and within a limited two-week planning period. This rapid response was a testament to our team's agility and commitment in the face of adversity. Over 2,000 people engaged in reflective activities along a route, staffed at various points by professionals and volunteers, with the route’s impact extending to many more throughout the day. These route points offered participants a place to leave thoughts and messages, symbolizing a collective journey through grief and hope.

From the Judges

A truly touching nomination that took tragedy and turned it into a beacon of hope and support for their community. This event provided an outlet for grief. A beautiful and sincere piece that could serve as a model for addressing heavy, somber events as a community. The attention to detail is excellent and shows how low-budget activities can be meaningful when delivered in a manner such as this.