Volunteer Leadership Summit
Thursday, October 8, 2026
UC Davis Conference Center
Please Join Us
Our biennial Volunteer Leadership Summit brings together volunteer leaders for an engaging experience to connect, build new relationships, spark collaboration, and strengthen the shared commitment that advances our mission.
As UC Davis’ most dedicated champions and trusted insiders, you will be among the first to hear about the university’s newest bold initiatives and strategic priorities. You will have an opportunity to learn from faculty thought-leaders and innovators and provide integral feedback to help shape the future of the university.
Schedule
12:00 p.m.
Arrival & Lunch
Check-in to receive your program materials, enjoy lunch and network with fellow participants.
12:30 p.m.
Welcome Remarks
Chancellor Gary S. May and UC Davis Foundation Chair Debby Stegura ’79
12:45 p.m.
Opening Session: Volunteers as Champions
Vice Chancellor Shaun Keister, Ph.D.
Learn about UC Davis’ newest initiatives and strategic priorities, and how they support the university’s continued growth in addressing the region’s and the world’s most pressing challenges. This session will highlight the essential role volunteers play as champions in advancing this shared vision.
1:15 - 4:50 p.m.
“Defined by UC Davis” Plenary Sessions
Hear from faculty innovators as they share their groundbreaking work and the ways it is shaping solutions for communities locally and globally. You will also have the opportunity to provide valuable feedback and insights that help shape the future of UC Davis.
- Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics
Advancing breakthrough therapies by unlocking the brain’s capacity for neuroplasticity
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Restoring Communication
Restoring speech, movement and cognition through breakthroughs in neurotechnology
- Aggie Innovation Pipeline
Building a unified engine for entrepreneurship, innovation and venture creation at UC Davis
- AI-Driven Phenotyping for a Sustainable Future
Accelerating climate-resilient agriculture through AI-driven phenotyping and advanced data systems
- Chancellor’s Scholars Program
Attracting, supporting and developing the next generation of UC Davis leaders
- Cultivating Aggie Success
Enhancing student success to deliver immediate support and long-term social mobility
- California Water Initiative
Advancing integrated, real-world solutions to California’s most complex water challenges
- Fire Infrastructure, Resilience and Environmental (FIRE) Solutions Institute
Leading global solutions in wildfire resilience, prevention and recovery through a living laboratory approach
4:50 p.m.
Closing Remarks
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Networking Reception
Meet and mingle with other volunteers, university leaders and faculty presenters and innovators. Appetizers and drinks will be served.
Hotel Accommodations & Directions
A block of rooms is being held at the Hyatt Place UC Davis under the name “Volunteer Leadership Summit” for Wednesday, October 7 through Friday, October 9 at the following rate: $189/night for either a standard double queen or standard king room. Guests can call the hotel directly at (530) 756-9500 or book online with the code G-UVLS to make a reservation.
Room block cut-off date: September 20, 2026. After this date, rooms and rates will be offered based on availability and current rates.
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