Alum supports student leadership through Vice Chancellor's Fellow Program
Dedicated to fostering the next generation of changemakers, Caroline Cabias ’72 has endowed the Vice Chancellor's Fellow Program to create unique leadership opportunities for undergraduate students.
The program, now in its third year, funds student opportunities to learn from the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, as they work with departments and organizations across campus, a position currently held by Pablo Reguerín, Ed.D. ’17.
“This fellowship gives students a chance to advocate for their peers while they are in settings with the vice chancellor and attending meetings and events," Cabias said. "It's such a life-changing opportunity that very few students will ever get to experience.”
Sergio Maciel ’24, a political science and economics major, said his experience as the 2023-24 Vice Chancellor's Fellow was “eye-opening.”
“The mentorship provided by this fellowship was invaluable,” Maciel said. “Whenever I had questions or needed guidance, Pablo and his chief of staff, Lindsay [Romasanta], were always there. Building this relationship with them has been incredibly meaningful, and I'm confident they will be lifelong friends.”
In 2021, Maciel transferred to UC Davis from Solano Community College, driven by his passion for community-focused policy work. As an Aggie, he dedicated his time to serving the needs of UC Davis students during his year-long fellowship.
Maciel said this experience has inspired him to follow Vice Chancellor Reguerín’s footsteps into the field of higher education.
“Applying for this fellowship was one of the best decisions that I've made,” said Maciel. “It really solidified my passion for wanting to work in higher education. I love working with students and collaborating with all the staff, faculty and campus leaders here.”
Connecting students to leadership
During his fellowship, Maciel established the “Shadow an Aggie Experience” to allow campus leaders and faculty to spend a day with students by attending classes, visiting student hubs and participating in extracurricular activities.
Campus leaders praised Maciel’s program for its innovation and insight, describing it as an invaluable opportunity for administrators to understand the day-to-day experiences of the students they are serving.
“Sergio and I worked collaboratively to address the concerns of students, and his insights and perspectives were invaluable,” said Reguerín. “Our students are talented and have great leadership potential, and we are immensely grateful for donors like Caroline who recognize that potential and support programs that have such a significant and meaningful impact on our students and student affairs practitioners.”
Following its success, the Shadow an Aggie Experience will continue in the 2024-25 academic year, providing unique opportunities for campus leaders to connect with students.
Maciel officially ended his fellowship in the spring of 2024 and passed the torch to the incoming fellow, Faith Mbakadi, for the upcoming school year. Going forward, Maciel plans to combine his passion for policy work and higher education by working with the State Governmental Relations Division in Sacramento, before returning to UC Davis to pursue a career in higher education.
Reflecting on his fellowship, Maciel said he is thankful to have worked alongside the Division of Student Affairs to make a positive impact on the university.
“I want to thank Caroline and our campus leadership for their inspiring mission and vision for UC Davis. Their commitment to shaping our institution as a place that encourages different ways of serving our communities is admirable.” Maciel said. “I am grateful to be a part of this community and for Pablo's leadership, and I'm going to carry that energy moving forward.”
Investing in the future
Cabias said one of the most memorable highlights of the program was seeing Maciel's success. The donor and beneficiary met in various settings for Maciel's fellowship work, including at fundraisers, community meetings and events.
“It was incredible to see him amongst community leaders and elected individuals,” Cabias said of Maciel. “He was poised, mature and felt comfortable to be in those environments. I can only believe that when he goes into his professional career somewhere, he's going to be one of the most polished, thoughtful and appreciative ambassadors for UC Davis and the fellow’s program.”
As a dedicated advocate for education and community development, Cabias stays connected with her alma mater through volunteerism and service on many UC Davis committees, including the UC Davis Foundation board, the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts and the Hispanic Community Collaborative.
Honoring those who paved the way for her education, Cabias supports the next generation of Aggies through contributions through this endowed fellowship and to other areas of campus, including Global Affairs, the Mondavi Center and the Cal Aggie Alumni Association.
By investing in future changemakers like Maciel, Cabias ensures the cycle of education and empowerment continues for future generations. She hopes her gift inspires others to support similar programs that develop the leaders of tomorrow.
“When you have the rare opportunity to attend college with the support of others, you should feel obligated to give back, whether it's through volunteering, financial support or a combination of both,” Cabias said. “We must remember that someone made that opportunity available for us, and now it's our turn to pay it forward.”
As we look forward, we look to you. Explore the many opportunities to join the UC Davis Campaign.
