Picture the year 1960. UC San Diego’s doors swing open. The first students? Graduate physics students. This is the UC San Diego Division of Physical Sciences. Its story began with a vision. A vision held by Roger Revelle. Revelle’s influence is immense. He recruited Harold Urey a Nobel Prize winner. Urey’s presence attracted other brilliant minds. The first building Urey Hall stands as a testament to this era. Nobel laureates such as Maria Goeppert Mayer the second woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physics shaped the department’s early years. Their presence cemented UC San Diego’s position as a global research leader. Today the Division of Physical Sciences boasts a remarkable legacy. Over 170 faculty members have received prestigious awards including Nobel Prizes Fields Medals and Breakthrough Prizes. They educate over 4000 undergraduate majors and nearly 70000 students annually. The Division of Physical Sciences isn’t just about numbers. It’s about fostering a supportive environment. Students value their diverse community. They feel well prepared and supported. The Division’s commitment to equity diversity and inclusion shines through. The graduate programs are renowned. Women and men graduate in equal amounts reflecting a commitment to gender equity. The Division of Physical Sciences is more than buildings and numbers. It’s a community. A vibrant hub of innovation and discovery. Its commitment to excellence continues to attract the brightest minds. It’s a place where research and teaching excellence truly begin. This legacy continues to shape the future of science. Come and experience the inspiring history of the UC San Diego Division of Physical Sciences.
Sweetwater River
From high in the Cuyamaca Mountains, the Sweetwater River begins its journey. It’s a 55-mile trek to the Pacific, a