For more than 40 years, David Belanger dedicated himself to teaching and mentoring students at UC Santa Cruz, leaving a lasting impact on generations of scientists. As a physics professor, he not only advanced research but also championed diversity and inclusion in the sciences, ensuring that students from all backgrounds had the support they needed to thrive.
His deep commitment to education, shaped by his own experiences at UCSC, inspired him and his wife, Melca, to make a transformative gift to the university. Their generous $1.5 million planned gift, as well as ongoing support, will benefit UCSC’s CalTeach program, the Academic Excellence Program (ACE), and the Natural Reserves—expanding opportunities for future students and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable scientific community.
“All of these programs are active learning and experiential learning for students,” David said. “They promote diversity because they give opportunities to students who otherwise might not choose to do it or might not have the support to do it.”
Melca expressed her pride in supporting programs at UC Santa Cruz.
“I’m really happy that we chose these programs like the Natural Reserves, CalTeach, and ACE as the beneficiaries of our bequest,” Melca said. “I hope that our gift will encourage UCSC students to continue pursuing their academic interests, particularly in these programs, because we know how important they are for our society as a whole.”
CalTeach
In California, only 35% of high school graduates are prepared for college-level science classes. CalTeach at UC Santa Cruz addresses this problem by placing university science, math, and engineering majors in K–12 classrooms across Santa Cruz County. Graduates from Cal Teach go on to teach in schools throughout the Monterey and San Francisco Bay areas, the state, and around the country. As a result, schoolchildren benefit from innovative and engaged teachers who are committed to meeting their educational needs, and UCSC students gain hands-on teaching experience.
CalTeach Program Director Gretchen Andreasen (Ph.D.’98, Earth sciences) emphasized that David was a primary faculty collaborator in the development of CalTeach and led the establishment of a physics education major (later replaced by the science education major). David was also a co-lead on multiple grants from the National Science Foundation that provided scholarships for UCSC graduates to complete teaching credentials.
“He’s now been a mentor and supporter to me as the CalTeach director for nearly 20 years, and he even served as my supervisor for a couple years in his roles as acting dean/associate dean,” Andreasen said. “I am honored that they have chosen CalTeach to receive a share of their bequest to UCSC.”
CalTeach participants go on to a variety of careers in which they apply the skills and knowledge gained: teaching at all levels (K–12, community college, university, and informal education) and working in a wide array of science and technical fields.
Fourth-year student Dezirae Cleveland (Oakes ’25, mathematics education) plans to become a middle school math teacher after graduating from UCSC this spring. Through CalTeach, Cleveland worked two internships, solidifying her passion for teaching, and was given support through the application process for master’s and credential graduate programs.
“CalTeach is something I will forever be grateful for,” Cleveland said.“It gave me a real sense of belonging. I made new friends and felt more comfortable at UCSC. CalTeach has so many workshops, resources, and activities for the students involved. It is a community of support and uplift. I am so glad I am a part of it.”
For alumna Sarah Herzer (Cowell ’20, molecular, cell and developmental biology; M.A. ’22, education), CalTeach showed her career options other than research available to her as a student in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Herzer is a teacher at Aptos High School teaching two Career Technical Education (CTE) courses: Technology of Biology and The Science and Ethics of Biotechnology (Honors). The courses prepare students with the technical skills necessary to enter the field of biotechnology.
While applying to UCSC’s M.A./credential program, Herzer was awarded the Noyce Scholarship through CalTeach. The scholarship gave her the support she needed to secure her teaching credentials.
“I am so grateful that I had financial support during that time,” Herzer said. “Additionally, my introduction to a science classroom as an undergraduate student showed me the different applications of my major. It was around then that I realized that I didn’t have to go into research, and that other avenues were available to me as a student in STEM.”
Natural Reserves
The UCSC Campus Natural Reserve (CNR) covers 789 acres of protected natural lands on the UC Santa Cruz campus. This land was set aside to preserve natural communities for teaching, field research, and natural history interpretation.
Over 3,000 undergraduate students participate in course field trips at the CNR annually. Nearly 100 students a year participate in CNR internships and volunteer positions related to field ecology, land stewardship, and environmental education.
“Donor support is essential,” said Natural Reserves Director Gage Dayton. “It’s critical to what we do and what we’re able to do. So without donors like Dave and Melca and others, we wouldn’t be able to support the programs, students, and research at anywhere near the level that we do.”
Dayton emphasized that with the support of David and Melca’s gifts, the Natural Reserves are able to provide the best experiences for students in the form of events, transportation, internships, or employment opportunities.
“What Dave and Melca really appreciate and value is providing opportunities for students that might not have those opportunities, or might have barriers that are inhibiting them from pursuing some of these opportunities,” Dayton said. “They really have a deep belief and desire to impact our students in a positive way, regardless of their discipline.”
ACE
For over 30 years, the Academic Excellence (ACE) program has helped increase the diversity of students earning their bachelor’s degrees in STEM at UC Santa Cruz. ACE advances educational equity by engaging students in active learning, peer mentoring, skill building, and community development.
During his time as a faculty member at UCSC, David Belanger witnessed firsthand the positive impact ACE had on students. Before retiring, Belanger was instrumental in recruiting current ACE Program Director Susanna Honig (M.A. ’10; Ph.D. ’15, ecology and evolutionary biology).
“I thought she had the vision to really expand the program and make it better, and she’s fulfilled my expectations that way. She’s very talented,” Belanger said.
Honig expressed her gratitude for the Belangers’ continued support.
“Dave and Melca Belanger’s support of the ACE Program will positively impact hundreds to thousands of students on their STEM journeys at UC Santa Cruz,” Honig said. “Whether it’s forming an academic and emotional support system early in a student’s career, learning how to study and excel in rigorous STEM coursework through skill-driven practice, or the collaborations and networking that will help launch students into their first research opportunity or internship, ACE is a first point of contact for students who are early in their STEM education at UC Santa Cruz.”
ACE is the only program at UC Santa Cruz where students receive a professionally designed curriculum aligned with the STEM courses they are currently enrolled in while simultaneously cultivating their membership in the larger STEM community through a cohort-based peer-mentoring model. The Belangers’ philanthropic support further amplifies opportunities for ACE students.
“Dave and Melca are champions of centering student success in all that they do, and this remarkably generous bequest is another example of their lifelong commitment to changing lives through educational opportunities,” Honig said. “This support will disproportionately benefit vulnerable and disadvantaged students in reaching their dreams, and it will strengthen the next generation of scientists and engineers. We are immensely grateful.”