May 25, 2021 The University Medal was established in 1871, and this year celebrates its 150th anniversary. Candidates must have achieved a GPA of 3.96 or higher while overcoming significant challenges and making a positive impact on the lives of other people. This year’s finalists: Mira Cheng Major: Molecular and cell biology, minor in global poverty and practice Extracurricular: UC Berkeley Symphonic Orchestra (viola), Cal Triathlon club, Epsilon Eta environmental service fraternity What’s next? Stanford University School of Medicine Wildfires, the pandemic, economic stress, political turmoil — what lasting impact will these historic events have on you and your class? “The events of the past four years have affected everyone differently, but I think, as a class, we are graduating with a particularly mature worldview and an intense determination to be agents of change. My own biggest takeaway from these events has been that, in times of crisis, the only thing that truly matters is the community that surrounds you.”