Mrs. Golden attended the event along with recent recipients of the Golden Fellowship: Emilie Kirk (master's student in Soils and Biogeochemistry), Maegen Simmonds (Ph.D. student in Soils and Biogeochemistry); and Whitney Brim-DeForest, Karla Cordero-Lara, and Milton Alejandro Garcia (all Ph.D. students in Horticulture and Agronomy). Also in attendance were Vice Provost - Graduate Education and Dean - Graduate Studies Jeffery Gibeling; Mike Tentis, Director of Development in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Janet Berry, Senior Director of Development, Graduate and Undergraduate Student Support; and Rafaela Paulino, Development Analysis of Graduate Studies.

As the group enjoyed refreshments, Dean Gibeling shared Bill Golden’s impact on UC Davis through his research and fellowship. Mrs. Golden listened intently with a bright smile and then she shared a few stories about her experiences with Bill in the rice paddies of the Philippines at the International Rice Research Institute – an institution that is a Mecca for rice researchers and a location where many of the award recipients have been.

The graduate students discussed their research interests and where they have been conducting research during the past year. The students showed deep appreciative of Bill and Kay’s contribution to their education, and were humbled by the opportunity to share their research with her. In turn, Mrs. Golden embraced them like old friends and shared stories about her own experiences in the field with Bill.

This small group shares a deep passion to improve the health and lives of many. William Golden's legacy lives on in accomplished and dedicated UC Davis graduate students who will change the world in their own magnificent ways.