The UC Davis Retirees Association (UCDRA) recognizes and honors the service of staff members, both active and retired.

UCDRA Career Enhancement Award

The  UCDRA grants a career enhancement award to UC Davis employees who are furthering their education. The UCDRA partners with Staff Assembly to choose the recipients and process the awards. This grant is funded by the "25 for 25" endowment campaign launced in 2014 in recognition of the association's 25th anniversary. In 2018, a $25,000 gift by the late Lorena Herrig has given the UC Davis Retirees Association Staff Scholarship Fund a welcome boost, allowing it to be endowed. Read more about the Lorena Herrig Career Enhancement Award.

To see the recipients of the Career Enhancement Award, visit this UCDRA webpage.

Service Recognition Award Programs

Annual recognition is bestowed to active members through the following award programs:

The Charlie E. Hess Founders' Award

One of the principal advocates of founding the UC Davis Retiree Center was Charlie Hess. On the 10th anniversary of the Retiree Center (Dec. 2016), Charlie Hess was recognized for his efforts and commitment, and the award was established in his name. Each year, an emeritus/ae or staff retiree who has made extraordinary contribution is honored with this award. See list of Founders' Award recipients through the years.

Outstanding Service Honorees Award

Each year, a member-in-good-standing of UCDRA, is awarded the Outstanding Service Honoree Award for providing extraordinary service in support of the UCDRA, such as serving on the UCDRA Executive Board and/or contributing in additional ways such as engaging in additional community service or engaging in innovative problem solving and advocacy activities of benefit to UC Davis retirees. See list of Outstanding Service Honorees through the years.

The UCDRA Outstanding Service Honoree is invited to ride in the Picnic Day Carriage in the annual Picnic Day parade in downtown Davis.