Porter College

Leading at the intersection of innovation and social justice. UC Santa Cruz is part of the world’s most celebrated system of public higher education, and stands among the most renowned institutions of higher learning.

Cynthia Larive is the 11th chancellor of UC Santa Cruz, an institution with an interdisciplinary approach to research for the public good and a commitment to social and environmental justice.

Porter College was founded in 1969 as the fifth of UC Santa Cruz’s residential colleges and was later renamed in honor of a generous grant from the Porter-Sesnon family.

Porter College is a vibrant community of students, teachers, artists, scholars, counselors, and friends, living and learning together in the belief that a liberal arts education is a life-changing experience to which everyone is entitled.

Porter College fosters academic achievement, with a focus on the arts as part of a well-rounded education.

A global research university with an uncommon emphasis on undergraduate research and education, UC Santa Cruz is part of the world’s most celebrated system of public higher education, and stands among the most renowned institutions of higher learning.

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Matthew Prescott, a graduate of UC Santa Cruz’s Porter College with a degree in film and digital media, edits the TV drama *All American* and has worked on Oscar-winning films like *Get Out* at Blumhouse. His career spans five seasons of *All American* and post-production roles in major Hollywood productions. Prescott’s journey highlights the transition from academic study to high-profile entertainment industry work.

Oct 2026UC Santa Cruz NewsNews article

Serena Ramirez, a UC Santa Cruz alumna, works at Pivotal and collaborates with Northeastern University. She studied intensive psychology and critical race and ethnic studies during her time at Porter College. Ramirez grew up in Gilroy, a town near UC Santa Cruz.

Aug 2026UC Santa Cruz NewsNews article

Pixar editor Kevin Nolting, a UC Santa Cruz alumnus, leads workshops for emerging filmmakers at the university. His decades-long career includes contributions to iconic animated films. The program aims to mentor students in storytelling and editing techniques.

Jun 2026UC Santa Cruz NewsNews article