The UC Board of Regents and UC Student Association published statements following the death of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein on Sept. 29, extending their condolences for her passing. 

Feinstein served as California’s senior senator and was the longest-serving female senator in history. Along with her late husband Richard Blum — the former chair of the UC Board of Regents — Feinstein was involved in advocacy work for higher education and for the UC. She passed away at 90 years old, bringing in tributes and condolences nationally. 

The UC Board of Regents mourns U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein’s passing in a statement published on behalf of the UC community. Courtesy of Senator Dianne Feinstein

The UC Board of Regents Chair Richard Leib published a statement on behalf of the UC community, mourning her passing and her political impact. 

“The University of California community is mourning the passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, a historic figure who blazed a path for countless women in politics and fought for decades on behalf of underserved communities in California,” Leib said. 

Leib remarked on Feinstein’s advocacy for higher education and the UC. 

“Senator Feinstein advocated for higher education and UC on many occasions, helping to secure funding for critical research and support programs that make a college degree possible for students of all backgrounds,” he said. “Her commitment to California and higher education complemented the work done by her late husband, Richard Blum, a longtime member and former chair of the UC Board of Regents and a staunch supporter of the University of California.” 

The statement concluded with condolences to her loved ones. 

“Senator Feinstein’s positive impact on our state and the nation are undeniable, and her loss will be deeply felt by all,” Leib said. “We extend our sincere condolences to her loved ones today — the University of California grieves with you.”

The UC Student Association praised Feinstein for her work in office through points in political history. 

“Senator Feinstein’s story is California’s story. She was there for the darker pages of our history, such as the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk,” the statement read. “She fought for our brightest values and ideals, such as her stand against government-sanctioned torture or her drive to increase representation at the highest levels.”

“Most of all, she was a trailblazer who fought valiantly for our state.”

The statement reflected on Feinstein’s advocacy for educational funding and college student support.

“Her late husband served as a Regent of our system, and she was a staunch advocate for increased educational funding and student support,” the statement read. “As a towering figure in the Senate, she leaves behind a long legacy of public service.”

A version of this article appeared on p. 4 of the Oct. 5, 2023 print edition of the Daily Nexus.

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Asumi Shuda
Asumi Shuda (they/them) is the Lead News Editor for the 2023-24 school year. Previously, Shuda was the Deputy News Editor, Community Outreach News Editor for the 2022-23 school year and the 2021-22 school year and an Assistant News Editor during the 2020-21 school year. They can be reached at asumishuda@dailynexus.com or news@dailynexus.com.