The average college graduate is $20,000 in debt – but the Cal Aggie Alumni Association has a plan to ensure their fees don’t add to the weight on recent graduates’ shoulders. Currently, CAAA dues are paid after a student graduates – should they choose to become a member. New alumni can choose either to pay a $50 yearly fee, or a $700 lump sum for a life membership.

Researchers have successfully used adult human stem cells to coax new blood vessel growth and restore blood flow in mice with artery damage to their legs. The study provides important clues behind the therapeutic properties of these cells,which have already shown promise in early human trials for treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD),a debilitating condition that can require amputation of affected limbs.

This week started the same as every other.The inevitable traipse down the hall of my apartment,the soft rap on my roommate’s door and my whining voice saying, “Emilyyyyy,I haveno idea what I’m going to write for my column this week.“

The University of California Student Association is using YouTube tactics to demonstrate flaws in graduate health care. Graduate students are invited and encouraged to submit a video online at ucsa.org to share their experiences with the Graduate Student Health Insurance Program,or GSHIP.UCSA plans to show the testimonials at the nextregentsmeeting,in July. Regents and decision-makers aren’t aware of the impact that cuts have on the clients and services of GSHIP,and video testimonials show the reality,saidLucero Chavez,president of the UCSA.

When I was a wee child, I desperately wanted a Power Rangers Megazord so, I asked for one for my birthday. I often couldn’t sleep at night, imagining how happy I would be on the glorious day that transforming plastic robot of justice would finally be mine. My birthday couldn’t seem to arrive fast enough, so one day I decided to take a harmless peek in the back of my parents’ closet where I knew they always hid our presents. Finding it almost immediately and not yet wrapped, I cradled my prize like Koko the gorillamight one of her kittens.

Well,this is it.After two years of recklessly spilling my ideas,beliefs and opinions all over the Tuesday edition of The California Aggie,I now find myself desperately trying to tie them all together for what will be my final statement to the UC Davisstudent population. Some people might look at my last60or so columns and find inconsistencies,such as, “How can you support limited government intervention,and at the same time demand state and federal funding for higher education?” The answer to this question is simple,and if you really think about,probably the closest thing to a central theme you’re likely to find in any of my writing.

UC regents may have less control over their policy– including their pay– if a proposed constitutional amendment passes giving managing control of the institution to state legislators. Five legislators,including Senators Leland Yee and Roy Ashburn,held a press conference last Wednesday to announce their authorship of an amendment to the California constitution that would remove theregents‘ autonomy.

This weekend members of ASUCD presented their proposed budgets for the2009-2010school year for the senate’s consideration. Hearings of the budget occurred throughout Friday,Saturday and Sunday on campus.The hearings are required to take place every year in order to allow ASUCD senatorsan opportunityto examine and modify the budgets of all units,such as UNITRANS,the Bike Barn or Pathfinder.

“You don’t have enough experience.” That’s what theSacramento Bee told me when I applied for an internship last summer.One of the editors told me that while having a column was good and all,I barely did any real journalism.He told me that if I ever wanted to work at a newspaper after college,I should maybe quit the column and try reporting. Around this time,I also received a very livid piece of hate mail (I’m very fortunate to have only received a few throughout the years).You should have read the thing.It was just seething with absolute hatred.

As my time at UC Davis as an undergraduate and as the Aggie Pack emcee comes to a close,I thought it would be appropriate to say a formal and fond farewell to you,the students.After all,my undergraduate experience would not have been even close to what it was if it was not for the Aggie Pack you created.Together,we have successfully ushered in Division I,opened Aggie Stadium,beaten Stanford11times and have brought Aggie Pride to a new level.All in all,we have created a tremendous community of Aggies.

In business news this week,Forever21plans a move to Davis and Fuzio Universal Bistro opens in a new building on G Street. Out with the old As Gottschalks prepares to move out of the University Mall this summer,apparel retailer Forever21is looking to move in. Known among young women for its affordable and chic clothing,Forever21recently placed bids to take over16Gottschalks stores,including the one in Davis.A judge could approve the deal within a week,according to the Sacramento Business Journal. The U-Mall store is34,000square feet,much larger than the typical size of a Forever21location,according to reports.

TODAY Water Justice: Local and Global Perspectives Noon 3201 Hart Check out this panel discussion sponsored by the John Muir Institute of the Environment. Open Mic Night with SickSpits 7 to 10 p.m. Griffin Lounge Open Mic Night is a free event, and lets artists showcase their talent. Studentscan enjoy a night of spoken word and acoustic performances. Please arrive early, as seating is limited.