Meet CCS Parents Mary and Jim Ehrets

CCS parents Mary and Jim Ehrets discuss the impact CCS had on their son

Our son James is a 2019 physics graduate from the College of Creative Studies, and will begin graduate work in physics at Harvard this fall.  We are proud that James was selected as a 2018 Worster Summer Fellowship recipient along with 3 other CCS physics students. 

Having received his International Baccalaureate diploma from Niwot High School, he wanted to continue to be challenged in his undergraduate studies with a focus in physics.  A rather late discovery of the CCS program at UCSB accompanied by an eleventh-hour decision to attend has not only provided a remarkable college experience, but also produced the incredible opportunity to continue his studies at one of the top institutions in the world. It is clear that James received an outstanding education at UCSB and has been exposed to research opportunities that have reinforced his interest in physics.  Through CCS, James has also built strong academic relationships and made great friends.

Through CCS, James has also built strong academic relationships and made great friends. 

If not for UCSB’s general reputation for physics and encouraging Internet references specific to the CCS program, we may not have experienced our good fortune.  Consequently, we have become unofficial ambassadors in our area by telling our story and encouraging others to look into the program while making their college decisions.  During our many visits over the past four years, we have developed a great appreciation for the general Santa Barbara area, the local communities of Goleta and Isla Vista, and the UCSB campus.  We believe this is a fantastic environment for a university experience, and as a measure of our appreciation we will continue to visit Santa Barbara and UCSB.

We are thankful for the CCS program and for the educators and staff who have taught and guided our son.

We are thankful for the CCS program and for the educators and staff who have taught and guided our son. We had the privilege of meeting several of those directly involved in our son’s education, and we plan to continue our financial support of the CCS program so that other students and parents might have the opportunity to replicate our experience.