Remembering Dustin: Memorial Bench at UC Davis

My name is Adam Rix, and I’m working in collaboration with UC Davis staff to raise funds for a memorial bench in honor of my longtime friend, Dustin Alexander.

Dustin was a UC Davis graduate student and a dedicated Teaching Assistant, known for his passion, drive, and intellect. He tragically passed away in March due to unexpected medical complications.

Dustin cared deeply about justice, equity, and the power of policy to drive meaningful change. He spent much of his life driving change at the local level; volunteering with animal welfare organizations, supporting women’s rights, and untangling the complex roots of inequality to help bring clarity and action to the issues that mattered most.

It’s no surprise that Dustin found a kindred community in the faculty and graduate students at UC Davis. He was proud to be part of the program, both for the academic rigor and the shared vision of making a difference. He was especially proud of his role as a TA, where he could encourage others to think critically and empathetically.

We hope to honor Dustin’s legacy by dedicating a memorial bench on the UC Davis campus. The bench will include a custom 4" x 6" plaque and serve as a place for reflection, rest, and remembrance for all who knew him—and for those who will follow in his footsteps.

You can learn more about the UC Davis memorial bench program here:

https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/dedications/bench

Thank you for helping us preserve Dustin’s memory and his lasting impact on the UC Davis community.