The state’s newest University of California, UC Merced, will celebrate the 10 year anniversary of its Oct. 25, 2002 groundbreaking next week.

A series of Founders Day events will be held Oct. 25-27, recognizing founding faculty, staff, donors, trustees and government officials.

On Oct. 25, the university will participate in Merced’s final Market on Main, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. More than 50 campus groups will participate, demonstrating research, athletics, and community projects. Community members can sign up for a campus tour the following weekend.

Also on Oct. 25, UC Merced’s Vital and Alice Pellissier Distinguished Speaker Series will host Colgate University Professor Anthony F. Aveni. His 6 p.m. presentation, entitled “The End of Time: The Maya Mystery of 2012,” is free and open to the public. Seat reservations are available by calling 228-RSVP or e-mailing specialevents@ucmerced.edu.

From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 26, UC Merced faculty and staff will enjoy an ice cream social in the Lantern. Students will hold a Blue and Gold Founders Day student event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. that same day, with pizza, a spirit contest, face painting, and a photo booth.

Alumni can celebrate Founders Day during an Oct. 27 UC Merced Alumni Association meeting and luncheon. Concluding the celebration will be an invitation-only UC Merced Founders Day Celebration on Oct. 27.