World AIDS Day 2026

Sign up through RSVP link below to attend as many of the events as fit your schedule and interests. We request sign-ups for the Quilting Bee and Reception by 11/10/26 to help us plan catering.

Three of the events count towards University Honors Program priority registration: those events are marked with an #. There will be a sign-in sheet at the CEJ welcome table (available at the end of each event) where students can mark attendance for those earning UHP credit or credit from a specific course.

# Quilting Bee 4:05-5:15 p.m.: a fun service-learning project where students will learn the history of the epidemic and assist Quilt Project Gold Coast in making quilts in memory of local residents who died from complications of HIV/AIDS. Supplies will be provided; no artistic/sewing skills are required to help. RSVP by 11/10/26 through link below.

Public Health Careers & Advocacy Reception 5:45-6:20 p.m.: visit tables hosted by local organizations focused on HIV/AIDS, collect stickers on your "passport" to win a spin at the prize wheel, and enjoy a light dinner while you learn about important public health resources. RSVP by 11/10/26 through link below.

# Keynote Panel 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Dr. Adina Nack (Public Health & Sociology) will host local experts, including Jane Ward (VCPH Surveillance & Linkage to Care Coordinator) and Ventura County's Public Health Officer, Dr. Uldine Castel, MD, who will share her medical experiences navigating the US epidemic with a focus on local health and policy updates; followed by Q&A with the audience. (No RSVP required.)

# "Positively Speaking" & Candlelight Vigil 7:40-8:30 p.m.: you'll hear from a local resident living with HIV/AIDS and then be invited to participate in a nondenominational vigil lead by Dr. Peter Carlson (Religion) to honor those living with HIV/AIDS, those who have passed and allies/advocates. (No RSVP required.)

Art as Activism Exhibit: Display of AIDS Memorial Quilts from Quilt Project Gold Coast will be available to view throughout the events.

Thanks to our campus co-sponsors (below) and also for support from the HIV/AIDS Coalition of Ventura County, including Ventura County Public Health, Quilt Project Gold Coast, Diversity Collective Ventura County, and Planned Parenthood California Central Coast

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