The Picnic Day Board of Directors last week named the marshal for the 2023 parade: Cecelia Maikai-Beard, a Cuarto Dining Commons staff member who has grown popular among students in the 10-plus years she has worked for UC Davis.

“Cecelia Maikai-Beard exemplifies what it means to be a UC Davis community member — making her impact with her day-to-day selflessness and through her consistent and countless experiences with students here at UC Davis,” Jesse Goodman, chair of Picnic Day’s board of directors, said in a news release.

The board called Maikai-Beard “beloved” and said she is always willing to support students by lending a sympathetic ear.

“Many students appreciate her friendly smile and cheerful demeanor when they come into the Cuarto Dining Commons after a long day,” the news release said. ”Cecelia is known for her motivational mottos such as ‘Magnificent Mondays,’ ‘Wonderful Wednesdays,’ ‘Thumbs up Thursdays,’ and ‘Fantastic Fridays.’”

As parade marshal, Maikai-Beard will address the crowd during the Picnic Day opening ceremonies and will ride in the parade as it winds it way through downtown Davis and returns to campus.

This year’s Picnic Day, scheduled for Saturday, April 15, is the 109th installment of the campus open house, believed to be the largest student-run event in the nation. Some 200 events are planned, including live music, exhibitions, a children’s fair, athletics, animal events and more.