Conceived by noted American sculptor Aris Demetrios, "Beginnings" consists of two gently curving, vertical stainless steel arms, each about 40 feet high, rising from a large circular base. The burnished stainless steel sculpture is located at the open end of the quad in the academic core of campus, facing the city of Merced. Demetrios, a renowned contemporary sculptor whose large-scale works can be seen throughout the world, proposed the design after visiting the campus and learning about its mission. 

Former Acting Chancellor Rod Park and his wife, Cathy, were the primary donors and visionaries for the project. Generous donations from the artist, the Bob and Marie Gallo family, and John, Joseph and Fred T. Franzia of Bronco Winery made the work possible.