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Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund

Created, funded and directed by fellow USD alumni, the USD Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund was launched in 2006 to provide much-needed scholarships for USD students. Recipients of this scholarship are current USD students with financial need, strong academic merit and who give back to the USD and local community.

Over 90 percent of the gifts to this fund are annual gifts between $50 and $250. With the collective power of thousands of USD alumni, we have the ability to ensure future Toreros a USD experience.

Make a difference today. Give to the Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund,

Meet the 2012-13 Alumni Scholars:

Jessica Capaldi ’13  
  Jessica Capaldi is a senior and completing a double major in Biology and International Relations with a minor in Chemistry.  In addition to her rigorous academic studies, Jessica is also very involved in extra-curricular activities.

This year, she has taken on leadership roles in a pre-professional organization as the president of the USD American Medical Student Association, and in Greek Life as vice president of programming of Phi Delta Epsilon.  She is also working with Dr. Clark and conducting undergraduate chemical research.  Next year, she hopes to attend medical school.

Maral Derkhorenian ’13 (MEd)
  Maral Derkhorenian is currently in the second year of the marital and family therapy program. As part of her practicum, she helps families suffering mental health ailments at UCSD Family Medicine. From a young age growing up in Lebanon, she dreamed of attending graduate school in the U.S.

She shared, “Being named one of the USD Alumni Association scholars is helping me turn my dream into reality. Thank you for your generosity.”

Jeanette Gonzalez ’08 (BA), ’11 (MA), ’14 (PhD)
  Jeanette Gonzalez is a graduate student in Peace Studies. The highlight of the program has been the powerful immersion experiences that sparked her passion in social justice and inspired her to be a changemaker. She plans to integrate peace studies education into domestic or international work with marginalized peoples in Latin America working with indigenous communities in post-conflict countries. She said, “I am grateful for this scholarship and I hope to make you proud of my accomplishments. I will use my valuable skills gained at USD to be a peacemaker. Thank you, donors, for your generosity and commitment to supporting students in achieving their dreams.”

Elisabeth Jelinek ’14
 
  Elisabeth Jelinek is a Political Science major with minors in English and Law & Ethics. She plans to continue her studies in law school. She is involved on campus through a special education volunteer group called Cool Club, the pre-law fraternity Phi Alpha Delta, intramural sports, and reading at Founders Chapel masses.

She said, “Thank you so much for your support and for the support of the donors - it is greatly appreciated.”


Valerie Townsend Livesay '06 (MA), '13 (PhD)
 

Valerie is a doctoral candidate in pursuit of her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. Her research focuses on the ways in which human development impacts leader development. Valerie plans to translate her work through consulting and teaching in higher education. She said, "I can't begin to express how honored I am to have received the USD Alumni Endowed Scholarship.  I, too, have been a committed donor to this fund, understanding the difference this kind of support can make in the life of a student. And, now it has made a difference in my life. This year, my full time job is to research and write my dissertation. Thank you for your commitment to and generosity in making a way for a fellow Torero!”

 


Michael Mazzarella ’13
  Michael Mazzarella is an English major with a minor in sociology. He is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and is a member of Mortar Board. Michael intends to pursue a career as a professional writer.

Georgina Partridge ’14

 

Georgina Partridge is currently studying abroad in Oxford, England. While she is there, she is volunteering at St. Nicholas's Autism Resource Center.

She said, “Thank you again, I am blessed to be working towards doing something that I love while at USD.”
 
Kelsey Perry ’13
 
 

Kelsey Perry is a senior majoring in sociology with minors in anthropology and Peace Studies. She is very concerned with the social issues affecting this country and the entire world. She hopes to understand how individuals can help make tangible, positive social change. During the summer, she worked on a grassroots campaign concerning social issues and human rights.

She said, “Thank you, alumni, for the gift of this scholarship to assist me in my pursuit of knowledge and social change."

 
Sedona Lercara Ragan ’15
  Sedona Lercara Ragan is a sophomore studying biology.  She is a council member for the Out-of-State Student Council and a member of Alpha Delta Pi. She hopes to go on to medical school and become a pediatrician.

She said, “Thank you to the Alumni Association for the scholarship.”


Sarah Walbridge ’15
 
  Sarah Walbridge is interested in accounting and international business as well as Spanish. Her involvement at USD started off right on the first day of classes with the Out of State Student Council.

She said, “To the USD alumni, I would like to thank you so much for awarding me this scholarship. I truly appreciate your generosity as I continue my studies in the business school at USD."

 
Jessica Williams ’13 (MEd)
  Jessica Williams is a graduate student in the leadership studies. Last year, she led the Black Graduate Student Association’s initiatives with the Center of Inclusion and Diversity. She planned and attended many programs geared toward creating a welcoming and inclusive campus community at USD. Her doctoral research focuses on the role spirituality plays in decision making. She hopes to use her research in student development in higher education.

She said, “I am extremely grateful and excited to be a recipient of the Alumni Endowment Scholarship Award! As a doctoral student, it is nice to know, USD supports and encourages my academic success.”