This scholarship is named in honor of the first graduate from the College for Women, Therese Truitt Whitcomb '53. Alumni continually express their gratitude to the University for the excellent academic, spiritual, physical and emotional development that USD provided. Many of the alumni recognize that if financial assistance was not available they would not have been able to attend USD. For this reason, USD alumni created this scholarship in 2004 so that future students will have the opportunity to attend USD. The scholarship rewards students who have demonstrated exceptional service to the University and community.
Continue the USD experience. Give to the Therese Whitcomb '53 Scholarship Fund.
CURRENT USD STUDENTS:
Online application for the Therese Whitcomb ‘53 Scholarship will open on November 27, 2023 click here to apply.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be a current and returning USD undergraduate student who is in good standing.
• Must be returning the following academic year (not eligible for graduating students.)
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Demonstrate service to USD and/or the community.
• Special consideration given to legacy students, who are relatives of USD alumni.
• Special consideration given to transfer students.
ESSAY PROMPT:
Describe in 500 words your involvement and service to USD, the community and its impact.
Meet the USD Alumni Association Therese Whitcomb Scholars:
Tiana Fee, '24
Tiana is a senior majoring in marketing and real estate with minors in supply chain management, business management, and communication studies. She is the VP of Communications for Mortar Board, Philanthropy Chair for Kappa Alpha Theta, and a member of Phi Chi Theta, Real Estate Society, and American Marketing Association. Her career aspiration is to be a CMO and real estate broker after earning an MBA.
In her own words, "I would like to share my deepest gratitude with USD alumni and donors who have granted me this scholarship and made a significant contribution to my time at USD."
Maria do Carmo Rosa Osorio, '24
Maria is a fourth-year student from Lisbon, Portugal, double-majoring in International Business and Marketing. As a transfer and international student, Maria is proud of her joyful involvement in the USD community, through the the Student International Business Council (SIBC), University Ministry and Founders Chapel Choir. She also served as Brand Manager of the Torero Program Board for the 2022-2023 academic year, and balances her studies with a job in Auxiliary Services. Maria is passionate about anything creative and problem-solving. Her dream career includes becoming a marketer or strategic consultant, while contributing to a more peaceful and sustainable world.
In her own words, "My sincere, warm thank you to the USD alumni and donors who made this scholarship possible. Please know that you did much more than that: you helped fuel my dream of an international career for a better world. In the meantime, you helped me attend USD without financial concerns, being able to aim higher and cultivate my intellectual curiosity. Our school is blessed with an incredibly loving and empowering community, where I have grown and become a better version of myself. I strive to keep serving and giving back to this community, both as a student and future alumna, wherever my journey leads me."
Arissa Lelevier, '25
Arissa is entering her third year at USD as a Business Administration and Psychology double-major with a Law & Ethics minor. Throughout her years at USD thus far she has been involved in the Associated Student Government, Outdoor Adventures, and Student Activities & Involvement department on-campus. Additionally, she is an active participant in a variety of clubs including the Student International Business Council (SIBC), Women in Business (WIB), and Club Pickleball. In the future she hopes to improve equitable and high-quality access to medical care and support healthcare workers with interests in both business and medicine.
In her own words, "I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible scholarship you've generously awarded me. This scholarship not only lightens the financial burden of my college education but also serves as a source of inspiration and motivation. Knowing that alumni believe in my potential encourages me to work even harder to excel and make the most of this educational opportunity. Your generosity is not only an investment in my future but also a testament to the strong and supportive community that USD fosters. It's humbling to be part of such a wonderful tradition of alumni who care about the success and well-being of current students. I am committed to contribute positively to our college community, and eventually pay this kindness forward to future generations. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support. Your belief in me is a tremendous source of encouragement."
Therese Whitcomb Scholarship Recipients 2022-2023:
Andrea Gomez '23
Precious Perlas '23
Therese Whitcomb Scholarship Recipients 2021-2022:
Brenna Coyle '23
Eleanor Lazar '22
Erica Buyalos '22
Julia De Leon '22
Therese Whitcomb Scholarship Recipients 2020-2021:
Jennifer DeSantis '23
Rachel Valdez '21
Christina Ledford '23
Stephanie Maeda '21
Sarah Sisney '22
Therese Whitcomb Scholarship Recipients 2019-2020:
Valerie Jaimes '21
Nadeen Allah Werdi '20
Faiza Qureshi '21
Therese Whitcomb Scholarship Recipients 2018-2019:
Claudia Esquer '20
Jake Sanborn '20
Creighton Morfitt '19
Therese Whitcomb Scholarship Recipients 2016-2017:
TinTin Luu
Sydney Pidgeon
Ava Bellizzi
Mary Kuckertz