Alumni Association Scholarship Fund

Alumni supporting students

In 1991, a group of visionary UCSC alumni saw that students’ financial needs were growing and jumped at the opportunity to help. With five gifts totaling just over $600, they started the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. This fund continues to support students today, but financial needs have increased exponentially since, and your help is needed now more than ever.

The Alumni Association Scholarship Fund supports high-achieving students working hard to earn their degree while navigating financial hardship. Alumni volunteers select new students to receive scholarships each year. Every student selected receives an annual award of $3,000 until they graduate, as long as they maintain a good academic standing.

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The Eric Thomas Memorial Award

Established in 2004, this award is given to one of the Alumni Association Scholarship recipients each year, who best reflects the spirit of Eric Thomas, a beloved former UCSC Alumni Association President. 

Eric offered a helping hand to whoever needed one. He was a leader who embraced and symbolized what we believe are two key takeaways from our UCSC experience: making the world a better place one small act at a time, and having a good time doing it.

Please note if your scholarship donation is given in memory of Eric Thomas.

If you are interested in making a gift through our Planned Gifts Office, let us know.

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Last modified: Feb 07, 2024