Alumni Association Scholarship Fund
Thirty years ago, a group of visionary UCSC alumni saw that student financial needs were growing and jumped at the opportunity to help. They started the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund in 1991, with five gifts totaling just over $600 in scholarship support. The financial needs of students have increased exponentially since this scholarship fund was established—your help is needed now more than ever.
Everyone who donates to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund is supporting high-achieving freshmen and transfer students who are working hard to earn their degree while navigating financial hardship.
Alumni volunteers select new students to receive the Alumni Association Scholarship every year. Every student selected continues receiving their $3,000 annual award until they graduate, as long as they maintain a good academic standing.
We celebrated the 30th anniversary of the scholarship last year, raising over $131,000 with the help of over 500 donors. It was a great celebration of this remarkable legacy of alumni supporting students.
A BIG THANK YOU to the scholarship’s wise founders and generous donors. Here what the students have to say about what this scholarship means to them.
- $1.86 million has been distributed to students
- 100% of the scholarship aid goes to students with high financial need and an excellent academic record
- 788 Scholarships awarded to date
- 65% of student recipients are from historically minoritized backgrounds
- 43 students are currently receiving this scholarship
The Eric Thomas Memorial Award
Established in 2004, is awarded to one student 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.
We want to ensure that your future donation is honored, and your legacy lives on. Gifts made in memory of Eric Thomas are added the the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.
If you are interested in making a gift through our Planned Gifts Office, let us know.Alumni making a difference!
Give. Support. Celebrate.
