Closing in on a Decade of the Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program
It has been nearly a decade since I first announced the formation of the Chancellor’s Associates Scholars Program (CASP). The generosity of our Chancellor’s Associates has helped more than 2,000 high-achieving students whose families lack the resources to send them to college realize their dreams of attending UC San Diego.
In 2013, we started with three partner high schools in San Diego. With continued philanthropic support from donors like you, CASP has expanded to provide scholarships to qualified admitted students from eight local partner high schools, Reality Changers, and community colleges and federally recognized Native American tribes from across the state.
CASP covers the cost of tuition, books, housing, basic needs and public transportation, and provides student support programming specifically designed to meet the needs of first-generation college students. We do this not only to ensure access to a UC education, but also to ensure these students can thrive in their studies and beyond.
The wise investments made in these scholars continue to pay out dividends. I am particularly proud to see so many CASP alumni return to campus to support new scholars. Not only do they attend our annual events, but they volunteer to mentor scholars and donate to the scholarship fund. Their involvement improves, evolves and adds tremendous value to the program. And we could not be more grateful.
As we close in on our 10th anniversary, I want to thank you for helping make the Chancellor’s Associates Scholars Program so successful. Through annual gifts and through scholarship endowments, you have made the difference. Thank you for your partnership, for your excitement and for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Pradeep K. Khosla
Chancellor
Campus is alive with the buzz of new and returning scholars. There are nearly 1,200 Chancellor’s Associates Scholars on campus today, including 348 new scholars that we welcomed this fall.
In this season of thanks, I want to express my deep gratitude for those of you who have supported Chancellor’s Associates Scholarships. Your commitment to equity and social change means students of all backgrounds have access to a UC San Diego education. It’s an opportunity that allows scholars to study subjects they’re passionate about and sets them up for career success.
Interested in meeting some of our scholars? Don’t forget to register below for our colloquium on December 1, 2022, to meet Chancellor’s Associates Scholars and alumni. I hope to see you there!
Happy holidays and thank you for your commitment to Chancellor’s Associates.
Sincerely,
David E. Buccigrossi ’79, MD ’84
Chair, Chancellor’s Associates
Laura Castro, Preuss ’14, ’19
Laura Castro is the first in her family to graduate college. “My parents are immigrants from Mexico and didn’t have the opportunity to continue their studies due to their financial hardships back home. As the eldest of three children, I helped set a foundation to encourage my younger siblings to also attend higher education,” says Castro.
She credits her teachers at The Preuss School UC San Diego for pushing her to achieve academic excellence through summer programs and eventually pursuing undergraduate degrees in political science and urban studies and planning from UC San Diego. Castro was shy when she started college, but the Chancellor’s Associates Scholars Program (CASP) paired her with with another first-generation student, which helped her build confidence. Taking courses in astrobiology and acting, and pursuing new experiences like studying abroad, expanded her view of what was possible.
“The scholarship meant more than having financial stability during my undergraduate career. I also had an amazing social network that I could tap into when I needed it,” says Castro. She found a mentor in Vice Chancellor Becky Petitt, who recommended her for grad school at Virginia Tech, where Castro is now pursuing a masters of urban planning in hopes of becoming a transportation planner.
Learn more about our other scholars and alumni.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Earlier this year, Vertex Pharmaceuticals committed a gift to Chancellor’s Associates and the Chancellor’s Associates Scholars Program, hoping to inspire the next generation to choose STEM and biotechnology careers. Vertex Pharmaceuticals is committed to partnering with schools and students who have traditionally been underrepresented in science. The company, which discovered all of its cystic fibrosis medicines in San Diego and has an R&D pipeline in multiple other serious diseases, is expanding their outreach to support the local community through several STEAM education initiatives.
Vertex is supporting two current scholars, Noseiba Suleiman ’26, a general biology major at Revelle College, and Vanessa Alvarez ’26, a public health major at Muir College. Both scholars graduated from Crawford High School, which Vertex partners with to bring students hands-on learning opportunities and provide them with opportunities to explore STEM careers. As Vertex Pharmaceuticals Chancellor’s Associates Scholars, Noseiba and Vanessa will have access to the company’s San Diego Learning Lab, where they will meet Vertex scientists, engage in real-world experiments and have dedicated mentors. They will also have an opportunity to participate in the company’s college internship program.
“By supporting CASP, we aim to create these pathways into STEM for students at UC San Diego, which we believe can be transformative for the CASP scholars and the biotech industry as a whole. We are excited to be able to deepen Vertex’s partnership with the San Diego community while also providing opportunities for the CASP scholars to gain hands-on experience and mentorship during their college internship at Vertex,” says Melodie Knowlton, senior director of community affairs and global head of STEAM education at Vertex.
Enrico Bernardo ’96 and Patricia Arraraz ’96
Enrico Bernardo and Patricia Arraraz first became alumni donors when they sponsored the Triton 5K in 2016.
“The 5K route brought back wonderful memories of our time as students. The race made its way past Ocean View dining, bringing back freshman memories of weekend meals with a great view. For some reason, the burgers and curly fries always tasted better there. As the race progressed toward Revelle College, it brought back memories of us rushing from our dorms to an early class or taking a nice evening stroll back home after a late night study session from Geisel Library,” says Enrico Bernardo.
Since that first race, Enrico and Patricia have run the Triton 5K with their children and explored other university campuses when they travel. They know that parents want the best college experience for their children but the cost may put it out of reach. “Establishing an endowment was our way of giving back to UC San Diego for the wonderful education and memories they gave us. It was also a way for us to encourage other grateful alumni to consider contributing to Chancellor's Associates so more California-based high school students who need a little help can attend UC San Diego ” says Enrico.
Learn more about our other supporters.
In Case You Missed It: Chancellor’s Associates Event Photos
On September 14, we held our Chancellor’s Associates Colloquium at UC San Diego Park & Market in downtown for a panel discussion on the San Diego Economic Forecast: Opportunities and Challenges for our Binational Region. Moderator Daniel Enemark, MA ’08, PhD ’12, was joined by Caroline Freund, dean of the School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS), and Kenia Zamarripa, executive director of international business affairs at the San Diego Regional Chamber, to learn how the CaliBaja megaregion is helping to transform our region and our workforce.
On September 26, the Chancellor’s Associates Scholars Program (CASP) office hosted their annual Academic Year Kickoff event. Joined by Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla, new CASP scholars had the opportunity to connect with fellow scholars, staff and alumni as they embark on their academic journey at UC San Diego.
See photo event highlights.
Volunteer Opportunity: English-in-Action (EIA) Conversation Program
Are you globally-minded and interested in helping international visitors improve their English fluency? The UC San Diego International Students & Programs English-in-Action (EIA) Conversation Program is looking for Chancellor’s Associates volunteers who would enjoy meeting with an international student, scholar or spouse weekly for an hour or two to assist them in improving their English conversation skills and share American culture. Conversation leaders can work with participants individually or in small groups. Meetings typically take place at a location on or off campus that is convenient for both parties or online.
You do not need knowledge of foreign languages or teaching experience. EIA volunteers attend an orientation session and have access to International Students & Programs Office resources. To apply or for more information, visit eia.ucsd.edu.
Questions? Please email Shelly Taskin at eia@ucsd.edu.
Gift Planning
Year End Support and Tax Saving Opportunities
As we approach the end of 2022, here are some ideas to help you support Chancellor’s Associates Scholarships and provide tax savings too.
Stocks and Securities: A gift of appreciated securities owned longer than one year can be deducted at fair market value and you will avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD): Whether or not you itemize, if you are at least 70½, you can make a QCD from your IRA to support Chancellor’s Associates. A QCD is not included in your reportable taxable income. In addition, if you are at least 72, your 2023 required minimum distribution will be calculated based in part on the value of your IRA at the end of 2022, so a QCD in 2022 can help you manage your financial situation in 2023, including your annual Medicare contributions and your overall tax picture.
Donor Advised Fund: Now is a great time to contribute to an existing fund and enjoy a tax savings when you itemize. You can recommend a grant to Chancellor’s Associates.
To learn more about these charitable giving ideas or for answers to any planned gift question, please contact Kim Wenrick in the Office of Gift Planning at kwenrick@ucsd.edu or at (858)761-2099.
UC San Diego Magazine
Have you seen the digital version of the new UC San Diego Magazine? Don’t miss the article highlighting the Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship Program, A Decade of Scholarship. Please share with your network.
Events for November, December, January
UC San Diego Basketball Season
November 7, 2022 – March 4, 2023
UC San Diego LionTree Arena
Tickets are available at the Triton Box Office
Campaign Close Celebration
November 19, 2022
6 p.m.
UC San Diego LionTree Arena
Chancellor's Associates Colloquium:
The Hunt for the Next Earth
December 1, 2022
5:30 – 7 p.m.
UC San Diego Design and Innovation Building
CASP Meetup:
Hosted by Chancellor’s Associates Council members, Starr Culver ’14
and Francisco Peralta Vargas ’20
December 1, 2022
4:45 p.m.
UC San Diego Design and Innovation Building
UC San Diego Fall Regional Celebrations
San Francisco
December 7, 2022
6 – 8 p.m.
San Francisco Design Center Galleria
UC San Diego Fall Regional Celebrations
Los Angeles
March 21, 2023
6 – 8 p.m.
GRAMMY Museum
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If you’d like to renew your Chancellor’s Associates gift online, click below.
You now have the option to designate your Chancellor’s Associates gift to a school, impacting the lives of scholars across campus.
About Chancellor’s Associates:
We believe in proactive philanthropy — the kind that breaks boundaries and levels the playing field for motivated learners. We are a community of supporters including alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends who partner with Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla to address UC San Diego’s most urgent priority: broadening access to higher education. Since 2013, more than 2,000 Chancellor’s Associates scholarships have been awarded to high-achieving, deserving students who are often the first in their families to attend college. Together, we change lives. Learn more at chancellorsassociates.ucsd.edu.
For any questions, please email ca@ucsd.edu or call (858) 822-2540.
