A New Chapter Begins
Welcome to a new academic year! As scholars step onto campus for the first time or return to their familiar halls, there’s a palpable sense of energy and possibility in the air. This is a season for our scholars to dream boldly, work diligently and grow in ways that strengthen both individual lives and our shared future.
Each of us carries a story. If you attended our Waves of Impact event last year, you heard the story of Ed Vea ’25, whose journey has taken him from nights in his car to nights at the Geisel Library preparing for his master’s program at the School of Global Policy and Strategy. Stories like Ed’s remind us why we come together as Chancellor’s Associates – they make clear that support is not abstract, but a lifeline that change futures.
As members of Chancellor’s Associates, we have stories worth sharing. What moved you to step into this community? What do you hope your impact will be this year? You can share your perspective in our new Chancellor's Associates Voices survey, or connect with our team one-on-one through a quick 15-minute Chancellor's Associates chat. Your reflections strengthen the ties within our community and help shape the story of Chancellor's Associates
itself.
In 2026, we’ll commemorate the 60th anniversary of Chancellor's Associates — a milestone that invites us to reflect on the legacy we’ve built together. We are all part of this legacy. Let’s carry it forward by adding our own voices to the collective Chancellor's Associates story and show the next generation what this community makes possible.
Warmly,
Nina Bacas ’87
Chair, Chancellor’s Associates
Chancellor's Associates Celebrates 60 Years
UC San Diego's second chancellor, John Galbraith (right), overlooking Scripps Pier.
In 1966, UC San Diego’s second Chancellor John Galbraith established Chancellor’s Associates, a community of supporters that gave to a discretionary fund which provided critical funds where they were most needed. Over the years, some funds were used to create the Chancellor’s Associates Faculty endowed chairs with 9 different chairs throughout UC San Diego schools to recruit and retain exceptional faculty.
When Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla assumed his leadership role, he prioritized the need to provide a loan-free path to admitted students that faced significant financial hardship.
In 2013, Chancellor’s Associates gifts were redirected towards the Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship and we welcomed our first cohort of 42 scholars. Today, there are 1,300 scholars who have graduated from the program and more than 1,000 scholars currently on campus.
Welcome Our New Chancellor's Associates Council Members
The Chancellor's Associates Council welcomes two new members, Stephen F. Flaim and Alan Tornel ‘20. Stephen has been a committed supporter of the program for over two decades, and Alan is a CASP alumnus with firsthand knowledge of the program's impact on scholars and their families. Learn more about our Chancellor's Associates council members.
Our council members are active ambassadors that expand our network at home and abroad. Through thoughtful leadership, they establish a culture of collaborative philanthropy to address UC San Diego's critical priorities and advance Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla's vision for academic excellence.
Brian and Paula Powers Chancellor's Associates Inspiration Challenge
We're excited to share that we are already 16.3% of the way toward our $1M goal in the Brian and Paula Powers Chancellor’s Associates Inspiration Challenge. With a 1:1 current-use match, every qualifying dollar you give will immediately expand access and opportunity – helping ensure success is determined by potential, not circumstance.
If you haven't already, there are several ways you (and others) can participate.
- Making a new, first-time gift of $2,500 or more to Chancellor’s Associates
- Upgrading your current Chancellor’s Associates giving
- Making an eligible employer matching gift
- Making two-year or four-year commitments of $5,000 per year (for a total of $10,000 or $20,000). These commitments (with matching support) create a named Chancellor’s Associates scholarship for transfer scholars (two years) or incoming first-year scholars (four years)
Now, more than ever, your support is critical in helping every scholar reach their full potential. Thank you for believing in this work and for sharing this opportunity with your network to inspire even more impact.
Estate Planning Made Easy
It’s never too early or late to plan for the future and ensure that the people and organizations that are most important to you are supported as you intend. We are so grateful for your partnership in our critical work at UC San Diego and Chancellor’s Associates.
As a small thank you, we would like to offer a complimentary online estate planning platform that provides a safe, comprehensive space where you can create your will and other important planning documents. Additionally, the platform provides a personal estate planning kit to help you get organized — all from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Click the links above or visit giftplanning.ucsd.edu for more information.
To answer any of your estate planning questions, please contact Elise Wald, executive director of the UC San Diego Office of Gift Planning, at eswald@ucsd.edu or 858-761-8457.
Macy Tran ‘26
Sandra S. Timmons and Richard L. Sandstrom Chancellor's Associates Scholar
This summer, Macy Tran ‘26 took her studies global, traveling from San Diego to Bern, Switzerland, for a five-week study abroad program. Immersed in the Swiss Alps, she explored global volcanism, Alpine geology and local culture, transforming her perspective along the way.
“The experience taught me adaptability, independence and the importance of building relationships,“ Macy reflects. “From navigating the city on my own to connecting with fellow students and a mentor, I learned how to step outside my comfort zone and grow both academically and personally.“
Beyond the classroom, Macy enjoyed the chance to explore Switzerland‘s landscapes and architecture, cultivating a lifelong love of travel and cultural exchange. She is grateful for the opportunities made possible through the Chancellor’s Associates scholarship. Adding “experiences like this wouldn't have been possible without your support. Thank you for investing in students like me and helping us reach beyond what we ever imagined.“
Paying It Forward Through Scholarship
For Dr. Stephanie M. Evans ’90, UC San Diego was the first step toward a lifelong career in medicine – and towards a personal mission to ensure others can follow their own educational dreams.
After majoring in economics, Stephanie earned a Master of Public Health degree and then pursued medical school. Today, she has practiced hospital medicine for more than 20 years, serves as a clinical assistant professor of medicine and continues to provide care to rural communities as a locum tenens (traveling) physician.
Her drive to give back is rooted in her own story. “During my senior year of high school, I slept on a cot in the living room of my father's one-bedroom apartment,“ she recalls. “He was a high school teacher and coach who literally ran to and from school so that I could drive 20 miles each way and finish at the same high school.“
When it came time to enroll at UC San Diego, they realized they did not have the funds to pay for the portion of tuition, room and board that grants and loans didn't cover. “I worked long hours to save what I could and my dad borrowed money from a colleague to allow me to attend UC San Diego.“
Her philanthropy grew from a promise she made as a student – to turn her family's sacrifices into opportunity for others. “I vowed to do whatever I could to ensure that other high-achieving students from economically challenged backgrounds could attend college free of worry about how to pay for their education.“
Stephanie’s giving began with $5 and $25 gifts during graduate and medical school. Over time, her philanthropy has evolved into a Chancellor’s Associates planned gift and recently named a scholarship in honor of her parents and stepfather. Thanks to the Powers Inspiration Challenge, her gift is matched 1:1, creating a full-ride award for a new first-year CASP scholar.
“I am passionate about equalizing the playing field and see education as a key stepping stone to achieve this,“ Stephanie says. “CASP is the perfect way to make a lifelong impact.“
Superradiance, a Chancellor’s Associates Colloquium
Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts, UC San Diego
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025
6-8 p.m.
How does increasing computer intelligence, autonomy and ubiquitousness impact human imagination and creativity? In this colloquium, Memo Akten, assistant professor of visual arts, will share research that explores how real-time, interactive systems can expand artistic expression and enable new forms of human-machine collaboration.
Illustrious Alumni Awards
Sony Pictures Studios
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025
6-9 p.m.
UC San Diego invites you to celebrate our 2025 Illustrious Alumni Award honorees — an inspiring group of extraordinary visionaries whose significant achievements reflect the pride and excellence of the Triton community. The evening’s festivities will include hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. Suggested dress is business/cocktail attire. Due to security protocols at Sony Studios, all guests must be preregistered and have government I.D.
Free, Family-Friendly Dress Rehearsals
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus
Season opens Nov. 1
Fridays before each concert run, 7-10 p.m.
The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus kicks off its new season on November 1! As part of their commitment to community, they open their doors every Friday evening before each concert run for free, family-friendly rehearsals from 7 to 10 p.m. It’s a wonderful way to experience world-class music — bring the family and enjoy!
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 3,000 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 858-339-0521.
