Brian and Paula Powers Chancellor's Associates Inspiration Challenge

Equity in education does not just happen; we must create it. For over a decade, the Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship Program (CASP) has provided annual support for talented, motivated students from the state of California delivering pivotal support services to ensure their success. The new $1M Brian and Paula Powers Chancellor’s Associates Inspiration Challenge will help take that mission even further. With a 1:1 current-use match, every qualifying dollar you contribute will directly expand access and opportunity, leveling the playing field for our aspiring learners. Together, we can continue to create a future where success isn’t determined by background, but by potential. Criteria for eligible gifts include:

• Gifts must be designated to one of the nine Chancellor’s Associates Scholarships funds.
• New, first-time gifts to Chancellor’s Associates at the $2,500 giving level or above.
• Current Chancellor’s Associates who upgrade to the next giving level.
• Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) donors who make a minimum gift of $500.
• Employer Matching Gifts will qualify for the Inspiration Challenge.
• Donors who make a two-year or four-year commitment of $5,000, per year (total commitment of $10,000 or $20,000).
  • With matching support, this creates a named current-use Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship for transfer scholars (two-year commitment) or incoming first-year scholars (four-year commitment).

Now, more than ever, your support is critical in helping every scholar reach their full potential. We urge you to not only join us in this vital movement but to share this announcement with your network far and wide. Thank you for your support and commitment to our scholars. 

Noralee Vivas ’27

Powers Chancellor’s Associates Scholar

Currently pursuing her degree in Clinical Psychology, Noralee Vivas ’27 is driven by a clear vision: to earn her doctorate and become a therapist specializing in mental health. She is already making the most of the resources available through the CASP program, which she credits with making college feel not only possible – but promising.

A key element of her success has been the bi-weekly CASP Learning Community meetings, where she gained foundational skills like how to write a cover letter – something she had never done before. "I didn’t even know where to start until these meetings covered it," she shared. "I’m so thankful to have that help. It gave me the tools I needed to get started."

She’s also made the most of priority enrollment, a benefit that has greatly reduced the stress of staying on track to graduate in four years. This academic year, she was able to register for and complete her general education requirements and is now preparing to transition into major-focused courses in the fall. 

Outside of class, Noralee is a self-described foodie, always on the hunt for new places to eat with friends. She’s also eager to keep exploring topics like computer programming and remains an active participant in CASP workshops and alumni events.

Her gratitude is clear: “Please keep doing what you’re doing,” she says. “The Chancellor’s Associates scholarship has made such a difference in my life, and I hope to inspire my younger brother as he prepares for college, too.”

ICYMI: Waves of Impact, a Chancellor's Associates Celebration

On May 7, we welcomed loyal members to the Birch Aquarium for a special evening with Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. Our members had the opportunity to connect with CASP scholarship recipients and hear from the Chancellor about the incredible impact donor support has made at UC San Diego.

Click here to view photos of this event.

Events for May and June

Triton Wave Makers Spring 2025:
This spring, connect with your UC San Diego community in Orange County, Seattle and Boston. Meet fellow Tritons making an impact in their industries, engage with campus leaders and build connections with alumni to expand your network.

Beneficiary Designations: Maximum impact, minimum effort 

Thank you for all you do for our Chancellor’s Associates Scholars. If you are looking for a way to continue your support after your lifetime and create an impactful legacy, designating Chancellor’s Associates as a beneficiary of your retirement account, life insurance policy, or payable-on-death account is an easy, meaningful, and tax-efficient way to ensure that your philanthropic goals are fulfilled. Not only can beneficiary designations be used to add to an existing Chancellor’s Associates fund, they can be used to create a new fund that reflects your wishes. There are also tax advantages to using beneficiary designations, such as reducing estate taxes and avoiding income tax for your heirs. Plus, you retain full control of these assets during your lifetime, as well as the flexibility to make adjustments if circumstances or priorities change.

To learn more about beneficiary designations and how they can help you achieve your philanthropic, financial, and estate planning goals, and for answers to all your planned gift questions, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at giftplanning@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-2249.

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 an academic 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 2,900 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.