Giving News

Learn how generous gifts from donors have lasting impact on students, faculty and the campus community at University of San Francisco.

Scholarships Help Doctoral Candidate to Pay it Forward

For Sonya Arriola EdD ‘21, her educational journey has been backed by the constant support and generosity of others. As she looks ahead, she thanks the gifts that gave her the opportunity to fulfill dreams.

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Mental Health on the Frontline

While millions are forced to stay home due to the ongoing crisis, Emergency Medical Service providers like Nicholas Koo ’16 respond to critical emergencies every day. But what happens when the rescuers need rescuing?

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Coming Together a World Apart

As students packed up their bags and left campus, the hilltop felt eerily quiet. But regardless of the spaces that have been created between us, the USF community remains resilient and united.

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Crossing Into a New Normal

For many, 2020 marked a significant beginning or end. For Eva Reyes ’23, this was her freshman year. As classes shifted online, Reyes reminisced on her first year at USF and, despite the obstacles, found gratitude

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USF faculty and students on an immersion trip to Mexico

Opening Our Hearts to the Unknown

With the rapid shifts that have arisen over the past few weeks, Jady Ojiri ’21 looks back on her spring break Immersion program to Mexico and the impact it had on her. She reveals how the journey inspired her to hold onto hope.

Make the World Your Stage

Michael Tilson Thomas, an accomplished composer, and musician shared some of his knowledge at a recent Getty Visiting Speaker event. With years of experience to pull from, Tilson Thomas gave students and faculty lessons to remember forever.

Educating Global Learners and Leaders with a Gift of $1.5 Million

In the face of global adversity, Richard Blum, philanthropist and investment banker, has taken a stand. With his gift of $1.5 million to the university, he plans to change the world through global education.

two students celebrating Day of the Dons

Gratitude Dawning on the Hilltop

Each year, the Day of the Dons celebrations get bigger and better. This year, the 24-hour giving celebration broke records with the final $639,287 that were raised. One thing is for certain — USF has spirit, and we’re not losing it any time soon.

Building Community and Career Pathways Through Mentorship

Miriam Uribe ‘17 and Audrey Cortes ‘09 needed guidance during their undergraduate years at USF. That’s where the Alumni Mentor Program came in. The program brings together the potential of current students and the life experience of alumni. Read more

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The Heart of a Don Knows No Borders

Alondra Ramos ’20 traveled to Mexico for a week-long immersion trip in 2018. The experience had such a profound impact on her that she planned to embark on the immersion for a second time, this time as a student leader.

Nursing and health profession students in simulator lab

Scholarship Creates Pathways to Health Care for Youth

The Carole Bibeau Scholarship allows USF nursing students to go beyond classroom spaces and into new communities. The opportunity is inspiring change through health care, and it’s only just the beginning.

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“Justice for Animals,” A historic Endowed Chair of Animal Law

As a result of the philanthropy of an anonymous donor, animals are getting a voice. The anonymous alumna donated $6.1 million to the School of Law in order to establish an endowed animal law chair, one of the largest in the university’s history.

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Changing the World with Vision & Mission

As it approaches its second year at USF, the McGrath Scholars program continues to engage students across all disciplines. Together, the scholars explore what it means to be a great leader and how they can bring those ideas to life within the community.

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More Than One Way to Teach, More Than One Way to Learn

Effective teaching doesn’t come in a single way, shape, or form, and the University Ministry Tutoring Program knows that. For the past twenty years, the program has continued to thrive off of the constant innovation and passion driven by its USF student tutors.

A Family’s Generosity Honors One of USF’s Own

Alissa Head ‘18 earned her master's degree in Sport Management from USF. When Alissa passed away in 2017, her family wanted to honor her commitment to education and a career dedicated to sports by establishing a scholarship in her name.

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USF student carrying a sign that says "the oceans are rising and so are we."

Country Roads, Take Me Home

Jehieli Luevanos ‘22 spent a week in West Virginia on a USF immersion trip made possible through the university’s scholarship funds. Read her recount on how this experience gave her the opportunity of a lifetime to learn beyond the classroom

Here’s the Buzz About the New Innovation Hive at USF

Harney Science Center is in for a makeover, featuring a brand new Innovation Hive. Donors have joined the $60 million campaign to bring innovation to the university in a new and exciting way.

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Man and woman sitting in a posed position

Love Story: From the Steps of Gleeson to Community Ministry

Mike Taylor ‘69 and Susan Taylor ‘69 met as students at USF and later got engaged on the steps of Gleeson Library. Today, more than 50 years later, they continue their ongoing love for USF through gifts to the USF Fund.

Supporting the Call to Serve

Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies, recently donated $1 million to support student veterans in USF's Master of Arts in Public Leadership program.

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Passion Drives Recent Alumni to Stay Connected to USF

Philanthropy by younger donors and recent graduates has been on the rise. As a couple, Jessica Casas ’09 and Argel Sabillo ’09 many reasons for giving back to the institution that shaped both their careers and their personal lives.

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Meet Joan McDermott ’76, USF’s Athletic Director

Joan McDermott '76 began her career in sports at USF. Now, she returns as the new athletic director. She shares her game plan on building a program of national distinction and vision for the future at USF.

Building Community and Career Pathways Through Mentorship

When alumna Audrey Cortes ’09 was in search of ways to give back to USF, first-generation student Miriam Uribe ’17 was navigating new territory at USF. The Alumni Mentor Program provided both with a path to community and friendship.

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One Big USF Family

There are a lot of families like the Murphys in USF’s history — families with many siblings who attended the university. But the Murphys are special. Over four decades, more than 10 members of the family and their extended families have received USF degrees.

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$2 Million Gift Expands Biotech Research and Career Options for USF Students

Like many of USF’s students, Kirk Schroeder was the first in his family to attend college. Learn how this biotechnologist is creating biotech research and career opportunities for USF Students

Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga Encourages Us to Own Our Story

Learn how Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga's journey to discover her story created opportunities to connect with her roots and history.

Raising Our Voices for Change

Nearly 400 women from across the United States came together for USF’s sixth annual Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Spring Symposium to discuss how to innovate, influence, and inspire social change for the common and greater good.

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A Drumbeat for Engineering at USF

Here, in the heart of the tech, biotech, and sustainable energy world, USF will train engineers who can meet the rapidly changing needs of the future and lead in business and industry.

USF students have the opportunity to explore the world on immersion trips, which are supported by individual donors and by the USF Fund.

Making Colombia Our Classroom: One Student's Journey

Raising financial aid for student immersion trips is a priority at USF, because it gives students the opportunity to receive a global education.

Peter Baird, Nancy Jean Smith, and Alma Flor Ada

Alumni Come Together to Support Today's Students

Twenty years ago, students in the School of Education came together to establish a scholarship in the name of an influential world educator.

Fourth Annual Day of the Dons Breaks Records

USF reached its goal of having more than 1,500 donors and alumni participate in Day of the Dons, the day we all come together to support the university in an online fundraising campaign.

Jesuits Among Us

A School of Management alumna has pledged $2 million to support Jesuit education — and Jesuits Among Us — at USF.

Major League Baseball Partners with USF for Scholarship

Katy Feeney's life and work were rooted in Major League Baseball. Now, an annual scholarship in her name will support female USF students in the Sport Management program.

Meet USF's Director of Women in Leadership & Philanthropy

As director of Women in Leadership & Philanthropy at USF, Leslie Wetzel is charged with creating and leading a strategy to catalyze support among women for USF.

Find out more about Leslie Wetzel's leadership philosophy

The Goal? Getting More Women in the Board Room

Linda Hothem MA ’04 is paying it forward, giving $425,000 to the University of San Francisco to fund scholarships for women in graduate programs in the School of Management.

Thanks to Scholarships, David is Pursuing His Passion for Coding

“Receiving a scholarship at USF has allowed me to pursue computer science through an ethical lens,” says David Mendez ’19.

Gift Supports Goal of Achieving Gender Parity in Tech

Computer Science received a big boost in the form of a $100,000 gift from one of tech’s leading entrepreneurs — founder of craigslist, Craig Newmark.

Students Zoom to Class, Thanks to Partnership with Silicon Valley Tech Company

USF was hoping for more opportunities for students and more engaged learning when it partnered with Zoom, the San Jose tech company that provided video conferencing to the university as an in-kind gift.

Scholarships Helped Create a Path to Success

Since graduating from USF, Adam Snyder '01 has opened and manages seven restaurants with his partners. He says his scholarship from USF provided him with a transformational education.

Brandy Wright '18: Why She's a Role Model

Brandy Wright is pursuing her master’s degree in nonprofit administration, thanks to scholarships. What many people don’t know is that she is part of an incredibly small metric of success.

A Profile in Courage

This is the story of two remarkable brothers. One was born without arms and went on to become a top student and was given a scholarship to USF.

Three students work on presentation in USF's School of Management

Alumni Gift Secures $1 Million Match for Scholarships

A bequest gift from a 1962 graduate of the university has helped USF secure a $1 million match gift for scholarships that will support students in the School of Management.

Changing the Tech Industry From Here

The key to recruiting more women in computer science? Support them early in their education and careers. That's what USF is doing, with the help of some tech leaders.

Dean Zulueta '18: Scholarships Made the Difference

Scholarships gave Dean Zulueta the chance to transfer to USF and attend the university of his dreams.

USF Creates Honors College with $15 Million Gift

Gordon Getty '56 has pledged $15 million to USF to establish an honors college and provide scholarships for students to expand their studies of the arts, humanities, and sciences.

A Lifelong Commitment to USF

Dominic and Leona Tarantino have been supporting USF since they were students at USF and Lone Mountain. Their $1 million gift will provide scholarships.

$1 Million Scholarship Gift Supports Underrepresented Students

A 1967 graduate of the University of San Francisco has pledged $1 million to the university to help support underrepresented students from communities in the East Bay.

Grace Berg '18: College Was Never a Given

Grace Berg has become a leader on campus for diversity and inclusion. She says it would not have been possible without scholarships.

$10 Million Gift Supports Scholarships and New Catholic Education Institute

Joan '69 and Bob McGrath's gift will endow scholarships for Catholic school educators and undergraduate students who show leadership potential.

Thanks to You, We Had a Record-Breaking Day

Day of the Dons, the 24-hour online giving day, set new records for the number of donors to the University of San Francisco in a single day.

Longtime USF Family Pledges $1.25 Million to Endow Faculty Chair

The Wall family has pledged $1.25 million to support the Rev. P. Carlo Rossi, S.J., Endowed Entrepreneurial Chair in the School of Management at the University of San Francisco.

Allison Littlefield '13: Making a Difference

Young alumna Allison Littlefield '13 continues her family's legacy of giving back by supporting USF's Global Immersion Programs.

From Lone Mountain to the Stars

A graduate who went on to a highly successful career in computer science and aeronautics, Marcelline Chartz Smith '47 has said her education had a profound effect on her, inspiring her to give a $363,784 estate gift to USF.

Thank You For Your Support of Scholarships

A big part of our story at USF is the university’s ongoing commitment to providing scholarships to students. To mark the end of 2016, we told you about several scholarship recipients — and you responded, making December a record-breaking month for alumni donors at USF.

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Supporting Students While Inspiring Socially Responsible Leadership

Alan Davis and Mary Lou Dauray, through their foundation, have given $1.5 million to support a social innovation initiative and scholarships for underrepresented students.

Wally Gibson '55: The More You Give, More Comes Back to You

Judy and Wally Gibson, in partnership with the University of San Francisco, have developed a $3.4 million gift for Jesuit higher education at USF.

60 Seconds of Gratitude: From the Desk of Kristian George '17

Kristian George shares his story of being a transfer student to USF and talks about how appreciative he is of the scholarship support he has received. He is a nursing student, with a passion for helping others.

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For 35 years, This Gift Has Transformed Lives

Angela Cheda '12 was awarded the Cassou-Shan Scholarship for MBA students. Today, she is a marketing manager at Blue Shield in San Francisco. Until recently, she didn’t know the story behind her scholarship.

Three members of the USF class of 1966 at their 50th reunion

Class of 1966 Celebrates 50 Years — With an Eye to the Future

The Class of 1966 was at USF during turbulent years in our nation's history. JFK's assassination, the Vietnam War, The Beatles — it all served to bring them closer together. Today, they celebrate their 50th anniversary in a unique way.

Gift Establishes Innovative Speaker Series

Investment expert Jeff Silk ’87 and his wife Naomi have pledged a transformational gift to the University of San Francisco that will bring international thought leaders to campus for a speaker series on business, finance, and global issues.

The Hamills Pledge $1 Million to USF Law School

Steve and Jan Hamill have pledged $1 million to the School of Law, choosing again to make an important investment in the school — the institution that Steve credits with changing his life.

Austin Bushree, University of San Francisco

60 Seconds of Gratitude: From the Desk of Austin Bushree '18

Austin is pursuing a double major in physics and in computer science at the University of San Francisco, and he has worked as a student lab technician at USF. His goal? To discover more sustainable forms of energy for the future.

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Richard Leo, USF Law Hamill Family Chair

Expert Law Professor Puts USF in the Spotlight

Defending innocence is important to Richard Leo, whether he is testifying about a case featured in the popular Netflix documentary “Making a Murderer” or fighting for the reputations of five young men wrongly convicted in the Central Park jogger case.

Loyola Guild Ladies Have Had a Lasting Impact

For more than 90 years, the Loyola Guild has organized rummage sales, Christmas house tours and annual teas to raise nearly $1 million for scholarships for students at the University of San Francisco.

Craigslist Founder Funds Scholarship at USF

Craig Newmark, who founded the Craigslist website in San Francisco, has donated $50,000 to fund scholarships at the University of San Francisco.

Helping Middle-Income Families Pay for College

Marcia Syufy knew she could make a difference for middle-income families at USF. She decided to make a lasting investment in these students’ lives by giving $1 million to fund an endowed scholarship at the university for students from families whose income falls in the middle range of the nation's population.

You Made This Graduation Day Possible

"I have so much to be grateful for in terms of the friendships that I’ve made, and everything I’ve learned here," says Jacob Gateman '16, a philosophy major who graduates May 20 and has accepted a full-time job with Strava, a website and mobile app for athletes.

60 Seconds of Gratitude: From the Desk of Kalyn Simon '16

Kalyn Simon talks about her strong focus on academics and how grateful she is for the opportunity to attend USF and fulfill her dreams. A member of the championship women's basketball team at USF, her goal is to join the Peace Corps after graduating.

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$1.25 Million Gift to Nursing Scholarship

USF Parent Gives $1.25 Million for Nursing Scholarships

Retired businessman and University of San Francisco parent Park Loughlin has made a $1.25 million gift to scholarships at the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

USF Awarded $750K to Continue Literacy Work

USF received a $750,000 legacy grant from San Francisco RBI, a nonprofit that integrated reading and baseball to raise literacy levels of under-resourced youth in San Francisco, now winding down its operation. The generous funds will be used to continue literacy work through Engage San Francisco.

Challenge Accepted: USF Sweeps Past Goal

Together, USF alumni, parents, students, and faculty and staff supported the university on the Day of the Dons and unlocked an unprecedented $175,000 challenge gift this year that will support students and provide educational access and scholarships.

Jesuit Community Makes $3 Million Investment in USF's Future

The Loyola House Jesuit Community has made a $3.35 million gift to advance the Jesuit identity that lies at the heart of the University of San Francisco.

Generosity Week Raises Awareness about Philanthropy at USF

Several hundred students, together with members of the faculty and staff, celebrated Generosity Week, an event that helps raise awareness about the impact of philanthropy on student experiences at USF.

60 Seconds of Gratitude: From the Desk of Alfonso Garcia '16

Alfonso Garcia talks about the power of a gift. Before scholarships brought him to USF, an organ donor saved his life. Learn how this son of Nicaraguan immigrants is making his education count.

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