Regional Scholarships: The Student's Journey

Regional Scholarships The Student’s Journey

“We feel strongly about giving back to the people and organizations that have supported our personal growth. Bernadette and I have great memories of our time at UC Santa Barbara, and helping achieve a similar experience for others is an expression of our gratitude. We’re keen to contribute to The UCSB San Diego Scholarship Fund because it supports two communities that are close to our hearts. Many local students are first generation college students, and helping to secure and advance these families is vital.

We’re fortunate to have the capacity to support!

- Jeremy ’05 & Bernadette Kovacevich (+ Ava and Ruby)

When you hear the voices of UC Santa Barbara scholarship recipients, it’s hard not to smile. They speak not only for themselves but also for the families who raised them and for the communities they represent. We share their pride in their achievements, excitement for the future, and awe at your generosity.

We’re excited to introduce the students you support. These Gauchos grew up across California and the nation, but they arrived at UC Santa Barbara with one shared vision: chasing the best version of themselves.

Because you saw their vision, each of these students now excels at UC Santa Barbara.

Thank you!

Over 140 donors total generously helped raise $76,000 for scholarships across 6 regions 87% of these gifts are $1,000 or below, proving the transformative power of collective generosity

UCSB Bay Area Scholarship Fund Your support is a bridge between the Bay Area and UC Santa Barbara. From the Golden Gate to Henley Gate, thank you for helping students from your city thrive.

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I am passionate about bringing communities together and serving underrepresented communities. After graduation, I hope to combine my interest in storytelling with my passion for helping people. I’m thankful for all the opportunities to meet and work alongside faculty through research or internships.

My family and I are thankful for the UCSB Bay Area scholarship to allow me to continue pursuing higher education.

Melody Li ’21 B.A., Communication and Sociology

UCSB Orange County Scholarship Fund These students represent the many Gauchos who call this diverse county’s 34 cities home. Your support helps these Orange County students excel at UC Santa Barbara.

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Within every class, I am inspired to approach new realms of rigorous academia with an open mind. I am eternally grateful for the privilege of attending a university that not only is located on the beach, but also fosters such a high caliber of both intellectual prestige and personal growth. Pursuing a higher education degree is no easy task, but with the generosity and financial support I have been granted, I am one step closer to following my dreams of becoming a lawyer.

Scarlett Anderson ’21 B.A., Communication and Sociology

UCSB San Diego Scholarship Fund Students from San Diego arrive at UC Santa Barbara having already cultivated the sunny positivity of our seaside university.

Your support helps them draw inspiration from their community as they work toward their futures.

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“The impact of scholarships are lifelong and contribute to my ability to follow my passions and be an active participant in my community and the world. I am able to dedicate more time to studying, exploring, learning and discovering. The opportunity to attend college is one I don’t take for granted. It is both encouraging and heartwarming to know there are people who support me in my path to success in whatever forms.”

Sofia Mejias-Pascoe ’21 Communication and Global Studies

UCSB National Capital Area Scholarship Fund Students like Amir travel across the country to benefit from UC Santa Barbara’s collaborative culture and world-class education. In Amir’s case, he found a prestigious marine science program that will help us all better understand the ocean. Thank you!

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I am incredibly grateful for this scholarship and the financial help it is giving me and my family. My family was thrilled to hear about the scholarship and is very proud that my hard work is paying off.

Amir Van Gieson ’21 B.A., Biological Sciences

UCSB Tri-County Scholarship Fund Thank you so much for your generous donation that allowed me to receive this scholarship. I am incredibly grateful.

Marissa Levy ’20 B.A., English

I grew up in Santa Barbara and began my college career at Santa Barbara City College before transferring to UCSB in the Fall of 2018. I have never loved any city as much as I love Santa Barbara, so I wanted to be able to stay here while continuing my education, and luckily we have a prestigious university practically in my backyard.

I’ve had many highlights throughout my time at UCSB. I have encountered courses that have been exciting, fun, challenging, and that have expanded my horizons both as an English major and as an informed global citizen.

If I could share the impact of this scholarship with potential future donors I would say that the impact is immeasurable. My twin sister and I are both at UCSB at the same time, and at one point my older sister was in college at the same time as us, and our parents haven’t been able to contribute financially — although I know that they deeply wish they could. Scholarships like these are what have made college possible for students like myself (and my sisters), and I am eternally grateful for the weight of financial burden being lifted off my shoulders. Whether it’s for tuition or even textbooks, a scholarship makes an immense difference in a student’s life.

My family was thrilled to hear about the scholarship, and they are as grateful as I am that scholarships like these exist. They are incredibly proud of my academic achievements and know that with financial help I will be able to graduate this June without crippling debt and ready to launch myself into the post-grad world.

Thank you again for your scholarship donation, it will mean a lot for my education.

Our Regional Scholarship Recipients UCSB Bay Area Scholarship Fund Laura Chiu ’21 Melody Li ’20 Kelsey Scott ’20 Sofia Willis ’20

UCSB Tri-County Scholarship Fund Marissa Levy ’20

UCSB Los Angeles Scholarship Fund Xenia Clement ’20

UCSB Orange County Scholarship Fund Scarlett Anderson ’21 Peyton Stolemyre ’20

UCSB San Diego Scholarship Fund Xzavria Alcala ’20 Sofia Mejias-Pascoe ’21 Victoria Swink ’21

UCSB National Capital Area Scholarship Fund Amir Van Gieson ’21

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Everything at UC Santa Barbara has made me the person I am today, and I am forever thankful for it.

#UCSB UCSBTogether Together These Gauchos are just a few of the students whose education has been transformed by philanthropy.

Join UCSB Supporters to stay connected with the bright students and faculty who excel thanks to our generous community.

Kelly Adams Senior Director of Development Regional, Alumni & Parent Giving kelly.adams@ucsb.edu Phone: 805-893-4968