Our Stories
Philanthropy is a process of discovery. Supporters and scholars learn and grow together. These stories illustrate the meaningful relationships that enrich our campus community and beyond.
Discover what inspires our community of supporters.
Sports as Safe Haven
As a UC Santa Barbara professor in the Department of the History of Art & Architecture, Jenni is committed to furthering women in the academy, including sports. Her wife, Cheri, is a former powerlifter and strongwoman competitor who grew up playing basketball. The endowed scholarships they have created in support of UCSB Athletics will help student-athletes compete while balancing rigorous academic work.
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A Ticket to Understanding
The Ellen and Robert Raede Scholarship has supported students who’ve studied in countries including Israel, Ghana, UK-Scotland, Spain, and Denmark. Ellen Raede '80 is the founding chair of the EAP Ambassadors at UC Santa Barbara, a group of dedicated EAP alumni donors, and she has served on that volunteer committee for 15 years. Ellen and Robert '80 met at UC Santa Barbara and have supported UCSB EAP for over two decades.
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The Wilcox Legacy
Gary and Sue Wilcox dedicated decades of leadership and experience to UC Santa Barbara, the university where they met and earned six combined degrees. Gary was elected to the UC Santa Barbara Foundation Board of Trustees in 1997, and together, the couple enjoyed engaging with campus in many ways. Gary passed away in May 2021, but the family’s love for UC Santa Barbara will endure through their lasting impact and Sue’s continued service.
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A Gilded Opportunity
One of the most anticipated nights for UC Santa Barbara Athletics is its coveted Golden Eagle Awards, which recognize the highest academic achievements among student-athletes. The annual event was established by the generous support of UC Santa Barbara Foundation Trustee Peter Jordano and his wife, Gerd. Pete and Gerd are longtime philanthropists whose ongoing support of UCSB Athletics inspires student-athletes to be their best selves.
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UC Santa Barbara’s Alzheimer’s Research
Alzheimer’s disease research at UC Santa Barbara has received generous support from philanthropists dedicated to finding a cure. The John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation (JDFAF), with supporters who have risen to the challenge of their matching gift, have made a visionary investment in the work of neuroscientist Kenneth S. Kosik.
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Life on Earth
UC Santa Barbara’s Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration (CCBER) is dedicated to research, education, and outreach specializing in regional biodiversity and the restoration of campus land. Thanks to Dr. Shirley Tucker’s renewed support of the Tucker Curator of Biodiversity Collections and Botanical Research, the collections are stewarded by a dedicated researcher who conducts original research, mentors students, and makes the collections accessible to researchers and the public.
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The Collective Culture
Robert and Nicole Keller have always prioritized education as a fundamental tool for nurturing children, communities, and the country as a whole. At UC Santa Barbara, the Kellers’ flexible philanthropy supports the top priorities of the Division of Student Affairs, with special consideration given to initiatives that focus on student health and wellness, the Disabled Student Program, and programs that build a sense of community and campus pride.
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A Collective Pledge
UC Santa Barbara’s Promise Scholars program provides full, upfront, multi-year financial aid to high-achieving, low-income Californians thanks in large part to donor support.
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A Never-Give-Up Spirit
You’ll never forget your football teammates, Coach “Cactus” Jack Curtice would say. That premonition held true for Jim Barber ’67, Corky Barrett ’67, John Keever ’67, and Bart Weitzenberg ’68.
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All One Field
Dr. Muthiyaliah Babu has always been curious about what’s out there, a universal yearning for the unknown. He and his wife, Rani, have chosen to support postdoctoral scholars at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics for the future of science and the future of their grandchildren.
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A Lasting Legacy
Jules Zimmer served on the faculty for 34 years and spent a third of that as dean of the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. A generous anonymous gift made in Zimmer’s honor has established the Jules Zimmer Dean’s Chair at the Gevirtz School.
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The Divine Spark
Inspired by the legacy of Professor Emeritus Carl Zytowski, friends, family, and alumni have come together to support opera and vocal music at UC Santa Barbara.
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A Cross-Border Exchange of Ideas
Our world is shaped by globalization, as Charles Burdick ’73 has experienced throughout his career. A new program established through philanthropy, The Charles Burdick Global Scholars will help students rise to the challenges of our multicultural and global society.
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A Friend and Neighbor to Sedgwick Reserve
Jane Kievit was known in Santa Ynez for her two beagles, bright red Corvette, and verdant garden. A lifelong teacher, Jane and her generous bequest will create opportunities for undergraduate students to travel 30 miles north of campus to learn and explore in UC Santa Barbara's Sedgwick Reserve.
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Quantum Leaps
Tech businessman Roy T. Eddleman’s leadership gift establishes the university’s Roy T. Eddleman Center for Quantum Innovation. The gift supports a variety of quantum science-related activity, including research, postdoctoral and graduate fellowships.
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The Meta
Kenny Van Zant’s support of graduate fellowships for the Department of Technology Management’s master’s program helps prepare students for startups.
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A Model for Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA)
For 40 years, MESA has provided the academic support, resources, and career services needed to increase the number of minority undergraduates who earn engineering degrees at UC Santa Barbara.
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#UCSBTogether
During the COVID-19 pandemic, friends and alumni helped students feel cared for and supported by their community through financial support, advocacy, community-building, and words of encouragement. Campus efforts supported students, accelerated research, and mitigated the impact of this public health crisis thanks to the generosity and advocacy of our community.
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