Library Planned Giving Stories | Office of Development

Taking Root at UC Santa Barbara

Trudi Kerkmeyer found mentors, friends, and a lasting love for botany at UC Santa Barbara. She left her estate to the biological sciences to support students facing hardship, just as she once did. Her gift honors those who helped her persevere and ensures future students stay on track to graduate.

Generosity as Compass

When Thomas Massa graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 1968, he was one of only eight geography students. Tom has made the first bequest commitment to the UC Santa Barbara Department of Geography in its 57-year history, hoping to inspire students to be curious about the world.

Unconventional Curricula

Wes Fields ’76 studied literature and life sciences at UC Santa Barbara’s College of Creative Studies. Wes drew on these storytelling skills throughout his career in emergency medicine and health policy.

The Architecture of History

Award-winning architect Gil Sanchez dedicated his career to preserving the history and tradition of Mexican-American adobe architecture. Now, by making a bequest to the UCSB Library, in addition to donating a collection of architectural materials from his renowned career to the California Ethnic and Multicultural Archives (CEMA), the legacies of his work and the culture and restoration of historic adobe buildings will continue to be preserved and enjoyed for generations.

A Wider World

Unrestricted giving broadens horizons for the entire university, but especially for students. By making an unrestricted legacy gift, Trustee Phillip Spector ’72 intends to expand access to growth opportunities all across campus.

An Audacious Adventurer

Margaret Becker Morez has led a colorful life of service, creativity, and community enrichment. Now, she has dedicated her legacy gift to UC Santa Barbara’s Early Childhood Care and Education Services to continue carrying her spirit of her vibrant life by ensuring a vibrant future for local families.

Trustee Louise ’77 and Stephen D. ’77 Pahl

For the Common Good

Realistic solutions for real world problems. That is the intention of the Pahl Initiative, founded by Louise '77 and Stephen D. '77 Pahl, which funds an annual research project seeking to address the most pressing issues of our time and ultimately result in the kind of knowledge and strategies that lead to tangible change in public policy.

The Italian Renaissance in Santa Barbara

As one of the first art history professors at UC Santa Barbara, Alfred Moir is credited with significantly growing the department through his legacy of teaching, leadership, and visionary museum curation. Upon his passing, the Moir estate provided several transformative gifts to the university, including the establishment of the Alfred Moir Fellowship in Art History, a donation of over 2,000 original artworks from his personal collection, and 6,000 art and art history books to enrich the library’s Special Research Collections.

Leaving Legacies and Living Legends

Naturally driven and inquisitive, Scott Dinsmore found the Technology Management Program (TMP) to be the perfect setting to nurture his passion for entrepreneurship that would eventually lead him to launch his own global company. Upon his sudden and unexpected passing, his parents Bill ’68 and Janet Dinsmore dedicated their legacy gift to TMP to honor Scott’s memory and legacy, and the program that helped their son find his purpose.

Trustee Duncan Mellichamp H'09 and Suzanne ’70 Mellichamp

An Evolving and Rewarding Partnership

For Professor Emeritus Duncan ‘09 and his wife Suzanne ‘70 Mellichamp, finding new ways to give back to their community is what keeps them going. Long-standing donors and campus partners, the Mellichamps’ unwavering generosity continues to advance programming, establish new research initiatives, and ensure the success and longevity of our community.