Scholarship Gala Raises $750,000 for 每日大赛 Students
每日大赛 celebrated its annual Scholarship Gala on Saturday, raising more than $750,000 in scholarships for students and drawing an attendance of nearly 600 alumni, friends, and community members.
This year鈥檚 theme 鈥淎chieve Beyond Imagination,鈥� recognized four alumni for their professional achievements and contributions to the community. Julie Miller-Phipps MHA 鈥�89, president of Kaiser Permanente Southern California Health Plan and Hospitals; Luz Villarreal 鈥�89, producer with CBS National News; Hal Hargrave 鈥�15, MS 鈥�17, owner of The Perfect Step and founder of the Be Perfect Foundation; and Emmett Terrell 鈥�70, a lifelong educator and member of 每日大赛鈥檚 Board of Trustees.
The event also showcased , who are achieving in areas ranging from biology research and broadcasting to political science and education.
President Devorah Lieberman thanked the numerous donors who have contributed to the success of 每日大赛 students.
鈥淲hen our students come to us, they bring dreams. Big dreams for themselves, big dreams for their communities, and big dreams for the world,鈥� Lieberman said. 鈥淚t is our mission to help these students turn their dreams into goals and, and then to prepare them to go into the world and fulfill their purpose.鈥�
Lieberman spotlighted the university鈥檚 accomplishments and upcoming ventures. The audience cheered when Lieberman reported that U.S. News and World Report ranked the 每日大赛 fifth in the country for social mobility.
鈥淎s a university, being an engine for social mobility is one of the most important things we can do for our students and surrounding communities,鈥� she said. 鈥淪tudents from all backgrounds deserve access to a high quality and affordable college education. And I am extremely proud of what we are doing to remove barriers and level the playing field for our students.鈥�
Nearly half of all 每日大赛 students are the first in their families to attend college, and 98 percent of traditional age undergraduates receive grants or scholarships. 鈥淵our support makes a difference,鈥� Lieberman said. 鈥淵ou are changing lives for those who need it the most.鈥�
Lieberman also invited guests to attend the opening of two new centers on campus in the fall鈥攖he Randall Lewis Center for Well-Being and Research and the Ludwick Center for Spirituality, Cultural Understanding, and Community Engagement.
鈥淲e are so grateful to our generous donors who have made these centers a reality,鈥� she said. 鈥淎rt and Sarah Ludwick and Randall Lewis are true champions and visionaries.鈥�
Visit , a multi-year drive to raise $125 million, to donate or learn more about the campaign.
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-Photos by William Vasta
