Epstein Family Donates $10 Million to USD for Military Students

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

The University of San Diego's new initiative for military-connected students.

News Summary

Dan and Phyllis Epstein have pledged a $10 million donation to the University of San Diego to create the Epstein Family Foundation Military-Connected Center for Excellence. This initiative aims to support military-connected students with scholarships, career assistance, and counseling as they transition to civilian life. The couple’s philanthropic efforts reflect their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, addressing the unique challenges faced by service members, and fostering an inclusive environment for military-affiliated students.

San Diego – Dan and Phyllis Epstein have pledged a significant donation of $10 million to the University of San Diego (USD), specifically aimed at enhancing resources and support for military-connected students. This philanthropic gesture, announced on a Thursday, will establish the Epstein Family Foundation Military-Connected Center for Excellence, a new initiative designed to provide pivotal assistance to over 900 students linked to military service.

The matching donation is intended to expand the university’s capabilities to offer essential services such as scholarships, career assistance, and counseling for students transitioning from military to civilian life. This comprehensive support will address the unique challenges faced by service members as they adjust to their educational pursuits and future careers in civilian society.

Dan Epstein brings a personal connection to the cause, being an Army veteran himself. His commitment to supporting military-connected students highlights the importance of providing necessary resources to aid their transition and success in higher education. The establishment of the center is expected to foster an inclusive environment that acknowledges the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

The Epsteins have a strong history of philanthropy within the San Diego community, demonstrating their commitment to various educational and health initiatives. Prior to this recent donation, the couple contributed $10 million to Cal State San Marcos to support engineering programs, emphasizing their dedication to enhancing educational opportunities throughout the region. Moreover, they have also invested $10 million toward seed funding for an outdoor amphitheater at UC San Diego. Their involvement in philanthropy also extends to medical research, having collectively donated $50 million to UCSD and USC aimed at advancing research into Alzheimer’s disease.

The University of San Diego, situated in the Linda Vista neighborhood, serves a diverse student body, with a significant portion of its population being military-connected. The donation from the Epsteins is positioned as a critical step in addressing the educational and emotional support needs of these students, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for academic success and personal development.

As part of this initiative, the Epstein Family Foundation Military-Connected Center for Excellence will offer specialized programs tailored to the unique circumstances of military students and veterans. These programs are designed to facilitate a smoother transition to college life, which may include professional development workshops, peer mentoring, and counseling, thereby enhancing the overall collegiate experience for military-connected individuals.

The generous matching gift from the Epsteins signals a strong commitment to the military community, reflecting a broader trend among philanthropists in recognizing and addressing the needs of service members as they return to civilian life. By establishing this center, the University of San Diego not only reinforces its dedication to serving its military-affiliated students but also sets a benchmark for other institutions to follow.

In conclusion, the $10 million matching gift from Dan and Phyllis Epstein to the University of San Diego represents a significant investment in the future of military-connected students. This donation will facilitate the creation of resources and programs aimed at ensuring the success, well-being, and positive transition of these students as they embark on their academic and professional journeys.