News Summary
Dan and Phyllis Epstein have announced a $10 million matching donation to the University of San Diego, aimed at enhancing resources for military-connected students. This initiative will support over 900 students with scholarships, career assistance, and mental health services. The donation establishes the Epstein Family Foundation Military-Connected Center for Excellence, matching up to $2 million annually for five years. USD officials are optimistic about advancing support for military families, especially during the Month of the Military Child, while National University also launches tailored services for these students.
San Diego – Dan and Phyllis Epstein have pledged a significant $10 million matching donation to the University of San Diego (USD) to enhance resources for military-connected students. This contribution, made through the Epstein Family Foundation, aims to provide support particularly for those transitioning from military to civilian life.
The initiative is of great importance as USD currently serves over 900 military-connected students, encompassing active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. The matching gift is earmarked for the establishment of the Epstein Family Foundation Military-Connected Center for Excellence, which will focus on providing vital services to these students.
With the aid of the donation, USD plans to bolster multiple support areas, including scholarships, career assistance, and mental health services. Additionally, counseling specifically aimed at helping students navigate their transition to civilian life will be a critical part of the center’s offerings.
On Thursday, the university announced that the Epsteins’ gift will match up to $2 million in donations annually for the next five years. This structured matching plan is set to amplify the reach and impact of the initial donation, allowing for sustained financial support for military-affiliated education.
Dan Epstein, an Army veteran, is the founder of ConAm, a prominent San Diego-based real estate company. The Epsteins have a long history of philanthropic commitment to education and health. They previously donated $10 million each to California State University San Marcos and the University of California, San Diego, for an outdoor amphitheater, alongside contributions exceeding $50 million towards Alzheimer’s research at UCSD and the University of Southern California.
The announcement of this matching gift comes during the Month of the Military Child, a time designated to honor the sacrifices of military families and raise awareness of the challenges they face. In support of this mission, National University has been conducting educational sessions with elementary students to promote understanding and support for military families. Recent engagements included lessons at Loma Verde Elementary School, where students learned about empathy and support for their peers from military backgrounds.
In alignment with these efforts, National University is also launching “The Nest,” a co-learning hub at its San Diego campus designed specifically for students who are parents or connected to the military. This hub will offer various services such as academic support, career assistance, and childcare, all tailored to meet the unique needs of these students. Annually, National University provides educational resources to approximately 50,000 degree-seeking students and an additional 80,000 individuals pursuing workforce and professional programs. Plans are underway to open a second location for The Nest in Escondido, further expanding access to these essential services.
USD officials, including Nelson Chase, the director of USD’s Military and Veterans Program, have expressed their optimism regarding the gift. They are hopeful that this initiative will underscore the university’s ongoing commitment to supporting military-connected students as they pursue their educational goals and transition into the workforce. The collaborative efforts between institutions like USD and National University exemplify a collective approach to addressing the needs of military families and the students that emerge from these backgrounds, promoting understanding, educational success, and overall well-being.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- NBC San Diego
- Axios
- Wikipedia: Military Child
- CBS 8
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Military Service
