News Summary
The University of San Diego has received a $10 million donation from Dan Epstein and his wife, Phyllis, to enhance support services for military-connected students. This initiative, which targets the unique needs of USD’s 900 military-connected students, aims to provide essential scholarships, mental health counseling, and career assistance. The donation is part of a matching gift plan that could double the total funding to $20 million, reinforcing USD’s commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
San Diego – The University of San Diego (USD) has announced a substantial $10 million donation from U.S. Army veteran Dan Epstein and his wife, Phyllis, to enhance support services for military-connected students. The donation, which is being made through the Epstein Family Foundation, will be matched over the next five years, effectively doubling the amount to $20 million for the university.
This initiative addresses the unique needs of USD’s 900 military-connected students, which include active-duty service members, veterans, and military family members. The funds will specifically provide scholarships, mental health and career counseling, and assistance for transitioning to civilian life, supporting the successful educational and professional endeavors of these individuals.
USD’s director of Military and Veterans Program, Nelson Chase, expressed optimism that this significant donation will not only enhance services but also convey a message of importance to military-connected students regarding their value and the university’s commitment to their success. The initiative aims to foster an environment where military-connected students feel supported as they navigate their academic and career paths.
In addition to the matching donation, USD aims to raise another $2 million each year for the next five years. This goal will further enhance the funding that is available for the matching gift, totaling $10 million overall. This effort reflects a dedication to creating a robust support system tailored to the experiences and challenges faced by military-connected students.
The Epstein family has long been advocates for supporting veterans and their families, recognizing the sacrifices made by military personnel and the critical need for support as they transition into academic life. Their generous contribution aims to alleviate some of the barriers that military-connected students often face, such as financial strain and mental health challenges.
This donation comes at a time when higher education institutions are increasingly acknowledging the importance of providing targeted resources for students with military backgrounds. As veterans and active service members return to civilian life, they often encounter unique hurdles, including navigating educational programs that are vastly different from military training and experience.
The additional funding from the Epstein matching gift will allow USD to create and sustain programs that are essential for the academic and social integration of military-connected students. These programs will not only focus on financial support but also on enhancing mental health resources and career counseling opportunities, ensuring a well-rounded support structure.
By enhancing educational opportunities and support systems, USD aims to contribute to the long-term success of its military-connected students, which, according to various studies, is crucial for their career trajectories and overall well-being.
This initiative exemplifies a broader trend of educational institutions increasingly investing in the well-being of military-connected students. As military service members and their families face complex transitions, tailored support systems become vital for aiding their academic journeys. The $10 million matching gift is a significant step toward ensuring USD continues to lead in supporting these exceptional students.
Overall, the Epstein family’s contribution underscores a commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive educational environment that recognizes the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, providing them with the resources necessary to thrive in their academic pursuits.
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Additional Resources
- Insight into Academia: USD Eliminates Tuition Costs
- Wikipedia: University of San Diego
- CBS 8: Military’s Economic Impact on San Diego
- Google Search: Military Economic Impact San Diego
- Times of San Diego: Financial Must-Dos for Transitioning Veterans
- Google Scholar: Financial Transitioning Veterans
- San Diego Union-Tribune: NATO Summit Spending
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NATO Summit Spending
- Military.com: VA Programs to Continue After Review
- Google News: VA Programs Update
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
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