News Summary
Dan Epstein, a U.S. Army veteran, and his wife Phyllis have pledged $10 million in matching funds through their foundation to support military-connected students at the University of San Diego. This donation aims to raise $20 million over five years, providing scholarships, mental health services, and career counseling for over 900 military-connected students. The initiative is part of a broader campaign at USD to enhance resources and ensure smooth academic transitions for veterans and active service members.
San Diego – Dan Epstein, a U.S. Army veteran, and his wife Phyllis have pledged $10 million in matching funds to support military-connected students at the University of San Diego (USD). This significant donation, made through the Epstein Family Foundation, will ultimately provide $20 million over the next five years to enhance various support services for these students.
The initiative aims to assist the over 900 military-connected students attending USD, which includes active-duty service members, veterans, and dependents from military families. The funds are intended to bolster scholarships, mental health services, career counseling, and resources to help military-connected students transition successfully to civilian life.
In announcing the donation, Dan Epstein expressed the family’s profound respect for the contributions of military members and their families. The couple hopes that their contribution will encourage the wider community to join in the support of military-connected education, underscoring the significance of creating opportunities for individuals devoted to service and leadership.
The donation is part of a broader campaign at USD, which is aiming to raise an additional $2 million annually for the next five years. These funds will be matched by the Epstein family’s generosity, establishing a robust financial foundation for ongoing support of military-connected services.
USD’s Military and Veterans Program, which focuses on the academic, professional, and personal success of students with military connections, is set to benefit greatly from this initiative. The program’s director highlighted the donation not only underscores the university’s commitment to being veteran-friendly but also demonstrates a deeper level of inclusion, focusing on the comprehensive needs and success of military-connected students.
This initiative arrives during a critical period where institutions increasingly seek to facilitate the smooth transition and success of veterans and active service members in academic environments. USD’s commitment to supporting those who serve has been evident in its established programs and initiatives aimed at integrating military-connected students into the academic fabric of the university.
The Epstein family’s donation is seen as a call to action for the broader community as well. By encouraging additional contributions, the initiative aims to enhance and sustain transformative resources for military-connected individuals enrolled at USD. The approach combines immediate financial support with a long-term vision to secure pathways to success for students who have served or are currently serving in the military.
As the situation evolves, USD aims to foster an environment that not only welcomes military-connected students but also empowers them to thrive both academically and personally. The university is committed to ensuring that those who have dedicated their lives to service receive the requisite support to navigate their educational journeys effectively and successfully.
Overall, the Epstein family’s substantial commitment highlights a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by military-connected students and the need for increased support within academic institutions. With this funding, USD is poised to make significant advancements in supporting the diverse needs of its military-connected students, setting a precedent for other universities to follow.
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Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
