Inspiring Change: Donor News
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Nine projects receive seed funding from the Genomics Institute
From listening to the electrical signals of fungal networks in fire-scarred forests to training AI models that can interpret the most complex regions of the human genome, this year’s cohort is using genomics in bold new applications.
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UC Santa Cruz launches the Donor Collective as part of Inspiring Change—the Campaign for UCSC
The Donor Collective amplifies the shared values of UCSC donors and harnesses their philanthropy into powerful, lasting impact through student opportunities, educational programs, and breakthrough research. The Donor Collective creates a pathway for every donor to have the kind of impact they want to make in the world through supporting the university.
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Alumnus and Pixar editor Kevin Nolting empowers next-gen filmmakers at UCSC
Kevin Nolting (Porter ’79, aesthetic studies) founded Slug 48 within UC Santa Cruz’s Arts Division in 2024. The 48-hour filmmaking event empowers UC Santa Cruz students to push past creative boundaries.
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A ripple effect of support: Alumna Bev Crair uplifts student success
Alumna Bev Crair (Stevenson ’83, computer science and mathematics) actively supports UC Santa Cruz philanthropically and currently serves as the co-chair for the university’s comprehensive fundraising campaign, Inspiring Change.
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Investing in the future: UCSC retirees Edward and Miriam Landesman champion excellence in teaching and research
UC Santa Cruz retirees Ed and Miriam Landesman continue to support the university philanthropically, investing in areas close to their hearts like Cal Teach and the Emeriti Association, and expanding accessibility to excellence in teaching and research through the Landesman Lectures. Ed worked at UC Santa Cruz for 28 years before retiring in 1994, and…
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A path shaped by passion: Alumnus David Gleason’s lifelong dedication to Russian studies and supporting the Humanities
UC Santa Cruz alumnus David Gleason supports the university through charitable gift annuities. His philanthropic support of UC Santa Cruz is rooted in a deep gratitude for how his time there shaped the path that followed—working for Apple in the Soviet Union at one of the most pivotal moments in modern history.
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Making ethics accessible
Alumnus Tim Shannon (Cowell ’71, history) has philanthropically supported the Humanities at UC Santa Cruz for 15 years. His support of the Norcal Regional Highschool Ethics Bowl, hosted annually at UC Santa Cruz, has opened doors for public schools across the region.
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From founding faculty to future generations
Celebrating Jim Pepper’s 50-year legacy of teaching, mentorship, and environmental leadership
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Connecting hearts, heritage, and higher education
By supporting The Humanities Institute and volunteering with Senderos, Carolyn and Curt Coleman help bridge campus and community—connecting students, families, and cultural traditions across generations.
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Rooted in education, expanding opportunity
Inspired by a shared love of learning and a family of educators, alumnus Roger Koopmann (Stevenson ’80, economics) and his late husband, Tom Bullen (Ph.D. ’86, Earth sciences), established scholarships that give UC Santa Cruz students the chance to pursue research and study abroad experiences.
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Opening Doors: The Sergio Klor de Alva Memorial Scholarship
After losing her 24-year-old son in 2016, Julie Lawes transformed her grief into mission: creating a memorial scholarship in his name. The Sergio Klor de Alva Memorial Scholarship helps UC Santa Cruz students pursue life-changing experiences—a legacy born from a mother’s love and her son’s keen insights.
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New program to train U.S. college students from all backgrounds to be conservation leaders
$1 million from Cedar Tree Foundation will fund a conservation-leadership academy to continue the work of the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars program at UC Santa Cruz