Paying It Forward

It was about 12 years ago that James Kaplan remembers first receiving an invitation to attend a Chancellor's Associates event at UC San Diego.

"I remember being at the event and thinking, 'This is so important, the work that the campus is doing,'" says James, who graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in computer science. "I wanted to support that work."

James made the commitment then to become a Chancellor's Associate, joining a loyal network of alumni, parents and friends who each make an investment of $2,500 each year. Now, Kaplan has taken his commitment one step further and made a $750,000 estate gift to Chancellor's Associates.

Through his bequest, Kaplan became a member of the York Society, which recognizes and thanks an exceptional group of alumni, faculty, parents, staff, community leaders and other friends whose generosity through planned gifts helps secure the future of one of the world's greatest universities.

Founded in 1966, Chancellor's Associates has been an integral part of UC San Diego's history of achievement and helped lay the foundation for its future. Gifts from these donors have supported scholarships and fellowships for students, helped recruit and retain world-class faculty, provided seed money for groundbreaking research, and facilitated public service and community outreach.

Access for All

In 2013, Chancellor's Associates funding helped establish the Chancellor's Associates Scholarship program. Created by Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla to improve the pathway for qualified students to achieve a higher education, the scholarship program ensures access and affordability to UC San Diego for local students.

For James, the goals of the scholarship program resonate strongly.

"Ultimately, I want the money to be used for what the chancellor sees fit," he says. "But, if my gift helps someone have an opportunity at a great education, an opportunity they might not otherwise have had, that would be wonderful."

He added: "I got a lot out of UCSD—a great job, good life experiences. It would be incredibly rewarding to give someone else that chance."

Bequest