More than 350 people turned out for the eighth annual UC Santa Cruz Scholarship Benefit Dinner that took place in February at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose.
For the second year in a row, the gala was held in Silicon Valley, where UCSC faculty and alumni continue to con- tribute to the innovative research, educational programs, and cutting-edge technologies that define the Valley. Attendees and sponsors raised over $160,000 for undergraduate scholarships at the dinner--one of UCSC’s premier fundraising events—which sold out several weeks in advance.
UC Santa Cruz Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor Alison Galloway (right) and sister Isobel Belvoir.
UC Santa Cruz Foundation member Michael Graydon (center), spouse Sally Graydon, and Smith Renaissance Society founder Bill Dickinson.
California Secretary for Natural Resources John Laird (Stevenson ‘72) and major campus philanthropist Jack Baskin with Chancellor George Blumenthal.
Alumni Councilor and Volunteer Committee member Jerry Ruiz (Crown ‘77) and UC Santa Cruz Foundation President Gary Novack (Kresge ‘73).
Student singers Natalie Erskine (Porter ‘12) and Allie Jessing (Stevenson ‘12), performing the "Flower Duet" from the opera Lakmé.
Former San Jose mayor and event co-chair Susan Hammer, UC Santa Cruz Chancellor George Blumenthal, and co-chair Mary Doyle.
Volunteer Committee member Paul Simpson (Kresge ‘02) with mother Rosalind Simpson (left), UC Santa Cruz Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Felicia McGinty, and evening emcee Stephen Abreu (Kresge ‘99)
Assistant Secretary of Commerce nominee and event keynote speaker Kathryn Sullivan (Cowell ‘73) and campus supporter Nancy Austin.
World-renowned nature photographer and UC Santa Cruz Foundation Trustee Frans Lanting (right) with partner Chris Eckstrom; at left, Larry Minden (Crown ‘79) and Linda Ponzini.
