Longtime University Supporter to be Honored at Luncheon

November 15, 2004 :: No. 86

In tribute to his generosity to the Guardian Scholars program, longtime university supporter and Titan alumnus Bill Selman (B.A. economics ’63), president of Selman Chevrolet, will be honored Tuesday, Nov. 23, during the Thanks for Giving recognition luncheon.

Held this year at the Brea Improv, the fund-raising event will benefit Guardian Scholars and is an opportunity to spotlight all supporters of the program, as well as “remind ourselves how good we have it,” says alumnus and attorney John Dolan, member of the Guardian Scholars Advisory Board and organizer of the event.

Selman has contributed to Guardian Scholars since its inception — fully funding a student each year.

“Bill Selman has made a personal commitment to the program through annual gifts and continuing faith in the students,” says Jenny Vinopal, director of Guardian Scholars. “Throughout the past six years, he’s provided the program with unwavering love and support. We are so happy to honor such a wonderful friend and mentor.”

Guitarist and stand-up comedian Mike Rayburn will provide the luncheon’s entertainment. Rayburn has performed as a keynote artist for numerous corporations and has entertained campus audiences across the country — the only entertainer voted “America’s Campus Entertainer of the Year” three out of four years in a poll of more than 5,300 colleges in the United States.

Developed in collaboration with Orangewood Children’s Foundation in 1998, the Guardian Scholars program encourages and supports promising and motivated young people who are exiting the foster care system and striving to earn a college degree. Through such circumstances as endangerment, estrangement and abandonment, student scholars typically are
former wards of the court, emancipated minors and/or without parental/adult support. Lacking even basic resources during the transition to adulthood, they are willing but not yet able to help themselves fully — often struggling without the financial, emotional and psychological safety nets that other college students rely on, according to program administrators.

Luncheon tickets are $50 each, in addition to sponsorship opportunities to $15,000. Those who cannot attend” Thanks for Giving” but wish to underwrite a student scholar’s lunch are encouraged to do so for $50.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call Mary Jacobson of University Advancement at 657-278-7124.

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