Community Spotlights

Community Spotlight: Announcing New Scholarships!

We are thrilled to announce the addition of two new scholarships to be awarded for the first time in 2024! Two wonderful Archie Williams (and Drake before) families have generously endowed these new scholarships, each honoring academic pursuits and philosophies that have enhanced their own life journeys.

Environmental and Social Justice Scholarship
Sue Fox and Steve Bluestone were pioneers of the SEA-DISC Academy. Their ground-breaking curriculum focused on classwork and immersing students in real world environmental and social justice issues. This curriculum has inspired generations of students to be change makers and stewards of the environment. Nicole and Tess Anacker are graduates of the SEA-DISC Academy; their learnings shaped their academic and professional future in sustainability. The Anacker Family Foundation is proud to honor the SEA-DISC Academy, Sue Fox and Steve Bluestone, and those who have a passion for shaping a better world through excellence in sustainability, environmental and social justice.

Sarkisian Arts and Engineering Scholarship
The Sarkisian Foundation was established to support students pursuing higher education in the arts and engineering. As a family made up of educators, working artists and a structural engineer who combines visual arts and engineering in his practice, the family has seen firsthand the power of combining art, design and technical knowledge in their work and life. The Sarkisians have all been educated in the arts and hope to encourage scholarship recipients to do the same and to explore their fields of study with a commitment to creativity and excellence.

We thank the Anacker Family Foundation and the Sarkisian Foundation for their vision and generosity, which will alleviate some of the burden of paying college tuition for two deserving students each year.

If you or someone you know is interested in setting up a scholarship, please email us at [email protected] for more information.

Community Spotlight: Kevin and Laura Shea carry on their son’s legacy

Scholarship Foundation board member and former president Kevin Shea and his wife Laura first got involved with the foundation in 2010 when their son, Nick, passed away. Family and friends wanted to do something for the dedicated Drake and San Diego State graduate, and assisting Archie Williams students reach their potential through higher education seemed the perfect cause.

“He was a good student, he was in the arts, and he enjoyed the whole Drake experience… it was cathartic and healing to have something to remember Nick on a constant basis,” Kevin said.

The Sheas and their friends donate to Nick’s scholarship every year in his memory. Assisting students in accessing resources for a successful life fulfills them.

“It's incredible to see a young person accepting that scholarship, a handshake, and a hug from me and my wife…. It's awesome to see [seniors] and know that they now know something about Nick and that they’re benefiting in their education, and we've given them that opportunity with some scholarship,” Kevin said.

Their passion for uplifting students in their son's memory inspires the Sheas’ enduring commitment to The Scholarship Foundation. And they, in turn, inspire us and so many others in the community.

Community Spotlight: Where are they now?

Meet 20-year-old Archie Williams alumna, Emma Burke. After applying to the scholarship foundation with information about her extracurricular activities, academic achievements and career goals, Emma was thrilled to receive a scholarship to assist with her tuition at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her original plan was to study biology and do genetic research or plant science. Once at UCSB, Emma felt the urgency of mitigating the climate crisis and decided to switch majors. Now in her third year of school, she has worked at a variety of environmental internships and is currently planning to volunteer at a non-profit urban farm in Santa Barbara.

Community Spotlight: Class of '72!

We thank the class of 1972 for sponsoring the Drake Alumni & Community scholarship with proceeds from their 50th reunion this year! They encourage other classes to make similar, impactful donations. “All of us feel students who want to continue their education should have the opportunity to do so. Fifty years ago, college-level education was much less expensive and more accessible. Today, we recognize that financial assistance can make a big difference and we are happy to help in this modest way,” said Roger Smith, class of ‘72. Thank you!

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