Community Spotlight: Kevin and Laura Shea carry on their son’s legacy
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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. |
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Community Spotlight: Where are they now?
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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.
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Community Spotlight: Class of '72!
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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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