Giving Hope Through Education

Boyd and Jill Smith, Private Scholarship Donors 

"We believe education is the great equalizer in America," said Boyd Smith, a UVSC private scholarship donor from Palo Alto, California.  "No matter their background, an education can give anyone an opportunity to achieve success and happiness in life."

Boyd and his wife, Jill, have been helping minority students from the California Bay Area get an education for over 15 years. With a number of students in their program wanting to attend UVSC, the Smiths set up an annual scholarship fund with the College and hired a full-time coordinator for their 15 students last year..

The Smiths' Golden Gate Annual Scholarship sends California residents, primarily of Hispanic and Pacific Island descent, to UVSC with their tuition, fees and living expenses paid.

Students are held to a standard by the Smiths, who keep in close contact with each of them. They not only want the students to do well in their classes, but also want to help them learn self-discipline and other habits to succeed in life.

"Once I get personally acquainted with these young people and see how remarkable they are, I can’t help but believe in them," said Jill, a mother of five.

One such UVSC student is Paul Thompson, an English major from Redwood City, California. Thompson is the first student the Smiths sent to UVSC six years ago. His sister is also attending college under the Smiths’ UVSC scholarship. Paul plans to get a master’s degree and possibly teach after he graduates in April.

"The Smiths helped me to not have to worry about finances, but also helped me to get out of my environment," said Thompson, the first of his family to attend college. "But more important than their monetary help has been the emotional support and encouragement they give me."

"We are very proud of Paul and all of our students seeking an education," said Jill.

Boyd added, "With an education, Paul will make a contribution to society and bless and lift others. His education at UVSC has made that possible."

Printed in the UVSC Annual Report 2001-2002