The Brian and Paula Powers Chancellor’s Associates Inspiration Challenge will support the Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship Program at UC San Diego
The University of California San Diego has received a $1 million gift to establish the Brian and Paula Powers Chancellor’s Associates Inspiration Challenge, a philanthropic initiative designed to expand support for the Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship Program (CASP). A hallmark scholarship program at UC San Diego, CASP provides crucial financial aid and comprehensive support services to high-achieving, low-income students from California — many of whom are the first in their families to attend college.
“The Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship Program, which has provided access to UC San Diego for more than 2,900 deserving students, is a point of pride for the campus,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “We are grateful for Brian and Paula’s vision and belief in the power of education and the importance of supporting students from all backgrounds. Their gift will transform lives and serves as an inspiration for others who also wish to make a difference for the next generation of leaders.”
With the goal of inspiring additional support and investment in undergraduate students’ success at UC San Diego, Brian and Paula Powers will match eligible gifts to CASP on a 1:1 basis. Prior to establishing the inspiration challenge, the Powers have supported UC San Diego and CASP for many years, providing support for 32 CASP scholars. Their commitment stems from a deep personal connection to the mission of the scholarship program.
“My parents and grandparents did not go to college — in fact, only one of my grandparents finished high school,” said Paula Powers. “I remember what it was like to step onto a college campus without knowing how anything worked, and I was fortunate to receive financial aid. CASP impressed me not only with its financial support, but with its wraparound services that help students navigate and thrive throughout their college journey.”
Since its inception in 2013, CASP has provided more than 2,900 scholarships to students from underserved communities, including those from UC San Diego partner high schools, community-based organizations and California community colleges. The scholarship is designed to cover the cost of attending UC San Diego, including housing and books, making it possible for families and students to avoid student loans.
“Young people can often feel like the odds are stacked against them, but education remains one of the greatest equalizers we have,” said Brian Powers. “When students — especially those from low-income backgrounds — are told, ‘You can do this, and we’ll help you do it,’ it changes everything. Hope is powerful. And scholarships like CASP send the message that someone is invested in their future.”
Now, more than ever, the Powers emphasize the urgency of supporting students through scholarships, like CASP. “Students today are not just facing academic hurdles — they’re also facing a massive financial burden,” said Paula. “If we can reduce or eliminate the amount of debt they carry after graduation, we’re helping to level the playing field.”
One scholar who has benefited from the Powers’ CASP support is Thunder Santillan ’26. The fourth-year student majoring in Political Science – Data Analytics attended Hoover High School in San Diego. With scholarship funding, he was able to focus on his studies at UC San Diego and join campus organizations that enriched his experience on campus. Graduating next year, he is making plans to apply to law school and preparing for the LSAT.
“The scholarship provided by the Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship Program is the reason I was able to attend UC San Diego,” said Santillan. “Without it, I would not have had the economic resources to attend a four-year university, and I am so grateful. I'm able to focus on my studies and pursue my dreams without having to worry about the financial burden. Someday, I hope to pay it forward and support other students, too.”
It is students like Santillan who have inspired the Powers to establish this challenge. “Paula and I believe in the transformative power of education. This challenge is about inspiring others to step forward and be part of that transformation.”
The Powers have been involved with UC San Diego for more than two decades. Brian Powers first became involved with UC San Diego in 2003, as an International Advisory Board member for the School of Global Policy and Strategy, utilizing the experience he had gained as tai-pan of Jardine Matheson in Hong Kong, and CEO of both Consolidated Press Holdings Ltd. In Sydney, Australia, and Hellman & Friedman in San Francisco. He also served as a trustee of the UC San Diego Foundation Board.
Paula Powers is a retired law professor and attorney who is active in the community, having served on boards for the Old Globe Theatre, the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, the Oberlin Dance Collective and Save the Children in both Hong Kong and Australia.
To learn more and participate in the Brian and Paula Powers Chancellor’s Associates Inspiration Challenge, visit chancellorsassociates.ucsd.edu/powers-inspiration.
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