The University of California San Diego has received a $1 million donation to create the Brian and Paula Powers Chancellor’s Associates Inspiration Challenge. The new initiative is aimed at expanding support for the Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship Program, which offers financial aid and support services to high-achieving, low-income California students, many of them 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 serve as an inspiration for others who also wish to make a difference for the next generation of leaders.”
Through the new challenge, the Powers will match eligible donations to CASP on a one-to-one basis. The couple has supported the university and CASP for several years and has helped fund 32 scholarships so far. Their interest in the program is personal.
“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 2013, CASP has awarded more than 2,900 scholarships to students from underserved backgrounds, including those from UC San Diego partner high schools, community organizations, and community colleges. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, including housing and books, which reduces or eliminates the need for 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.”
The Powers say that scholarship support is even more urgent now. “Students today are not just facing academic hurdles—they’re also facing a massive financial burden,” Paula said. “If we can reduce or eliminate the amount of debt they carry after graduation, we’re helping to level the playing field.”
One student who’s benefited from the Powers’ support is Thunder Santillan ’26, a Political Science – Data Analytics major and graduate of Hoover High School in San Diego. With scholarship help, he’s been able to focus on school and get involved in campus life. He’s preparing to graduate next year and plans to apply to law school.
“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.”
Students like Santillan are why the Powers decided to create the matching 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,” Brian said.
The Powers have been connected to UC San Diego for more than 20 years. Brian began his involvement in 2003 as a member of the International Advisory Board for the School of Global Policy and Strategy. He brought with him experience as tai-pan of Jardine Matheson in Hong Kong and CEO roles at Consolidated Press Holdings Ltd. in Sydney and Hellman & Friedman in San Francisco. He also served as a trustee on the UC San Diego Foundation Board.
Paula Powers is a retired attorney and law professor who has served on boards for organizations including the Old Globe Theatre, Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, Oberlin Dance Collective, and Save the Children in both Hong Kong and Australia.
To learn more or contribute to the Brian and Paula Powers Chancellor’s Associates Inspiration Challenge, visit chancellorsassociates.ucsd.edu/powers-inspiration.
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