A Leadership Vision Comes to Life

Jerri‑Ann and Gary Jacobs Family

In support of social sciences and athletics

The student experience at UC San Diego spans many activities — from classes and clubs to research and extracurriculars. Which is why when the Chancellor’s Scholarship Challenge announced a $1 match to every $2 received in eligible student support up to $5,000,000, Gary Jacobs ’79 and his wife, Jerri-Ann, took the opportunity to enhance both academics and athletics.

As UC San Diego becomes a full member in the Division I Big West Conference, scholarship support is more important than ever. The conference requires that UC San Diego fund athletic scholarships for seven sports, including baseball. And the Jerri-Ann and Gary Jacobs Family Baseball Scholarship Endowment will ensure talented scholar-athletes are supported in perpetuity.

“As a Division III school when I was a student and as a Division II school, athletics were not a unifying tradition for students and alumni. The move to Division I will provide excitement on campus and an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with UC San Diego.”

— Gary Jacobs ’79

The couple’s gift to Triton baseball is just part of their support for students. They also expanded the Jerri-Ann and Gary E. Jacobs Endowed Fellowship in the Division of Social Sciences to further help the university recruit outstanding scholars.

“UC San Diego is always competing for the most competitive graduate students. Our fellowship provides the additional resources to attract these stellar students.”

— Jerri-Ann Jacobs

Through the visionary support of campus leaders like the Jacobs, UC San Diego continues to be the top destination for the best and brightest across disciplines and around the world.