USD Magazine Spring 2026

Ivan Chaban

navigating financial and university systems, connections to paid summer internships and year-round housing — including free winter and summer break housing. In addition, the DLDRC helps him with classroom accommodations, coordination around his medical needs and physical access across campus. Chaban has thrown himself into campus life: competing in adaptive triathlons, working at the Student Health Center, participating in student organizations and exploring creative pursuits like theater. His calendar is full, and his ambitions are endless. He’s studying international relations, hoping to work in diplomacy or humanitarian policy. In the short term, he’s aiming for an internship with the International Rescue Committee. In the longer term, he wants to start an international school. “As someone from a poor family, someone who had no food at home many times in my life, it’s incredible that I now have a happy life and I’m getting my education,” Chaban said. “I want to open doors for children who are capable of thriving and changing the world.”

He arrived speaking almost no English. Members of the local Ukrainian diaspora took him in and cared for him, while the rest of his family remained in Ukraine. Through a connection with Rotary International, he met a woman who became his guardian — someone he now calls “Mom.” She enrolled Chaban in Torrey Pines High School’s Multilingual Learner Program, and in a short time, he was fluent in English. Through the Challenge Athletes Foundation, he received prosthetics that enabled him to join the track team and become an award-winning athlete. He learned to surf along the California coast and to rock climb. All the while, he

managed high school classes, immigration paperwork and the ongoing physical realities of using a prosthetic limb. When he was exploring colleges, a Rotary member who’s also a USD scholarship donor opened Ivan’s eyes to the possibilities of a private, four-year university. He chose the University of San Diego for its size and support services. “I wanted a place where people would know my name,” he said. “When I visited USD, it felt like home. Now that I’m here, I’m even happier than I expected.” Thanks to the Torero Renaissance Scholars program, which supports students who have experienced foster care or housing instability, Chaban receives guidance

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PEOPLE OFTEN FOCUS ON STRUGGLES AND SACRIFICES, BUT THESE STUDENTS ARRIVE AT USD ACCOMPLISHED AND DRIVEN. I’M INSPIRED BY WHAT THEY’VE ALREADY DONE AND ENERGIZED BY HOW THEY ENRICH THIS COMMUNITY. THEY’RE CHANGING THE GAME FOR ALL OF US.”

— OPHELIA AUGUSTINE, RETENTION SPECIALIST IN TRIO STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

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