USD Magazine Summer 2008

ALUMNI UPDATE

THAT ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE Finding the connection between alumni and students reaps benefits for both by Carol Cujec [ p a y i t f o r w a r d ]

W e all know it’s better to give than to receive, but did you know that giving can also increase your own sense of hap- piness and well-being? That’s the conclusion of a recent study published in the journal Science . That data is definitely worth taking into account when it comes to helping out the uni- versity. Writing a check is one way to give back; other ways

Yousko, who was Mike’s friend, helped create this scholarship for students pursuing studies in sci- ence, nursing and counseling. “Scholarships are a tangible way for alumni to give back to the university and know that it’s going toward something very near and dear to them — the education of future students,” says Yousko. How does it feel to donate? Fantastic, he says. “When we direct money to Kyle’s

include mentoring students on careers, their study abroad or just helping them survive another round of finals. As a member of the USD National Alumni Board for the past eight years, Rich Yousko ’87 has been trying to get more alumni involved. “Ninety percent of the students that go through USD had a phenomenal time. They got the best education ever and walked away with great friends for a life-

time, but when it comes to actual- ly making a donation, there’s a dis- connect,” he says. “We need to challenge our alums to make that conscious decision to give back.” Toward that end, the board has created scholarships endowed specifically by alumni, like the Kyle O’Connell Memorial Scholarship. Kyle — the son of two alums, Mike ‘87 and Julie ‘88 (Belfiore) O’Connell — lost his battle with brain cancer in 2005.

JIM FRAZIER

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USD MAGAZINE