Dear Contributors,
In the three years since its inception, the Chris Borton Memorial Scholarship Fund has become well established: the interest earned is sufficient to annually provide two students from the University of California at San Diego with a $3000 scholarship each to assist them in their Education Abroad Program.
Nicole Wu
This year’s scholarships were awarded to Nicole Wu and Andrea Martinez-Calvillo. Nicole is studying Economics, French Literature and Theater in Montpellier, France, with the goal of a career in International Business. Andrea is studying Latin American Literature and Dance at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, with plans to become a teacher. The last time we heard from her she was learning to speak Nahuatl and to sew her costume for the Ballet Folklorico by hand.
Andrea Martinez-Calvillo
Last year’s recipients, Austin Leininger and Mark Morris, returned during the summer from Scotland and Ghana, respectively. Mark was able to visit Ray and Verena in Davis before resuming classes at UCSD in September. Lively reports of his experiences in Ghana and other countries, supported by extensive photographs, kept us engrossed for a whole weekend. Mark will exhibit some of his photographs from Ghana in San Diego early next year and possibly in Davis later on. We hope to be able to meet with Austin when he comes north for his winter break.
Our first scholarship recipient, Jennifer Chang, graduated Magna Cum Laude from UCSD in June and is staying on for a year to complete a graduate degree in Biology, with research focusing on meningitis.
Keeping in touch with this special group of young people has been a heartwarming benefit for us. It helps to continue the enthusiasm for learning, travel, and international friendships that Chris fostered.
Special thanks are due to our friend Roberta Beardsley who offered to support the scholarship fund “in kind” by hosting recipients in her home if their travels took them to Paris. Her hospitality was greatly appreciated by Jennifer and Mark.
Please direct any future donations c/o Borton, 101 East Seventh Street, Davis, CA 95616.
Thanks to all of you for the generosity that has made possible the creation of a meaningful and enduring program to encourage international understanding, communication, and friendship.
