University Club of Pasadena Education Foundation Hosted Its Second Annual Friendraiser

The University Club of Pasadena Education Foundation (UCPEF) hosted its second annual Friendraiser on Sunday, September 24. Guests socialized and enjoyed hosted drinks and tray-passed hors d’oeuvres at the Blinn House across the street from the Club.

During the program, this year’s Education Foundation video premiered, announcing two $5,000 scholarships awarded to Pasadena City College (PCC) students Philycius A. Oey and Kelly Qi. These deserving students are continuing their education at four-year institutions, which is a primary focus for UCPEF. 

“And so when you give these scholarships, you are giving to people who are really trying to find their path in life,” said keynote speaker Mayor Victor Gordo as he shared about the importance of supporting these students and the impact PCC and scholarships have in helping them achieve their dreams in higher education. Additional speakers included Jennifer DeVoll of the Pasadena Community Foundation and Bobbi Abram of PCC Foundation.

UCPEF Committee Co-Chairs Helen Baatz and Tom Kester had the pleasure of announcing that this year’s scholarships are named in honor of University Club General Manager Cyrus Afshin. Cyrus has dedicated almost 15 years to the Club, and he was a key figure in first establishing UCPEF in 2019. Noting that the value of higher education was a founding principle of the Club over a century ago, UCPEF was formed to further this objective and provide support to PCC students continuing their studies at four-year institutions.

At the conclusion of the program, Club member Kathy Meagher announced a generous donation that she and her husband Jim would be making to UCPEF this year. Kathy was one of the first women to join the University Club, and her support for the Club and its founding principle of the value of higher education was deeply appreciated and felt in the room.

Education is the key to knowledge, and scholarships unlock that opportunity. Learn more about UCPEF and its mission here.