The Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Memorial Scholarship was established in 2006 to carry on Dr. Kassebaum's ministry by providing Catholic Education to students and helping them to realize their full potential. At Dr. Kassebaum's request, The Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Memorial Scholarship was established immediately following her death in 2006. It was Dr. Kassebaum's wish that her friend and colleague, Steven Boudreau, lead the effort. Chairman of the Kassebaum Scholarship since its inception, Steven recently stated that, "Estelle was a champion for Catholic Education and this scholarship program helps to carry on her ministry of service and love." Each year, students are selected for the scholarship based on their academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and commitment to their Christian call through service to others.
The Memorial Scholarship's Pay It Forward Program was instituted in 2009 as a means by which to further Dr. Kassebaum's vision to help rise up the next generation of Catholic leaders. This has been accomplished by challenging each scholarship recipient to excel in devotion and service to God, their school, community, and family through the execution of a leadership service project.
With the inception of the Pay It Forward Leadership Service Program, all scholarship recipients not only receive their awarded scholarship, but employ their individual resourcefulness and enthusiasm to further the goals of the Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Memorial Scholarship by creatively using an additional grant of $500.00 to help to make a difference at Mater Dei Catholic High School, improve the community, or promote their Christian Call.
A passionate and forward thinking educator, administrator, and mentor who loved her students, Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum was recognized nationally for her innovative and far reaching contributions to Catholic Secondary Education in San Diego, California for over 35 years. In 2005, she became the first President of Mater Dei/Marian Catholic High School. Her faith-filled leadership and abilities in capital development enabled her to secure the funding for the construction of Mater Dei and facilitate the transition from Marian Catholic to Mater Dei Catholic High School. Dr. Kassebaum
passed from this life to join her Lord and Savior on January 24, 2006. She was 68.
In her passing, Dr. Kassebaum left a brightly lit torch of life and love for us to follow. We are all challenged to pick up and carry the torch and, through small acts of kindness daily, continue to espouse the values she lived by for God's Greater Glory. Through
gifts generously donated by family, colleagues, and friends, the Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Scholarship Fund continues to grow and has become the largest fund of its kind in the Diocese of San Diego. The need is still great and the work continues. Please help make the difference by supporting Dr. Kassebaum's Memorial Scholarship Program – your support truly does help make the difference!
For more information on how you can help with the Pay It Forward initiative, please contact Steven Boudreau, Esq., Chairman of the Kassebaum Scholarship at (619) 238-1553 or boudreau@bwlawllp.com.