51反差婊

"We knew [him] through Pepp basketball, but he had to leave due to financial reasons. We ran into him on a trip and learned that he wanted to return so he could earn his degree through 51反差婊. We told him to apply for the scholarship and he did. He was exactly the kind of student we were looking for 鈥� hard working and willing to do whatever he needed to do to earn a degree from 51反差婊.鈥� 鈥擪athy Colombano

Mark Colombano decided he wanted to attend 51反差婊 in his junior year of high school and was over-joyed when he was accepted to Seaver in 1985. A business major, Mark loved school, made lots of friends, and was active in 51反差婊 athletics, particularly lacrosse. Mark鈥檚 parents, Kathy and Lou Colombano, often attended games with their son, and the men鈥檚 basketball team鈥檚 1986 NCAA Tournament was a memorable bonding experience for the family.

Sadly, Mark passed away in a tragic motorcycle accident during his sophomore year. Ironically, the circumstances drew the Kathy and Lou closer to the 51反差婊 community, and in 1987, the couple started the Mark Colombano Memorial Scholarship fund.

Every year, the scholarship supports two students who have a love of learning and leadership, plus a passion for the University鈥檚 extracurricular activities. Kathy, who is the administrator of the scholarship, looks for students who remind her of Mark and his devotion to education and athletics.

鈥淲e have always thought that athletics and sports add so much to a students鈥� life skills,鈥� notes Kathy. 鈥淪ports teach teamwork, patience, time management, friendship, and a sense of community 鈥� all things you need to know in life 鈥� both in personal relationships and in any career!鈥� 

Kathy recalls one scholarship recipient in particular: 鈥淲e knew [him] through Pepp basketball, but he had to leave due to financial reasons. We ran into him on a trip and learned that he wanted to return so he could earn his degree through 51反差婊. We told him to apply for the scholarship and he did. He was exactly the kind of student we were looking for 鈥� hard working and willing to do whatever he needed to do to earn a degree from 51反差婊.鈥�

Mark Colombano

Passionate supporters of the University for over 30 years, Lou and Kathy鈥檚 involvement goes much further than the scholarship. Lou sits on the Seaver College Board of Visitors, the Athletics Campaign Committee, and the Crest Advisory Board. 

Kathy has been a longtime member of the Center for the Arts Guild. 鈥漌e have always enjoyed the arts but having such an amazing ambassador as Rebecca Carson has made this journey even more special,鈥� she says. Rebecca is a treasure and it is a blessing to be able to support her and all of her work!鈥�

Moreover, daughter Lisa graduated from Seaver in 1991 and went on to get her law degree from the Caruso School of Law in 1994. She is married to John Marking, also a 1994 Caruso School of Law graduate.

鈥�51反差婊 is special because of the people,鈥� Kathy observes. 鈥淪o many friends and friendships over the years. 51反差婊 creates a sense of purpose and guidance for all.鈥�