May 2, 2003

A husband and wife taking classes at SFSU recently donated $25,000 to the University to establish scholarships for their fellow students.

Concerned that the economic recession is making it difficult for many students to continue their studies and complete their degrees, Gary and Cynthia Bengier (pictured left) have established 25 undergraduate scholarships of $1,000 each for the fall semester.

"The Bay Area has suffered disproportionately in this economic downturn and it has rippled through the entire economy," Gary Bengier said. "This has affected students who work part time and has made it harder for them to go to school full time."

The Bengiers, both in their 40s, are retired from successful careers as executives in high technology and banking, respectively, and have decided to pursue their intellectual interests at SFSU.

Gary Bengier is taking courses in math and science. Cynthia Bengier, who earned her bachelor's degree in marketing from SFSU in 1978, is enrolled in the graduate program in history.

Scholarship Information

The Gary and Cynthia Bengier University Scholarships are part of the University Scholarship program. Their donation doubles the number of University Scholarships available for the fall semester from 25 to 50.

SFSU undergraduates who will be full-time sophomores, juniors or seniors this fall, have financial need, and have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 are eligible.

Students can apply by submitting a University Scholarship application, available in the SFSU Financial Aid Office or online. The application deadline is Friday, May 9.

For more scholarship opportunities for SFSU students, contact Beverly Voloshin, faculty coordinator for the Office of Academic Honors and Scholarships, at (415) 338-7461, the Office of Student Financial Aid at (415) 338-7000 or via e-mail, or visit the Office of Academic Honors and Scholarships Web site.

Prospective donors interested in donating to or creating scholarships for SFSU students may contact the Office of University Development at (415) 338-1042 or via e-mail.