A Historic Investment

Nani Ozelotzin-Hernandez, '27, chose Seattle University's nursing program for its emphasis on compassionate, evidence-based practice.  

With support from the Indigenous Peoples Institute Student Support Scholarship, Ozelotzin-Hernandez can pursue a transformative career in health care. 

“I hope to advocate for patients whose voices are often unheard,” says Ozelotzin-Hernandez, an Indigenous nursing student from the Mazahua pueblo in Hidalgo, Mexico. “My passion for nursing is rooted in a desire to address health inequities and advocate for Indigenous communities who continue to face barriers to accessing quality health care.” 

Ozelotzin-Hernandez is one example of the many students whose higher education experience—and ability to attend Seattle University—is made possible by the support of endowed scholarships and through the generosity of donors.  

“Endowed scholarship growth embodies alumni and other university supporters’ faith in and commitment to furthering Jesuit education,” says Vice Provost of Enrollment Management Monica Ingram. “Our students benefit doubly by receiving added financial support to minimize their education costs and reduce long-term debt.” 

By investing the initial gift and awarding the earnings annually, endowed scholarships provide support to students in perpetuity. This security reduces financial barriers and expands access to a Seattle University education. 

Among those instrumental in supporting SU students' education and several key capital improvement projects on campus was the late Ann P. Wyckoff, who passed away January 1, 2026.  

A generous and steadfast partner of SU, going back to the time of Father Lemieux and Father Sullivan, Wyckoff was a prominent trustee and trustee emerita, who “always advocated for academic excellence and providing the opportunity for students to have a Seattle University Jesuit education," says Stephen Sundorg, S.J., former president and current Chancellor of SU. 

“In honor of Wyckoff’s advocacy of academic excellence and her generous estate gift to support scholarships, SU has established the Ann P. Wyckoff Endowed Scholarship for undergraduate scholarships. The estate’s sizable gift of $33.7 million is a major step toward SU’s comprehensive campaign goal of reaching $100 million in endowed scholarship funds.”

The Ann P. Wyckoff Endowed Scholarship creates a legacy for Wyckoff, a visionary community leader, that perpetuates her lifelong commitment to supporting students.  

A LASTING LEGACY 

A friend and supporter of SU since the early 1960’s, Wyckoff was an influential figure in SU’s evolution into the university it is today. She served on Seattle University’s Board of Regents from 1972 to 1981 and the Board of Trustees from 1982 to 1998, before becoming a Trustee Emerita. In 2008, she received the St. Ignatius Medal, the university's highest honor, for her dedication and embodiment of the Ignatian value of service to others. 

“I remember especially joining with her and family members in a private audience with Pope Francis and her generous lead gift to the campaign that built the Jim and Janet Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation,” says Father Sundborg. “She was a woman of deep faith and had a playful, gracious manner.” 

MATCHING FUNDS BUILD FOR THE FUTURE 

In light of recent cuts to aid for students attending private universities in Washington state, donor-supported scholarships like the Ann P. Wyckoff Endowed Scholarship are essential to provide students with an affordable education at SU. In a historic investment to further student access and opportunity, SU recently launched the Seattle University Endowed Scholarship Challenge, a $20 million matching initiative to reach the ambitious goal of $100 million for endowed student scholarships. 

With generous funding from an anonymous donor, SU will provide 50 cents in matching funds for every $1 contributed by donors, increasing gift impact by 50 percent. By giving to SU’s Endowed Scholarship Fund, donors create a renewable, reliable resource that will impact students for generations to come.  

“Through these gifts, students know they are supported by a Seattle University community that champions their success,” says Ingram. 

Contact University Advancement at scholarships@seattleu.edu to learn more about the Endowed Scholarship Challenge and how you can create a lasting legacy. 

Ann P. Wyckoff’s Indelible Imprint  

Ann P. Wyckoff’s significant contributions to many spaces and buildings helped make SU the beautiful campus it is today. 

• SU honored Wyckoff's financial support of the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons by naming the Ann Pigott Wyckoff Reading Room. Tucked in the corner of the library's third floor, the reading room provides students with comfortable space for quiet study. 
• A graduate of Stanford University and the University of Washington, Wyckoff firmly believed in the power of education. SU honored her contributions to major capital projects by naming the Wyckoff Auditorium on the second floor of Bannan Center, utilized for lectures, film showings and other events. 
• A lifelong practicing Catholic and strong supporter of SU’s Jesuit mission, Wyckoff was a key contributor to the Chapel of St. Ignatius. Featuring a unique architectural design by Steven Holl, the chapel is the spiritual heart of campus and will celebrate its 30-year anniversary in spring 2027. 

Learn more about Ann P. Wyckoff’s life and legacy.

In the 2025-26 academic year, nearly 500 donor-supported scholarships were awarded to undergraduate and graduate students, empowering the next generation of Redhawks.   

Nani Ozelotzin-Hernandez, '27 
Nursing 
Indigenous Peoples Institute Student Support Scholarship 

“This scholarship has greatly impacted my education at SU by easing the financial burden I have faced this year. This support has allowed me to work fewer shifts, focus more on my coursework and ease the anxiety about how I need to budget extremely so I can pay for my tuition. I am deeply thankful to the donors for creating opportunities for students affected by financial barriers.”  

Sofia Torres, '26  
Master’s in Teaching 
Burke Family Scholarship in Education 

“As a low-income student of color, I dreamed of the opportunity to attend a reputable college in a large city. It was because of programs like Seattle University’s that I had educators that supported me in this mission and helped me access the necessary tools and programs to achieve my goal. Now, I feel certain in my ability to reciprocate this favor for other students.”  

Mason Hogan, '26 
Biology 
Stuart Stephen Reed Scholarship 

"Because of this scholarship I will have to worry less about finding a job during the school year and I will have the chance to instead look at unpaid internships like the one I am currently doing at the University of Washington's Bitto lab. I chose Seattle University because alongside biology I have an invested interest in the ethics of healthcare research. SU provides an outlet through its UCOR system, allowing me to explore this topic in depth."