Paula (Chapman) Isham’s recent good deed of sharing her positive University of San Diego student experience and the merits of attending college with a Roseville, Calif., third-grade elementary class was reciprocated with heartfelt thank-you messages.
But little did Isham — a 2001 biology alumna — know that when she decided to share this personal feel-good moment by sending an alumni class note to USD Magazine that she’d be rewarded again.
Isham’s submission during the magazine’s “Write a Little, Win A Lot” alumni Class Notes contest earned her a new iPad2. Her entry was one of more than 200 notes submitted, according to USD Magazine Editor Julene Snyder.
Isham’s alumni note, scheduled to be published in the Summer 2012 issue, is as follows:
“I had a wonderful volunteer experience on behalf of the University of San Diego to Mrs. Hackett’s third-grade class in Roseville, Calif. I shared about USD, showed them photos of my personal experience, defined what a Torero is and spoke about how important it is to go to college and how to prepare. Their favorite part was seeing my actual framed diploma I brought with me! It was special to share with a class of eight-year-olds all about my fantastic alma mater.
Here are a couple of quick excerpts from their thank-you card: ‘I especially liked the picture where it is your first day at USD. Thank you for teaching us what alumni means. I like your USD T-shirt. It was nice having you in our class; Sincerely, Grace.’ / ‘My favorite picture is the one that shows the whole school. I liked when you told us about the biology major. I like the cool diploma that you have. Clearly, I think college is fun; Julian.’”
The magazine’s contest is over, but alumni, magazine readers and USD’s Alumni Association enjoy hearing updates on fellow Toreros by way of an alumni class note.
– Ryan T. Blystone
