Celebrating Generosity
A High-Impact Gift
As the University of San Diego celebrates its diamond anniversary and the School of Law its 70th, Virginia "Ginny" Nelson '79 (JD) and her husband Mark Andrews continue to light the way forward with their philanthropy.
Ginny and Mark pledged a high-impact $1 million gift to USD in December 2023, which will support law school facilities improvements, the Founder’s Endowed Scholarship and other priority initiatives at the university.
Over the years, Ginny and Mark have created several scholarships at the School of Law, including legacy-endowed scholarships, the Virginia C. Nelson Graduation Prize in Advanced Advocacy and the Julianne D. Fellmeth Scholar Program. Their generous gift will continue to enhance education and advance key needs at USD.
Funding Priority Initiatives
Scholarships
Faculty Support
Student Centers and Programs
Capital Investments
Supporting Our Students
First Generation Scholarships for Graduate Students
For the past two consecutive Torero Tuesdays, USD's annual day of giving, Ginny and Mark sponsored the Nelson-Andrews First Generation Scholarship Challenge. Their 2024 Challenge on October 15 awarded $10,000 in matching funds per school to the first four schools to raise $5,000 in support of First Generation Graduate School Scholarships.
$70,000
Total In Matching Funds For First Generation Scholarships
The First-Generation Graduate Student Challenge helps address USD students' unique goals and challenges as the first in their families to attend graduate school. Because of Ginny and Mark's support, these students can receive the resources needed to achieve their dreams and unlock their full potential.
When each of us contributes in a way that resonates, we all become a part of the farther forward and upward path of success for this university, the place that we love, and for its number one priority: student success. Our impact will continue further forward than we can imagine.
Celebrating Legacy and Leadership
Ginny and Mark's philanthropic efforts are focused on supporting diversity, first-generation students and both undergraduate and graduate scholarships, in addition to providing significant contributions to enhance law school facilities. A USD Law alumna, former trial attorney and current adjunct law professor, Ginny serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. She and Mark have been active members of the USD community for almost 40 years, helping the university light the way forward by funding multiple scholarships and initiatives across campus.
Learn more below about Ginny's recent local recognition, her leadership role on the USD Board of Trustees and her support of an annual prize for outstanding law students.
USD Board of Trustees Member Virginia Nelson ’79 (JD) & USD Law Alumna Audrey Surridge ’17 (JD) Named SDBJ 2024 Top Nonprofit Board Leaders
University of San Diego (USD) Board of Trustees Member Virginia Nelson '79 (JD) was recently named one of the 2024 Top Nonprofit Board Leaders of Influence by the San Diego Business Journal.
University of San Diego Board Welcomes New Chair, Trustees
The University of San Diego announced in 2023 a new chair of its board of trustees. Two board members – Virginia Nelson, ’79, and Sue Cunningham – have been appointed as officers in the roles of Vice Chair and Secretary, respectively.
Virginia C. Nelson Graduation Prize in Advanced Advocacy at USD Law
Funded by alumna Virginia C. Nelson '79 (JD), this prize is awarded to a law student with outstanding performance in Advanced Trial Advocacy at USD School of Law.