Endowment

This fund allows UPrep to continue its tradition of discovering and nourishing each individual student’s potential. Distributions provide tuition and expenses for students in need of financial assistance.

Established in 2007 through a bequest from Aileen Welgan, this fund honors Aileen’s commitment to teaching and enables faculty and staff to pursue professional excellence in their fields.

This fund was created by Jock Akin and Mary Stevens in appreciation for the quality education their children received at UPrep and provides support where it is most needed. This allows the school to actively respond to unanticipated opportunities or challenges identified by the Board and Head of School.

Carlene Gaudette and her son Jeff Zbikowski '06 established this fund in 2007 in appreciation for the quality education Jeff received at UPrep. This fund helps students in need of financial assistance who otherwise wouldn’t have the resources to attend UPrep and benefit from its outstanding education.

This fund was created in 2014 to honor former Head of School Erica Hamlin’s service to UPrep and her legacy of expanding access to independent school education. Proceeds benefit students in need of financial aid with priority given to Rainier Scholars students.

Established in 2006, earnings from this endowment support compensation for faculty and staff in a competitive marketplace for top-notch educators.

Established in 2006, this fund supports conferences and training to enhance the professional expertise of faculty and staff.

Established in 2006, proceeds support UPrep’s commitment to provide a global education and international opportunities to its students.

J. Brandon Suehiro attended University Preparatory Academy beginning in Fall of 2004 and graduated with the Class of 2011. He came to UPrep after attending University Child Development School (UCDS). Brandon loved his time at UPrep. He took advantage of all the classes and opportunities the school had to offer. He participated on the tennis and basketball teams and further developed his passion for music and visual arts. Brandon matriculated to Santa Clara University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, graduating in 2015. Brandon was an account executive at Tableau (Salesforce) in Seattle. Prior to that he worked in the venture capital and technology sales fields.

At age 30, Brandon unexpectedly lost his life in a tragic incident. A fall on stairs outside his home resulted in a catastrophic brain injury. Brandon, through his estate and with his parents Gerin and Jim Suehiro, established this endowment in his name at UPrep to support his lifelong love of creative experiences in visual art and music.

Make a gift or pledge to the J. Brandon Suehiro Endowment. If you'd like to inquire about alternative payment options, please email development@universityprep.org.

John and Mabel Makinen established the Makinen-Sarin Endowment to provide ongoing funds for school operations. The endowment builds upon annual stock donations from the Makinen family.

The Michelle Gans Fund, established in honor of a former UPrep student, supports students who have experienced or are experiencing significant social, economic, or personal instability. This endowment enables UPrep to provide an outstanding educational experience for the students who are selected to receive assistance.

Created to honor Roger Bass’s 25-year leadership at UPrep, proceeds from this endowment benefit students with demonstrated financial need.

Unrestricted endowment provides the school flexibility to sustain its academic programs and respond to change over time.