Gabriel Zimmerman (Photo by Tory Anderson/Alliance for Retired Americans / Associated Press)

The Gabriel Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to support undergraduate students in the Division of Social Sciences who are passionate about social issues and committed to public service. Gabriel “Gabe” Zimmerman graduated from UC Santa Cruz as a Sociology major,and he was working for Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords as her Director of Community Outreach when he was tragically shot and killed. Generous donations from more than 520 alumni, community members, and the general public funded this endowment. This endowment awards $2,500 annually to one outstanding undergraduate student who is a major in any of the departments within the Division of Social Sciences.

Undergraduate majors in the social sciences are invited to apply for this scholarship by submitting a short essay (2-3 pages maximum) about her or his passion for social issues and commitment to public service. Candidates must be in good academic standing and submit an unofficial copy of their transcripts. Each department may select one candidate for this award and submit her or his essay for review along with a nomination letter detailing the exceptional qualities of the nominee. The selection committee, appointed by the Dean, includes three faculty and two community members. The recipient of this award will be honored publicly.

The Gabriel Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship Fund provides another way for Social Sciences departments to recognize and reward their outstanding undergraduate students. Gifts to the Gabriel Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship Fund are always welcome. Please contact Social Sciences Development for information about making a gift, or to make an online gift, click Donate to this Fund (or visit the link shown below).

If you have any questions about the award process, please contact Andrea Cohen.