Walsh Family Scholarship

Distinguished Professor of Economics Carl Walsh, and his wife Judy Walsh, established the Walsh Family Scholarship Endowment for Social Science majors in honor of Eugene and Bessie Walsh. "This is a lasting way of honoring my parents," said Carl Walsh. "They set a good example of doing things they thought would make the world a better place."

In recognition of the gift, the conference room in Social Sciences 1 was renamed the Eugene and Bessie Walsh Conference Room. A plaque inside the room describes the careers and philanthropy of Eugene and Bessie Walsh.

Eugene Walsh, after being forced to cut short his studies at UCLA to support his parents during the Great Depression, followed by his service in the 94th division during WWII, returned to the classroom decades later, graduating from UCLA's executive program in 1964, and receiving an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University in 1972.

He retired in 1977 as president and CEO of Ralph's Grocery Company and vice president and assistant to the chairman of Ralph’s parent company, Federated Department Stores. Eugene and Bessie Walsh are active in the Food Industry Circle of the City of Hope charity in Los Angeles, which has raised more than $100

million for cancer research, and Eugene Walsh has received numerous awards for his civic work in the Los Angeles area. The elder Walshes have also supported research activities in UC Santa Cruz's Economics Department for years.

Carl Walsh joined the UC Santa Cruz faculty in 1987 after being affiliated with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, where he continues to be a visiting scholar. Previously, he was a faculty member at Princeton University and at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research focuses on issues in monetary economics, including the effects of institutional reforms on monetary policy. Judy Walsh is a member of the pioneer class of Crown College, earning a bachelor's degree in history in 1971. In 1990, she received a master's degree in applied economics. She served as the Development Consultant and Development Director for the New Teacher Center until 2007.

The Walsh Family Scholarship is an award to one or more undergraduate students in any of the majors within the Division of Social Sciences. This award rotates annually among the departments in the division. Selection is based on academic merit and financial need. For further information, please contact the Social Sciences Division at (831) 459-2919.

Suzie Gonzalez, John R. Lewis College, is a double major in Psychology, and Education, Democracy and Justice who hopes to become a middle school or high school counselor serving primarily in underrepresented communities. 

Samanta Meza, Merrill College, is double majoring in Education and Spanish studies with a concentration in language and linguistics whose goal after graduation is to become an educator and serve her community.

Veronica Salazar, John R. Lewis College, is a double major in Education, Democracy, and Justice (EDJ) and Psychology who hopes to obtain a master’s in school counseling. and use that degree to support foster youth within the public school system. 

Elsie Vizcarra, College Nine, is a double major in Education and Latin American/Latino Studies. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, her goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in Latino Studies. She has a deep passion for research and aspires to work closely with the undocumented immigrant community in the years to come.