
When Anderson died in 1963, she bequeathed the exact amount she had loaned to Winnie 30 years earlier – $500. This gave Winnie an idea: Why not use the same $500 to help more women further their education? In 1965, she used the bequest, increased with an additional gift from Anderson’s widower, to establish The Anderson Scholarship at the University of California Santa Cruz.
It was one woman leaving a legacy for another woman.
Nearly 30 years later, I was the lucky recipient of the scholarship that is awarded to entering first-year women students with scholastic promise and demonstrated ability. For four years, I had the honor of meeting with Winnie and her family at a yearly luncheon honoring past and present recipients. Just as with Winnie’s education, the $500 helped bridge the gap between what my parents could afford to pay and the actual tuition bill.
It became one woman helping over 50 women.
The generosity extended from Jessie Anderson 75 years ago has inspired decades of support for UCSC students. It’s been 15 years since I received The Anderson Scholarship. Since graduating with a BA in Feminist Politics, I’ve gone on to have my own success; owed, in small part, to Winnie and Jessie.
Now it’s time for this woman to pay it forward.
Today, I contacted UCSC to find out how I can repay the $500 I was awarded back into The Anderson Scholarship. $500 may not go as far today at it went into 1933, but it’s the legacy that will remain priceless.
One woman helping another woman; inspiring that woman to help more women. Thank you, Winifred Steiner, for selecting me to be a link on this beautiful chain.
Photo credit: University of California Santa Cruz
What an inspiring story!