Mendocino Beacon 11/21/2018

Applicants sought for $25,000 Graham scholarship

By Chris Calder
editor@advocate-news.com

Anthony and Mary Anne Graham of Patterson’s Pub in Mendocino have renewed their commitment to local Mendocino-Fort Bragg high school graduates again this year with a $25,000 scholarship fund, initially started last year.

Three graduates of Mendocino Fort Bragg high schools are now attending the University of San Francisco (USF) with scholarship support provided by the Grahams.

“We wanted to encourage local high school graduates to pursue their dreams by attending USF. This is our way of giving back to the Mendocino community,” said Tony Graham.

Both Grahams are committed to supporting higher education. Tony is a USF graduate and former adjunct professor of business ethics. He now mentors law students and serves as a moot court judge at USF School of Law.

Mary Anne also attended USF and taught at Redwood Elementary in Fort Bragg. She cites the school’s academic strength, small class sizes, and Jesuit commitment to social justice as reasons why local students should consider applying to USF.

U.S. News & World Report recently ranked USF among the top 100 schools nationwide, and the school has strong commitment to diversity. USF consistently ranks in the top 10 schools having greatest ethnic diversity, and more than 35 percent of USF students are the first in their families to attend college.

The Graham Scholarship is awarded as a component of the university’s need-based financial aid package to local students who complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

There is no separate application process.

To learn more about applying to the University of San Francisco and submitting the FAFSA, students should contact their high school guidance counselor.