Fund Spotlight: Elizabeth Jane Smyth Memorial Scholarship

On Friday, June 16, 2017, surrounded by her family, Elizabeth Jane Smyth was peacefully taken to heaven after a three-year battle with cancer.

Those who knew Elizabeth best would describe her spirit as joyful, playful, quick-witted, faith-filled, and kindhearted. Elizabeth was well known as an intelligent, humble, compassionate, and giving friend who always made time for others. As a devoted woman of deep faith, Elizabeth's view and outlook on life was a true symbol of how love, loyalty, and belief in God can inspire the lives of others.

Born in Naperville, IL, Elizabeth and her family moved to Modesto at the age of three months. She graduated from Beyer High School in 2006 and attended UC San Diego where she graduated with a B.S. in Management Science. During her undergraduate studies, Elizabeth was selected to be UCSD's representative intern in Washington D.C at the American Enterprise Institute. She began her career at GALLO Winery as a Scholarship Intern and subsequently went on to a full-time career in Brand Management.

Elizabeth willingly gave back to her community volunteering at Wilson Elementary School, teaching catechism at St. Joseph's Church, and mentoring young women at the GALLO Early Start Leadership Camp. Supporting, encouraging and inspiring young women to be the best version of themselves was a passion held close to Elizabeth's heart.

Mary Smyth, Elizabeth’s mom, shared with us, “After the passing of my daughter, many kind individuals reached out to ask how they could make a donation in her memory. During that time, I was introduced to the Community Foundation. I was deeply moved by the compassion, empathy, and support that the organization extended to me and my family. In honor of Elizabeth’s legacy and her commitment to supporting women in higher education, this scholarship was established. It is specifically intended to support women pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, reflecting Elizabeth’s dedication to helping others achieve their full potential through education.”

The Elizabeth Jane Smyth Memorial Scholarship is open to graduating seniors at Beyer High School in Modesto. Preference is given to female students, and potential recipients must have a GPA of 3.25 or higher and plan to pursue a degree in STEM fields at a four-year college or university. They also must demonstrate financial need and be actively involved in the community.

“Growing up in a low-income household with other extraneous familial obligations that created obstacles in my pursuit of higher education, this scholarship supports me, my family, and the community in Stanislaus County that I intend to return to and serve,” said Sharon L., an Elizabeth Jane Smyth Memorial Scholarship recipient. Following my passion for STEM and biology, I am enrolled as a Chancellor’s Scholar and PATHS Scholar for Molecular and Cell Biology at UC San Diego. With Modesto being the area that I was born and raised in, I’m extremely honored and excited to serve and represent my community during my schooling, aided by the support of the Elizabeth Jane Smyth Memorial Scholarship.”

Mary also shared, “The Community Foundation plays a vital role in giving back to our community. Elizabeth believed strongly in the power of individuals to inspire and uplift others, particularly in encouraging young people to pursue their dreams. She was a passionate advocate for the transformative power of education.”

Interested in opening a scholarship fund to support local students in their journey to higher education? Contact Melissa Van Diepen, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at mvandiepen@stanislauscf.org or 209.576.1608 x 104.