“我们是通过佩普篮球认识他的，但由于经济原因，他不得不离开。 We ran into him on a trip and learned that he wanted to return so he could earn his degree through Pepperdine. 我们让他申请奖学金，他就申请了。 He was exactly the kind of student we were looking for – hard working and willing to do whatever he needed to do to earn a degree from Pepperdine.” 凯西Colombano

马克Colombano decided he wanted to attend Pepperdine in his junior year of high school and was over-joyed when he was accepted to Seaver in 1985. A business major, Mark loved school, made lots of friends, and was active in Pepperdine athletics, particularly lacrosse. Mark’s parents, Kathy and Lou Colombano, often attended games with their son, and the men’s basketball team’s 1986 NCAA Tournament was a memorable bonding experience for the family.

不幸的是，马克在大二时死于一场摩托车事故。 Ironically, the circumstances drew the Kathy and Lou closer to the Pepperdine community, and in 1987, the couple started the 马克Colombano Memorial Scholarship fund.

Every year, the scholarship supports two students who have a love of learning and leadership, plus a passion for the University’s extracurricular activities. Kathy, who is the administrator of the scholarship, looks for students who remind her of Mark and his devotion to education and athletics.

“We have always thought that athletics and sports add so much to a students’ life skills,” notes Kathy. “Sports teach teamwork, patience, time management, friendship, and a sense of community – all things you need to know in life – both in personal relationships and in any career!”

Kathy recalls one scholarship recipient in particular: “We knew [him] through Pepp basketball, but he had to leave due to financial reasons. We ran into him on a trip and learned that he wanted to return so he could earn his degree through Pepperdine. 我们让他申请奖学金，他就申请了。 He was exactly the kind of student we were looking for – hard working and willing to do whatever he needed to do to earn a degree from Pepperdine.”

马克Colombano

Passionate supporters of the University for over 30 years, Lou and Kathy’s involvement goes much further than the scholarship. Lou sits on the 西维尔大学 Board of 访问ors, the 体育运动 Campaign Committee, and the Crest Advisory Board.

凯西一直是艺术协会中心的长期成员。”We have always enjoyed the arts but having such an amazing ambassador as Rebecca Carson has made this journey even more special,” she says. Rebecca is a treasure and it is a blessing to be able to support her and all of her work!”

Moreover, daughter Lisa graduated from Seaver in 1991 and went on to get her law degree from the 华体会体育 in 1994. She is married to John Marking, also a 1994 华体会体育 graduate.

“佩珀代因大学的人很特别，”凯西说。 “So many friends and friendships over the years. Pepperdine creates a sense of purpose and guidance for all.”