Celebrating 25 Years of Impact

For a quarter of a century, Seattle University students have benefited from scholarships from the Costco Scholarship Fund. And, thanks to the generosity of many, this year’s Costco Scholarship Breakfast was record-breaking, raising $7.3 million.

Costco co-founders Jim Sinegal and the late Jeff Brotman created the scholarship in 2000 to support students from underrepresented communities in achieving their higher education dreams. Since its inception more than 2,600 scholarships have been awarded to students in need at Seattle University and University of Washington, totaling more than $89 million. 

“When you look at things like this, you understand that you’re not going to change the world...but maybe you can make a difference in a community,” says Sinegal.

Through the Costco Scholars program the partnership between Costco and Seattle University has grown, strengthened by a shared investment in the next generation of critical thinkers and innovators. With the Costco Scholarship, Seattle University has been able to address the number one reason students are unable to graduate—unmet financial need.

This impact contributed to the university’s ranking by the New York Times as the most economically diverse selective university in the Washington state and the best private university in the state for social mobility, according to U.S. News & World Report.

“The idea of creating a scholarship that would increase the access of underrepresented communities to higher education was visionary and the quality of that vision is reflected in the fact that 25 years later, it’s thriving,” says President Eduardo Peñalver.

This year’s 57 incoming Costco Scholars at Seattle University are joining a legacy of Redhawk change makers who reflect Seattle University’s Jesuit ethos of care and service to others. 

Current Costco Scholar Diego Gael Gonzalez, ’26, the son of Mexican immigrants, shared at the breakfast how he overcame a speech impediment, language [JB1] barrier and financial constraints to give back to his community through service. Gonzalez attributes his current academic success at SU to the Costco Scholarship, which has empowered him to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer to represent low-income and immigrant communities in King County.

Costco Scholar alumnus Dylan Munn,’10, is A’aninin and Assiniboine, enrolled with the Fort Belknap reservation near Helena, Montana, and was integral in the establishment of the Indigenous Peoples Institute at Seattle University. For Munn, the Costco Scholarship meant more than just funding.

“When you have somebody that supports you, it removes that feeling of being alone,” says Munn. “Most schools had a $75 application fee and I couldn’t even afford that. I’m not sure I would have gone to college if it weren’t for the Costco Scholarship.”

After graduating from Seattle University, Munn pursued a successful career in finance and sales and served as Chairman for the Costco Scholars Alumni Board. He continues to be an advocate and mentor for the Native American community, which has one of the lowest graduation rates for high schools and an 8% graduation rate for colleges.

“One of the biggest things that Native Americans lack right now is people to say, ‘it’s possible,’” says Munn. “I don’t want to rest until I can showcase that for as many people as I can.”

Munn’s story is one of many Costco scholar alums who make an impact in their workplaces, families and communities. There are currently 205 Costco scholars enrolled at Seattle University whose impact will shape the future of their communities.

In remarks at the breakfast, President Peñalver announced Seattle University’s further investment in these scholars. Starting with this year’s cohort, 100% of Costco Scholars’ demonstrated financial need will be met through a variety of aid programs and sources.

To celebrate a quarter-century of the Costco Scholarship is to also celebrate not only the impact of nearly 1,400 deserving Redhawks who live the mission, but also the donors who make it all possible. 

Photo: ©2024 Costco Wholesale Corporation