News Summary
Vanguard University has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation to establish the Headwind Scholars program. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance and academic resources for former foster youth transitioning to higher education. University President Michael J. Beals emphasized the program’s potential to significantly impact the lives of these students. The program aligns with the foundation’s mission to support vulnerable youth and underscores the importance of education in shaping a better future.
Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has received a significant boost in its mission to support former foster youth by being awarded a $900,000 grant from the In-N-Out Burger Foundation (INOBF). This grant will fund the creation of the Headwind Scholars program, aimed at providing financial assistance, academic resources, and support services specifically designed for individuals transitioning out of foster care.
The Headwind Scholars program is poised to make a long-term impact on the lives of former foster youth, addressing the educational challenges they often face. Vanguard University’s President, Michael J. Beals, has expressed confidence in the program’s potential to transform the future for these students, ensuring they have the resources necessary to succeed in higher education.
Howard Booker, the executive director of INOBF, underscored the foundation’s commitment to helping children who have faced abuse and neglect. This initiative aligns with the foundation’s broader mission to support vulnerable youth, and it highlights the importance of education as a pathway to a better future.
In addition, Mark Orphan has been appointed as the director of the Headwind Scholars program. Orphan is a Vanguard graduate and also a co-founder of the nonprofit organization Finally Home, which aids individuals experiencing homelessness, adding valuable experience to his new role.
Vanguard University was established in 1920 and currently hosts approximately 2,200 enrolled students, supported by nearly 100 full-time faculty members. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs, including 30 undergraduate programs and six graduate degree programs. This grant marks a pivotal moment in Vanguard’s ongoing efforts to enhance its outreach and support for marginalized communities, emphasizing its dedication to accessibility in education.
In regional news, the Parisian fashion house Eres has opened its first California boutique at South Coast Plaza, featuring a range of luxury swimsuits, lingerie, and activewear. Additionally, HomeAid Orange County and Los Angeles are preparing for their upcoming Diaper Drive event on May 30, 2025, which aims to collect essential items for families experiencing homelessness. The event will provide a family-friendly atmosphere with themed diaper structures, free food, and educational resources.
On another note, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast has opened its inaugural college and workforce hub at Cypress College, intended to serve over 750 underserved students each year, enhancing educational opportunities in the community.
In leadership changes within local institutions, Jessica Artinger has been promoted to director of the Orange Coast College Planetarium, while Jack Sun has been appointed the new director of the cardiovascular surgery program at Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute, specializing in minimally invasive surgery.
Tilly’s, a popular retailer, recently organized its 18th annual charity golf tournament, successfully raising $130,000 to benefit Tilly’s Life Center. Meanwhile, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire raised $300,000 at their 10th annual Spring Fête to support children facing critical illnesses.
Back at Vanguard, the university’s athletic program was granted full NCAA Division II membership, effective for the 2025-26 season, after meeting compliance and operational benchmarks ahead of schedule. This transition marks a significant milestone for Vanguard, which now competes in the PacWest Conference and participates in NCAA Division II national championships. The completion of NCAA membership and the new Freed Center for Leadership and Service signifies a promising future for Vanguard athletics.
Lastly, at a recent commencement ceremony, 514 graduates were recognized, with Amberly Gourlay serving as the student speaker. Howard Booker encouraged the graduates to embrace their potential and not let past challenges dictate their futures.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Costa Mesa University Gets $900,000 Grant from In-N-Out
- Wikipedia: Foster Care
- OC Register: In-N-Out Gives $900,000 to Vanguard U
- Google Search: Vanguard University
- LA Times: Vanguard University Granted Full NCAA Membership
- Google Scholar: NCAA Division II Membership
- Jimmie Pride: Men’s Volleyball Team Falls Short to Vanguard University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports Programs
- LA Times: Vanguard University Kicks Off Graduation Season
- Google News: Vanguard University Graduation
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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