Empowering Potential: The Impact of Philanthropy on Student Success
Since 1998, the Ridley-Tree Endowment has changed the lives of more than 220 students—providing more than just financial assistance. It offers validation, encouragement, and a belief in each student’s ability to succeed. Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, a lifelong advocate for education and a beacon of compassion, created this fund out of her own experiences with adversity. Her vision is clear: no student should be held back by circumstances beyond their control.
Alexis McCurn’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education—and the profound impact of generosity. A proud graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Alexis embodies resilience, perseverance, and purpose. Diagnosed with a learning disability in high school, she faced daunting challenges on her path to academic success. Yet, with determination and the right support, she not only earned her master’s and doctoral degrees at UCSB, but now gives back as a sociology lecturer, mentoring students who face similar barriers.
At a critical moment in her academic journey, Alexis found hope and opportunity through the Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree Endowment Fund—a scholarship designed to support students with learning disabilities or other challenges that stand in the way of education. Thanks to this fund, Alexis was able to thrive alongside her peers, ultimately reaching her full potential and becoming a role model for others.
When you support the Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree Endowment, you invest in stories like Alexis’s—and in the futures of countless others who deserve the chance to rise. Your generosity fuels possibility, cultivates talent, and creates ripple effects that extend far beyond the classroom.
Join us in continuing this legacy of empowerment. Together, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed—no matter the barriers.