The Rob Benzon / Dan Ferbal Foundation (RBDFF) is proud to have awarded two scholarships through the annual PFLAG Scholarship Awards to two deserving LGBTQ students pursuing higher education.
The Rob Benzon Memorial Scholarship:
Awarded to Erik W.
A freshman at UCSD, Erik plans to work proactively with his activism to help those who question their sexuality. He is confident that through his activism, volunteering, and being his true authentic self, he can help the next generation. He appreciates how far the LGBTQ+ community has evolved, and he hopes to be part of the change and help continue to progress toward greater equity.
Grant awarded in March 2022
Daniel J. Ferbal Memorial Scholarship:
Awarded to: Jason C.
Jason is excited to have the opportunity to continue his education through the Keck School of Medicine, Master of Public Health Program. His admission to The University of Southern California, Master of Public Health program would offer him access to a cutting-edge, world class program that would empower and provide him with the tools, resources, skills, and opportunities for hands-on, engaging, impactful and relevant research and applications for the ever-evolving field of public health. This scholarship will help achieve these goals.
Jason currently serves as the Senior Services Case Manager at The San Diego LGBTQ+ Community Center. Prior to this role, Jason worked as a Medical Case Manager with the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. Jason received a BA in Dramatic Arts and Health Education from the University of Arizona.
Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Jason has called San Diego home since graduating from the University of Arizona. Jason and his husband of 25 years met in San Diego, and they are the proud parents of 19-year-old twins, who were adopted at birth in San Diego County. Jason developed a strong devotion to the nonprofit sector, having worked for and volunteered with various community organizations throughout California and Arizona during the course of his career.
Grant awarded in March 2022