Scholarships Fuel Ambition for Ani De Lira Lopez ’26

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In the 2023-2024 academic year, the University of San Francisco awarded $79.5 million in need-based scholarships and grants to undergraduate students, with 97% of first-time, first-year students receiving financial aid.

Current undergraduate and graduate student at USF, Ani De Lira Lopez ’26, is pursuing a degree in history and a master’s in teaching, part of the university’s distinctive 4+1 undergraduate teacher’s education center (UTEC) program. This program allows them to earn a bachelor’s degree and a preliminary teaching credential in just five years, giving De Lira Lopez the rare opportunity to enter the classroom as a fully prepared educator right after graduation.

For De Lira Lopez, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while saving time and money is a unique opportunity. Along with the UTEC program, one of the key factors in her decision to attend USF has been the financial support from donors, which has allowed them to focus on their studies without the added burden of financial stress.

“There is no way I could attend USF without the generosity of donors,” she says. “Not only am I benefitting, but hundreds of students, past and future, will benefit from my education. Every day I’m aware of how important it is to pay that generosity forward.”

USF’s commitment to philanthropic support for scholarships underscores the university’s belief that a quality education empowers students to thrive in their careers and inspires them to make a positive impact on the world.

In its 2025 rankings, U.S. News & World Report placed USF among the top 15% of universities for social mobility.

Interim Vice President Jayme Burke advocates for the power of scholarships, believing they not only support USF students but also contribute to the betterment of society.

USF has a longstanding tradition of ensuring that talented young people have access to the transformative opportunity of a college education. Social mobility has always been at the heart of our Jesuit mission, and we honor students’ persistence and determination by offering them opportunities to succeed."

Jayme Burke

When donors contribute to scholarships, they invest in the diverse and dynamic community of USF students who are driven to make a positive impact on the world."

The impact of a donor-funded scholarship on USF goes far beyond academics. It transforms dreams and inspires student ambitions into tangible realities.

After graduation, De Lira Lopez plans to jump straight into teaching at public high schools, applying what she’s learned at USF with students in real-world settings. Looking ahead, she aims to get involved in teacher education and preparation programs, possibly through a nonprofit organization or by pursuing graduate studies, with the goal of eventually teaching at the college level.

Ani De Lira Lopez’s story demonstrates the transformative power of a strong educational foundation, the importance of vision and possibility, and the ripple effect that a scholarship can have on not only one life but many.

Join us in creating more dreams and opportunities for USF students. Explore how you can support scholarships at USF.