USF Parents Give to Help USF Students Thrive

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Susie and Denis Roy, parents of three children, support USF and consider the university their local school, especially with two Dons in the family.

Susie Roy, a Bay Area native, grew up just six blocks from USF and could see St. Ignatius Church from her bedroom.

Their experience of USF changed when one of their sons decided to attend USF’s business school. They remember throwing him a graduation party and being impressed by their son’s peers and friends.

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“USF’s student population comes not only from across the country but from around the world. USF is a draw, it’s a university that is in the center of San Francisco that offers a worldly experience, ” said Susie Ray.

When their youngest also decided to attend USF, they realized it could be a good fit.

Denis and Susie Roy’s commitment to the university grew as they began to see USF not just as an educational institution, but as a critical part of the Bay Area community. “University of California Berkeley and Stanford don't need us,” Denis said. “But USF is our local school, and this is the school we need to support.”

For the Roys, philanthropy isn’t just about writing a check. It’s about investing in the growth and future of a community they hold dear. Education, they believe, is the great equalizer, and their support to USF ensures that future generations have access to the same transformative experiences their children have.

“I see how much it costs for kids to go to college these days,” Susie Roy says. “Education is an investment, but not everyone has the resources to make it happen. I know people who are struggling to pay for their children’s education, and I think we need to support those who can’t afford it.”

We’ve had a good life, and now we have the chance to help others have the same opportunities. We want people to get good jobs, to have the opportunity to succeed. It gives you a big leg up.”

Denis Roy

The Roys’ commitment to philanthropy is rooted in their upbringing. Mr. Roy often reflects on the lessons he learned from his father, a compassionate physician in Maine who believed in serving others, regardless of their ability to pay.

“I remember one Christmas when I was a kid,” Denis Roy shared. “My dad came home with all sorts of toys—really nice toys. But they weren’t for us. They were for six other families in our community who couldn’t afford them. My family always took care of others in the community.”

For Susie Roy, the tenants of Judaism, tikkun olam and tzedakah, guide her to give back, “heal the world and it’ll be a better place.”

Both Susie and Denis Roy have carried these values into their adult lives. Susie Roy, who serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, is deeply involved in causes that align with her belief in giving back.

Associate Director, Parent & Family Philanthropy, Darian Rosengard has gotten to know the Roys over the years. “Parent and family engagement and philanthropy at USF is vital to fostering a strong and supportive community for our students. By partnering with our families, like the Roys, we create meaningful opportunities that enrich student experiences and drive transformative growth across campus.

The university is part of the Roys’ community, and they are invested in seeing it thrive. The Roys family sees the power of philanthropy—not just in giving, but in ensuring that the gifts given today can benefit generations to come.

Discover how you can get more involved as a USF parent. Learn more about upcoming opportunities.