GIVING
Honoring a Legacy: Siblings Establish Scholarship to Support Future Social Sciences Leaders
By Sam Kamangar
For two San José State University alumni, giving back is more than just a gesture — In honor of their parents — Margery H. Vernon, ’87 History, an SJSU alumna and passionate advocate for education, and their father, Raymond W. Vernon — siblings John R. Vernon, ’73 Journalism, and Charlene Uenaka have established the Margery H. and Raymond W. Vernon College of Social Sciences Dean's Scholarship.
This scholarship, made possible through a permanent endowment, provides an annual award to one outstanding College of Social Sciences student. The family chose to donate and establish a named endowment. The growing funds from this endowment support an annual scholarship, which is awarded to an exceptional student in the College of Social Sciences with a preference to students who are the first in their family to attend college. More than just financial support, the scholarship is a commitment to the student's entire academic journey, offering funding for four years (or up to five, if needed) as long as the recipient remains a full-time student in good standing.
A legacy of learning and giving
Margery H. Vernon was born Jan. 10, 1916, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the eldest of six children. After losing her mother at age 10, she and her siblings were raised by their extended family. Despite these challenges, Margery excelled in school and dreamed of attending college. After high school, she pursued accounting and became one of the first female accountants at Transamerica Insurance Co. in Chicago.
During World War II, Margery volunteered to relocate to San Francisco for work, where she met Army Pvt. Raymond Vernon, who enlisted while attending the University of Delaware. The two married in 1945 and later settled in the Santa Clara Valley, where they raised their son, John, and daughter Charlene. Raymond worked as an insurance broker in San José, while Margery dedicated much of her time to their children’s education and community service. She was an active leader in the Cub Scouts, Camp Fire Girls and 4-H Club. Margery and Raymond also led youth groups at the First United Methodist Church of Los Gatos. For many years, she volunteered at the Live Oak Adult Day Care Center, teaching crafts to older adults.
Education and family were central to the Vernons' values. They provided financial support to ensure their children could complete their college degrees, inspiring both John and Charlene to pursue careers as teachers. Their commitment also extended to the next generation — throughout the 1970s and 1980s, they helped fund the college education of their five grandchildren.
Margery also had a personal educational goal she was determined to fulfill. After raising her family, she enrolled at West Valley College, then transferred to San José State University, where she worked toward a lifelong dream. In 1987, at age 71, Margery became the first in her family to earn a college degree, graduating from SJSU with a B.A. in history and a minor in gerontology.
"For our students, any scholarship opens doors to the future. A four-year, full-tuition scholarship is truly life-changing.
— Anne Marie Todd
Supporting future generations of social sciences leaders
The Margery H. and Raymond W. Vernon College of Social Sciences Dean's Scholarship reflects the Vernon family’s deep belief in the transformative power of education. The siblings stay in contact with the student throughout the year, providing mentorship and encouragement. When the student graduates, both families — the recipient’s and the donors’ — come together to celebrate the milestone.
The most recent scholarship recipient, Dorothy Nhan, who graduated in December, is already making meaningful strides in her career and education. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy. She has applied to graduate school at San Francisco State University and the University of San Francisco and is eagerly awaiting admission results.
In the meantime, she is gaining hands-on experience as a special education paraeducator in San Francisco. She remains committed to making a difference in the lives of children with special needs. Additionally, she has taken on a role as a behavior technician with Steps Therapy. Her dedication to education, service and advocacy embodies the spirit of the Vernon family’s legacy.
Through this scholarship, the Margery H. and Raymond W. Vernon College of Social Sciences Dean's Scholarship continues to uplift and empower the next generation of social sciences leaders at SJSU, ensuring that the values of education, resilience and generosity endure for years to come.
"For our students, any scholarship opens doors to the future,” says Anne Marie Todd, dean of the College of Social Sciences. “A four-year, full-tuition scholarship is truly life-changing. The Vernon family’s scholarship honors their mother’s academic achievement of graduating as a first-generation student at the age of 71, with not only a financial commitment, but also personal connection and support. Recipients of the Vernon scholarship have a team championing their success."
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