New Student Scholarship Available Through the Black Resource Center

“An education at SDSU can make all the difference for talented young people to have a brighter future.”

A prominent alumnus has provided a scholarship gift that will benefit generations of San Diego State University students through the Black Resource Center.  

“Supporting higher education for students is important to the success of our community, and it's especially important to me personally," said Herbert J. Solomon (’53).  

Solomon’s $25,000 gift to the Black Resource Center (BRC) Endowed Scholarship Fund supports SDSU’s goal to be a global leader in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. It will provide scholarship financial assistance to incoming students participating in the resource center, the Henrietta Goodwin Scholars Program and the Harold K. Brown Knowledge, Education and Empowerment Program (KEEP).  

The scholarships are important because they encourage prospective students to strongly consider SDSU as their first choice for higher education.  

“The generous philanthropic efforts of Herb Solomon will provide many students with access to education,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity J. Luke Wood. “It contributes to the continued success of our students. This gift also expands opportunities for student development while advancing diversity and belonging for all.”  

Solomon parlayed his SDSU education into a successful career in law – he was named both SDSU Distinguished Alumnus and UCLA Law School Alumnus of the Year – and he also has a long history of serving the community. The endowed nature of his scholarship gift means that it will support generations of future SDSU students through the BRC, creating a significant legacy.  

"I want my gift to make the difference for deserving students to be financially able to attend my alma mater,” Solomon said. “An education at SDSU can make all the difference for talented young people to have a brighter future.”   

Solomon is the founding member of Solomon Ward Seidenwurm and Smith, LLP. His experience and expertise in corporate and business law and in real estate have brought him numerous achievements and awards, including recognition by several organizations as a top lawyer in San Diego.  

Solomon’s record of community service spans the San Diego region. He is a member of the Council of Visitors of the California Western School of Law and a member of the Board of Hillel of San Diego. He previously served as president of numerous community groups, including the San Diego Symphony and the United Jewish Federation of San Diego, and he was chairperson of the San Diego Housing Commission and vice chairperson of the California State Bar Committee of Bar Examiners.  

“This gift is in line with the Black Resource Center’s mission to promote excellence through academic achievement, scholarship and leadership,” said Tonika Green, associate vice president for Campus Community Affairs in the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and interim director of the BRC.  

Green will be working with prospective students to share the scholarship opportunities available through Solomon’s gift.  

“We are grateful for Mr. Solomon’s generous donation,” she said, “and believe that it will provide educational access to our students, so that they can realize the dream of becoming the brilliant and talented leaders that they are.” 

For more information about supporting SDSU students with scholarships or supporting the SDSU Black Resource Center, contact Jennifer Stanley, director of Development for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity at [email protected] or 415-722-6786.   

For more on scholarships and financial aid available at San Diego State University, go to sdsu.edu/scholarships.