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Mount Saint Mary’s University strengthens scholarship program in partnership with Marymount Education Foundation

Mount Saint Mary’s University and the Marymount Education Foundation are deepening their commitment to student access and success through an expanded investment in the Marymount Scholars Program, building on support already benefiting students on campus today.

The Foundation has pledged $2.15 million to sustain and grow the program, which currently supports 11 Marymount Scholars at the Mount and will expand to include additional cohorts of undergraduate students beginning in fall 2026 and fall 2027. The longstanding partnership is creating new pathways to a Mount education for students with financial need across Southern California.

The program is designed to serve Pell Grant–eligible students, with a preference for those from Los Angeles County and those who demonstrate a desire to give back to their communities. It reflects a shared vision between the Mount and the Foundation to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of a transformative education.

“We are deeply grateful to the Marymount Education Foundation for their continued partnership and this significant investment in our students,” said MSMU President Ann McElaney-Johnson, PhD. “Through this agreement, we are expanding opportunities for students to thrive. The Marymount Scholars Program shows what sustained investment can achieve by opening doors, strengthening communities and preparing students to lead lives of meaning and impact.”

In the coming years, the program will grow to support more than 30 students across multiple cohorts. Each group of scholars will receive an average of $25,000 per year in scholarship funding, helping cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, textbooks and approved study abroad opportunities.

Beyond financial support, the Marymount Scholars Program offers a comprehensive student experience centered on community, mentorship and personal growth. Scholars participate in a cohort model that fosters connection and accountability, along with enrichment opportunities such as leadership retreats, community-based experiences and dedicated one-on-one support.

Students are also connected to key campus resources — including tutoring, wellness services, and career development — ensuring they are supported academically, personally and professionally throughout their time at the Mount.

“We are proud to deepen our longstanding partnership with Mount Saint Mary’s University and continue investing in students who are already making a meaningful impact on campus,” said Marymount Education Foundation Executive Director Robyn Jones. “The Marymount Scholars at the Mount exemplify what is possible when students are supported not only financially, but also through mentorship and a strong sense of community. Together, we are creating pathways for students to thrive academically, grow personally, and graduate prepared to lead and give back to their communities.”

Scholarship recipients are selected by the University’s Office of Financial Aid based on financial need and are supported through the completion of their undergraduate degrees. The program also encourages strong engagement in campus life, including living on campus and participating in the Marymount Scholars community.
Sue Soldoff, Ph.D.
Sue Soldoff has a long career in the travel industry as president of S&S Safaris. She actively works to support local charities, including Palos Verdes Performing Arts, Las Candalistas and The Lundquist Institute. She has served on Marymount California University’s Board of Trustees for many years. Sue holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from UC-Berkeley and has taught at various colleges.
Lynn Marsh, CPA
Lynn Marsh served on Marymount California University’s faculty, where she developed and taught the Accounting curriculum and mentored students interested in business and accounting careers. Lynn has held consulting positions with mid-size and start-up businesses to develop business strategies, improve operational efficiency, develop internal control policies and procedures, manage monthly close and financial reporting, provide forensic accounting services, and oversee audit preparation and tax filing services as necessary. Lynn Marsh is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in California.
Marie-Baurier
Sr. Antoine- Marie Baurier, RSHM, Ph.D.
Sister Antoine is a Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) and served for fifty years on Marymount California University’s faculty. In addition to teaching French and Spanish, she has served on the university’s Board of Trustees and worked as Mission Coordinator and as an Academic Advisor. Sister holds a Ph.D. in French Literature from UCLA.
Ryan Alcantara
Ryan E. Alcantara, Ph.D.

Ryan Alcantara is a dynamic, student-centered leader with over twenty-five years of experience in higher education. He is currently Special Assistant to the Dean of the School of Education. Previously he was the vice president of student affairs at Marymount California University where he oversaw a comprehensive Student Affairs portfolio. Alcantara also worked at Irvine Valley College, UC-Riverside, and CSU-Fullerton, and serves as an adjunct faculty at the University of Southern California in public policy and education. He earned his Ph.D. in Public Administration (USC).

Arian Schauer
Ariane Schauer, Ph.D.
Ariane Schauer served as Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Marymount California University for thirteen years, leading the institution’s academic transformation from a two-year college to a university with bachelor and graduate programs. She brings deep experience and expertise in higher education leadership, accreditation, program development, curriculum, instruction, assessment, advising, learning support, governance and faculty development. She regularly chairs regional accreditation review teams. Dr. Schauer earned a Ph.D. in Economics from UCLA with focus on money and banking, finance and economic development.
Caroline Sayers
Caroline A. Sayers, J.D.
Carolyn Sayers is an experienced attorney who represents businesses and non-profit entities in developing legal strategies to support business operations, mitigate risks, and avoid and navigate complex litigation. Her practice also includes counseling and advising clients in connection with a wide variety of corporate and real estate transactions so as to avoid litigation and minimize exposure to risk. Caroline Sayers is an alumna of Marymount College and Georgetown University, and has been a long-standing member of Marymount California University’s Board of Trustees. Sayers holds a J.D. from Loyola Law School.
Brian Marcott
Brian W.G. Marcotte
An experienced executive, Marcotte retired as CEO of Titan Oil Recovery, Inc. and previously was a corporate vice president of public policy, health environment and safety at Unocal Corp., a multi-national energy resources company. He also served as subsidiary president of international energy operations for the Netherlands, Indonesia and Thailand. He served as chairman of the Unocal Foundation. In 2018, Brian Marcotte became the eighth president of Marymount California University. He has also served as president of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics California Pacific Conference.
Father Mark Villano
Fr. Mark A

Father Mark Villano is the Associate Director of the University Catholic Center at UCLA. Prior to that, he served as Marymount California University’s Chaplain and Chief Mission Officer. He has also served as a member of Marymount California University’s Board of Trustees. He has taught courses in religion, philosophy, art history, and popular culture, and maintains a strong interest in film and media studies. Fr. Mark holds a Master of Divinity from Catholic University of America and a Master of Fine Arts from the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California.

Dave
David L. Tomblin
Dave Tomblin is a founding partner and served as President/Chief Executive Officer of Tomblin Asset Management Group Inc., a real estate investment and management firm. He has invested in, managed, re-developed, developed, repositioned, re-habilitated, and managed assets and investments of over $1.1 Billion. Dave Tomblin served on Marymount California University’s business faculty for eight years, where he mentored students in their career preparation. His volunteer work has included serving as an elected member of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District; President and member of the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles Area Council, Boy Scouts of America; Founder and member of the USC Caruso Catholic Center Student Mentor Program; and member of the Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Los Angeles.
Rick Edler
Richard Edler
Rick Edler is the CEO of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, where he provides the framework and direction for the company’s growth and success as a leader in the South Bay luxury real estate market. He has served on Premier Business Bank’s Board of Advisors and as Vice Chair of Marymount California University’s Board of Trustees. He is co-founder of Agent Bridge, the world’s largest network of elite agents, a member of the National Association of Realtors, and has served as President of the Palos Verdes Board of Realtors. Edler holds a B.S. in Entrepreneurship from USC.