Endowments and Memorial Funds
Tom Hunt Memorial Scholarship
Tom Hunt’s tenure on the RUSD Board of Education was defined by an unwavering belief that every student deserves a pathway to success, regardless of their starting point. He was a fierce advocate for programs that closed achievement gaps and opened doors, most notably through his fervent support of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. Tom understood that education is not one-size-fits-all; he worked tirelessly to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) and foster local business partnerships, ensuring students were equipped with the real-world skills, internships, and job-shadowing opportunities necessary to thrive in their future careers.
Beyond the classroom, Tom was passionate about connecting students to the rich history and vibrant future of the Riverside community. He believed that a student’s environment should reflect the values of service and civic duty, a conviction that culminated in one of his final acts as a trustee: the historic renaming of Harada Elementary School to honor local heritage. As a proud alumnus of Riverside City College and UCLA, Tom modeled the very "lifelong learner" spirit he sought to instill in RUSD graduates. By establishing the Tom Hunt Memorial Scholarship Fund, we ensure that his vision for student leadership and community advocacy continues to empower Riverside’s youth for generations to come.
“Tom made this world a better place, and me a better leader. Thanks to Tom’s decades of service and leadership, tens of thousands of students live in a better community and have an extraordinary educational experience. Tom reminded us of our history as a community, advocated for our students, and shared innovative ideas and solutions to make Riverside and our schools even better.” Brent Lee, RUSD Board Trustee.
The Glenn Allen King Fund
The Glenn Allen King Memorial Fund has officially reached its endowment goal, ensuring Mr. King’s legacy of mentorship is a permanent part of RUSD. As a teacher, principal, and Assistant Superintendent, Glenn was a "strong, loving father figure" to many.
“Glenn meant so much to so many in Riverside. Mr. King's "kids" were everywhere. I was one of them, although I'd known him my whole life, not just from school. Our families were friends from as early as I can remember. And after my dad left he was the one who stepped up to fill that void as that strong, loving father figure. He was always there to offer wise and tender words of encouragement, or a swift kick in the butt to make sure I stayed on track. I'd have never graduated high school without his voice in my head keeping me focused. Now I'm 56, and it's still his voice I hear in my head, always nudging me in the right direction, and steering clear of trouble." Family Friend, Source "Atcheson and Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary" Glenn Allen King
This endowment ensures his voice of encouragement continues to steer students toward their dreams in perpetuity.
You can carry on Mr. King’s dream by choosing how your gift makes a difference. You may direct your donation to help students now through immediate math-based scholarships, or contribute to the endowment to grow the long-term principal for future generations. Whether supporting a future mathematician or an aspiring educator, your generosity ensures Glenn’s spirit lives on through the success of "his kids" across Riverside.
Pia Zarate Memorial Fund
Pia Zarate was a beacon of compassion, touching the lives of everyone she encountered with her genuine care and warmth. Her untimely passing at the age of 32 deeply saddened her family and the entire Riverside Unified School District community, where she was known for her unparalleled dedication to her students. Pia believed passionately in the transformative power of education, envisioning classrooms filled with engaging science activities that sparked curiosity and inspired young minds to explore the wonders of the world around them.
To perpetuate her commitment to innovative education, the Pia Zarate Memorial Fund serves as a living testament to her vision for hands-on, inspiring science. This fund directly supports middle school students, nurturing their academic and personal growth through the very types of scientific discovery Pia championed. Her legacy lives on not only in the classroom but in the hearts of the colleagues, students, and neighbors she inspired with her selfless spirit and enduring passion for nurturing young minds.
Empowering the Next Generation: The Athena Fund
Established through a visionary gift from Athena of Riverside, the Athena Fund stands as a permanent endowment dedicated to supporting female students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This fund ensures that the mission to bridge the gender gap in STEM is a lasting priority for the Riverside Unified School District. By providing a self-sustaining source of support, the Athena Fund guarantees that young women in our district will have the financial backing to pursue their ambitions in technical fields for generations to come.
The endowment serves as the backbone for the Ignite Her Mind program, an initiative that provides RUSD female students with the mentorship and resources necessary to thrive in STEM.
Make a Donation
Your support will change lives. While giving to our endowments builds a lasting legacy for future generations, a gift for today's students through our dedicated student funds provides the essential resources this generation needs to thrive right now.
The choice is yours—whether you invest in the future or provide a gift for today’s students, you are helping them overcome financial barriers and successfully achieve their post-secondary education goals.
Donate Online: Make a one-time gift or set up a recurring monthly contribution to honor a Riverside Legacy here.
Donate by Mail: Please make checks payable to the RUSD Foundation and include the name of the fund or endowment you want to support in the memo line (i.e. RUSD Foundation Attn: Tom Hunt Memorial Fund 3380 14th Street Riverside, CA 92501).
Planned Giving & Memorial Tributes: For those interested in making a larger impact through estate planning, stocks, or corporate matching, please contact Knea Hawley, Director RUSD Foundation at (951) 751-7359 or khawley@riversideunified.org.