Jonathan Reinsch Memorial Scholarship

Jonathan Reinsch didn’t attend California Lutheran University, but he may have thought about it. His family’s heritage after all had been traditionally Lutheran. But Jon chose to enroll at UC Santa Barbara to pursue his keen interest in computer science. In spite of a promising future, Jon struggled with depression for more than two years. He died in December 1985 during his freshman year. He was only eighteen.

Jon’s father, Dr. Ronald C. Reinsch, was a medical doctor with an OB/GYN practice in San Diego. Because of the family’s lifetime involvement with the Lutheran church, it was a natural decision to apply a major portion of the memorial funds received in Jon’s name to a scholarship at a Lutheran institution. Other funds were donated to the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Program.

Dr. Reinsch gave careful thought to the purpose of the endowed scholarship established in his son’s name. He asked that financial need on the part of the recipient be the first priority. Although interest in computer science and academic performance were to be considerations, Dr. Reinsch preferred that a deserving student with a C average be chosen over an A student. And, although he made no specific reference to the recipient’s faith, he did request that the student should have a good social conscience. The scholarship may be awarded to the same student twice.

It is a source of gratification that the money from Jonathan’s memorial fund will help students pursue Jon’s computer science goal.