Woodruff Scholar Dinner Celebrates a Legacy of Leadership and Service

Recipients of the Daniel B. Woodruff Memorial Scholarship gathered on August 21st for an intimate reunion dinner celebrating a connection that extends well beyond their time at the University of San Diego (USD). Woodruff Scholars spanning more than two decades came together at the home of Stath Karras, executive director of the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate, to reconnect and welcome the newest recipient into this distinguished community.

Established as a permanent tribute to Daniel B. Woodruff, the scholarship is the highest student honor awarded by the Burnham-Moores Center and the Real Estate Department faculty. Since the first scholarship was awarded in 2000, 33 USD real estate students have received the honor, which recognizes the qualities that distinguished Daniel throughout his life and career: academic excellence, leadership, professional achievement, integrity and a commitment to serving others.

The Woodruff Scholar Dinner has become a special tradition, bringing scholars from different graduating classes and stages of their careers together over dinner to share experiences, strengthen relationships and celebrate the connection they share. This year's gathering continued that tradition while welcoming Jason Santos '26 (MSRE), the 2026 Daniel B. Woodruff Memorial Scholar.

During the evening, Stath welcomed Jason as the newest member of this distinguished community. Named the 2026 Daniel B. Woodruff Memorial Scholar earlier this year, Jason joins a group whose relationships with the Burnham-Moores Center and one another continue long after graduation.

The dinner reflects an important part of the Woodruff tradition, reinforcing that the scholarship represents more than a single moment of recognition. Over the years, recipients have gone on to build careers across the real estate industry while remaining connected through the shared values associated with the honor. The reunion provides an opportunity to sustain those relationships while introducing each new scholar to those who came before them.

Perhaps the most meaningful part of the Woodruff tradition is that Daniel's legacy does not end with the scholarship. His ability to build relationships, reach out to others and lead with purpose continues through the scholars who carry his name, the people they mentor and the communities they serve. Each gathering strengthens those connections and welcomes another scholar into a community committed to carrying that legacy forward.