The Cappelli Family Endowed Scholarship
Pepperdine friends Tony and Jackie Cappelli are currently enjoying life as retirees in Carlsbad, California. Tony received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Columbia University and his doctorate in engineering science from New York University. He attended Columbia on a Ford Foundation Scholarship and received a fellowship from North American Aviation to earn his doctorate from New York University. Tony enjoyed a distinguished career in the computer software and aerospace industries. He worked for North American Aviation as a senior technical specialist and for IBM (Service Bureau Corp.) as the director of applications and national engineering development manager. In 1970 Tony left IBM and founded his own company, Universal Analytics Inc. (UAI), a computer software and R&D consulting firm where he served as president and chair until his retirement.
Jackie was a former model for many New York couturier designers. In 1977 she founded and operated two successful women's retail stores in Palos Verdes. She was also a founder of the American Nutrition Society in the South Bay area. Both Jackie and Tony are Pepperdine Associates, and Tony proudly serves on the Seaver Board of Visitors.
The Cappellis' daughter, Lisa ('85, MBA '90), is a graduate from Seaver College and the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Lisa's husband Randy Bergstedt ('89), is a Seaver College alumnus. When asked why they chose to become involved at Pepperdine, Tony said, "Our daughter, Lisa, is a Pepperdine graduate and we have been very appreciative of the strong positive impact Pepperdine has made on her life. Also through our involvement with the Seaver Board of Visitors and Pepperdine Associates we are continually impressed with the quality of the Pepperdine students, the education and the positive values they are exposed to."
UAI thrived for 20 years and when Tony decided to retire he sold his controlling interest in the company to his employees through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). The proceeds were invested in longterm corporate bonds which have appreciated. Through their involvement with Pepperdine, the Cappellis heard of the Pepperdine Plan which would allow them to donate their bonds to Pepperdine while receiving an income stream for life and a charitable income tax deduction. But more importantly for the Cappellis, it gave them the opportunity to assist Pepperdine students through scholarships. Tony commented, "Since my education was fully funded by scholarships and fellowships at Columbia and NYU, this was a small way to pay back in appreciation for my good fortune."
Through the Pepperdine Plan, the Cappellis established a Standard Charitable Remainder Unitrust (SCRUT). They designated their trust remainder to an endowed scholarship fund. The Cappelli Family Endowed Scholarship is merit based and will assist top students entering Seaver College. "The SCRUT was an ideal vehicle for funding our endowment using appreciated corporate bonds while still receiving a lifetime annual income," Tony shared. We are so proud to have the Cappellis as part of our Pepperdine Family.
