Yesterday, today, and tomorrow intertwined in sparkling harmony at the June 27, 2025 Don Diego Scholarship Foundation Gala at the San Diego County Fair. The lively evening attracted scores of guests, including San Diego society, and was capped by VIP seating at the Jon Pardi concert.

The Gala was a celebration of this year’s 25 stellar recipients sharing $93,500 in college scholarships as well as a look back at past accomplishments and a preview of future efforts as Don Diego energetically moves forward to mark its 40th anniversary of transforming today’s scholars into tomorrow’s leaders in 2026.

Heralded by Board Chair/emcee Kirby Morrison as “the cream of the crop – perhaps our best group of recipients ever,” Don Diego’s 25 in ’25 hail from all corners of San Diego County. Exhibiting an eclectic array of academic excellence, robust pursuit of agricultural and STEM innovations, and idealistic ambitions, they are headed to prestigious universities, including CalTech, Cornell, MIT, Northwestern, and Cal Poly.

Among the articulate Scholars thanking donors, first individually and later on stage, was effervescent Mariah Morris, who echoed her fellow students’ sentiments as she told the crowd, “On behalf of all of us, we thank Don Diego donors for your support!”

In a special tribute to founding Don Diego Board member Joe Harper, Morrison called Joe “my colleague, and friend – the most dedicated, passionate, generous Board member I have had the privilege of working with.” With characteristic modesty, Harper said his service “has been a labor of love.” In Harper’s honor, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club donated a $5,000 scholarship and an auction item as legendary as he is: four VIP tickets to opening day at the races.

Executive Director Ashley Colburn McCaughan summed up the event’s significance, saying, “Seeing the excitement in our recipients and their families and the joy in our Board members, donors, and Gala guests, makes the event memorable. We thank everyone who had a part in this sparkling event and who continue to make an impact through their donations to our Foundation.”