10 Things About Helen (Kasperick) Finneran & USD “Wine Classic”
“To those who are given much, much is expected”
– Maya Angelou
Established in 2009 by the Alumni Board of Directors, the USD “Wine Classic” is a signature wine-tasting fundraiser that benefits alumni association scholarship programs. The mission of the “Wine Classic” is to provide a world class wine tasting event that unites our community, at the University of San Diego and beyond, in support of advancing student excellence through scholarships. The USD Alumni Board has created and fostered this event for the past 16 years. As the board president, Helen (Kasperick) Finneran ‘81 is proud to represent USD’s amazing alumni and is looking forward to another wonderful event this year.
#1 I was born in Independence, Missouri and grew up in Rialto, California. I am the oldest of 7 children and 6 of the 7 attended USD.
#2 My dad’s humility, family focus, spirituality, and caring presence helped shape the person I am today.
#3 My favorite movie is the Disney classic, “The Jungle Book”. As children, we acted out all the parts and knew all the songs!
#4 I have three amazing adult children and a wonderful husband of 43 years, who I met at USD. My favorite travel destinations are Long Beach, California and Jersey City, New Jersey, where I can spend time with my beautiful grandchildren.
#5 I love to read and can get lost in a good book for hours. I love to read historical fiction, mystery, spy and thrillers! Right now, I am enjoying Elle Grey, Asha Youmans, Alli Frank, Yasmin Angoe and Martha Hall Kelly.
#6 I watched my parents volunteer as I was growing up which helped shape my desire to give back. I resonate with and I feel honored and blessed to be able to work with the Alumni Board of Directors at USD to enable our students and alumni to be engaged Toreros for life.
#7 The “Wine Classic” has raised more than $950,000 for the Alumni Association scholarship programs at the University of San Diego. The “Wine Classic” is held on the USD campus in the beautiful Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, Garden of the Sea overlooking Mission Bay.
#8 More than 700 wine aficionados will enjoy tastes from approximately 30 wineries (owned or operated by USD alumni, parents, and friends), gourmet food, and live entertainment.
#9 Guests also have the opportunity to participate in the Wine Wall and Silent Auction. This wine-tasting event is San Diego’s “can’t miss” event of the summer!
#10 This year, proceeds from the “Wine Classic” will focus on the Alumni Veteran Network (AVN) Scholarship, a fund created to provide much needed financial support to veterans and military connected students at the University of San Diego.
University of San Diego
“Wine Classic”
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, Garden of the Sea
www.usdwineclassic.com
