USD Law 2026 Graduating Class Gift
Jade Kouretchian Memorial Scholarship for Study Abroad
Jade Kouretchian lived with fearless joy. She moved through the world with courage,
humor, curiosity, and creative expression — fully awake to beauty, connection, and
possibility. Adventurous by nature and guided by a playful zest for life, Jade didn’t
simply seek achievement. She sought meaning. She pursued growth, human
connection, music, love, and the kind of presence that turns ordinary moments into
something unforgettable.
To those who knew her, Jade was a bright light. Her radiant smile, infectious laugh, and
full body hugs made people feel seen, valued, and completely at ease. A self-described
“old soul” and “gypsy of the world,” she carried wisdom beyond her years and
possessed a rare gift: the ability to connect with people at a depth that felt immediate
and lasting.
Raised among the surf and sun of Encinitas, California, Jade had a beach girl vibe. She
carried this with her to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, where she studied
Economics and Philosophy — a reflection of both her analytical mind and her
contemplative heart. She later continued her educational journey at the University of
San Diego School of Law on a full merit scholarship, growing not only as a scholar, but
as a thoughtful and compassionate human being.
During her third year of law school, while studying abroad in Barcelona, Jade began to
feel unwell. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and, tragically and
suddenly, passed away. Even in her final chapter, she was doing what she loved —
exploring the world, getting out of her comfort zone, expanding her perspective, and
creating memories with the people she cherished.
The scholarship established in Jade’s honor reflects the life she lived: one of intellectual
curiosity, adventure, compassion, and wholehearted engagement with the world. It
honors the courage to travel, to connect, to grow, and to live vibrantly.
Through this scholarship, Jade’s light continues — inspiring future law students to
pursue qualities she embodied: lives rich with passion, depth, courage, and most
importantly, joy.
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