The 69³ΙΘΛ Foundation has recognized John and Lesli Chuck β84 with the prestigious 2018 Charles J. Soderquist Award. The annual award is presented to individuals who demonstrate excellence in philanthropy, volunteerism and leadership, and an overall commitment to the University of California, Davis.
John completed his medical residency at 69³ΙΘΛ and has been a family physician with The Permanente Medical Group for 28 years. Lesli graduated from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, as did their daughter Kelly earlier this year.
The Chucks are passionate about making medical care accessible to everyone. This passion motivated them to start Serotonin Surge Charities more than 20 years ago. The charity has benefited many of the 69³ΙΘΛ School of Medicine-affiliated student-run health clinics, along with other organizations such as Cure Breast Cancer. The Chucks have also supported undergraduate scholarships and 69³ΙΘΛ Intercollegiate Athletics.
βWe are very pleased to recognize Lesli and John as this yearβs recipients of the Charles J. Soderquist Award. The Chucks are shining examples of how volunteers and donors can make a huge difference in their philanthropic passions at 69³ΙΘΛ,β said Bruce Bell, chair of the 69³ΙΘΛ Foundation Board of Trustees.
The 69³ΙΘΛ Foundation is a nonprofit organization that enhances the excellence of 69³ΙΘΛ by highlighting the impacts of philanthropy and stewarding private donations to the university. The foundationβs Board of Trustees created the Soderquist Award in 2005 in honor of 69³ΙΘΛ alumnus, entrepreneur and philanthropist Charles J. Soderquist. It awards the recipients $5,000, which they donate to a university program or field of their choice. The Chucks have decided to support The Pantry, a student-run organization at the university that provides students in need with access to up to three meals a day.
βI have a heart for students, especially those juggling full-time academics with a job or multiple jobs to finance their education,β said Lesli, who serves as the event planner for Serotonin Surge Charities. βDonating to The Pantry offers a wonderful opportunity to give back to students in need of these resources.β
The Chucks also participated in Give Day by challenging the 69³ΙΘΛ community to give 25 gifts to The Pantry during the universitywide fundraising event. The challenge was met, and 27 donors contributed a total of $7,046 to The Pantry.
A βfavoriteβ award among many
John previously won the Sidney Garfield Exceptional Contribution Award in 2004 for his work in physician recruitment and mentoring at Kaiser Permanente. He was also the winner of the 69³ΙΘΛ Cal Aggie Alumni Associationβs 2014 Outstanding Alumnus Award. John said the Charles J. Soderquist Award is his favorite recognition, however.
βThe Soderquist Award acknowledges the partnership Lesli and I have had in this work for over two decades and affirms our belief that it is possible to make good things happens for our communities through volunteerism and collaboration.β
He added that this award is mostly a tribute to everyone who has been a part of Serotonin Surge Charities over the years. He and Lesli are excited for the future of the organization, and the continuation of their partnership and involvement with the university.
β69³ΙΘΛ has done a lot for both Lesli and I personally and professionally β it launched our careers and helped us meet fabulous professors, staff and students,β John said. βIt is my firm belief that 69³ΙΘΛ is the university that best combines excellence with kindness β it is a privilege to be part of that.β
Media Resources
Laura Pizzo, Development and Alumni Relations, 530-750-3115, lpizzo@ucdavis.edu