Mark Grosz Memorial Scholarship Endowment
“Legacy is not what I did for myself. It's what I'm doing for the next generation.” - Vitor Belfort
Mark Grosz was a lively, caring, authentic, and humble person who radiated optimism and encouraged perseverance. He was well known for his positivity and ability to foster connectedness. On April 18, 2021, we lost this great friend and mentor, after a short battle with COVID-19. Mark’s legacy lives on through his family, friends, and the vast community he created.
Mark embodied the Mustang spirit in every way. He played as a defensive back for Cal Poly football during the early 1980’s and earned his teaching credentials, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree from Poly. He was an avid supporter of the Cal Poly Mustangs. Mark attended all Cal Poly home football games and helped establish the game-day tailgate experience on Mustang Way that we all enjoy today. He also served on the Home Team committee and was an energized advocate for giving back to Mustang Football.
Throughout his life, Mark was dedicated to serving the Central Coast community as a dynamic educator and coach. For nearly four decades, he worked to help countless students reach their academic, athletic, and personal goals. His passion was inspirational and allowed him to connect people through all walks of life. Although his love for family and faith were the core of his being, the gratitude he had in his heart for all of life’s blessings was evident by his actions. Daily, he made the world around him a better place through good deeds, infinite encouragement, and genuine kindness. Mark’s enduring support and guidance led to countless success stories, changing the lives of students, colleagues, and their families.
The Mark Grosz Memorial Scholarship has been established to annually honor a Cal Poly Football student-athlete who needs financial assistance to pursue their goals. Each year a Cal Poly Football athlete will be chosen by the coaches as a recipient of the “Mark Grosz Memorial Scholarship”. This will be awarded to someone in good academic standing, of high moral character, demonstrated commitment, and in financial need. An initial gift in the amount of $1000 has been donated by Mia and Jaden Grosz to be awarded during the upcoming 2022-2023 academic year.
If you wish to join the legacy and contribute to the Mark Grosz Memorial Scholarship Endowment, gifts can be made online (click here) or via check. If you are mailing a donation, please make your gift payable to the Cal Poly Foundation (Memo: Mark Grosz Memorial Scholarship), and mail it to:
Cal Poly Athletic Advancement
Attn: Sharon Wagner
1 Grand Ave.
San Luis Obispo , CA 93407
To make a donation of appreciated securities, please contact Jenna Tognazzini at jtognazz@calpoly.edu.
Mark would want us all to share his love for life, match his eternal optimism, and strive to live his mantra: “to be EPIC each and every day”. This is one way for us to help carry the torch for him.
Be Epic & Ride High,
Friends of Mark Grosz
