SEASIDE, Calif. — The act of giving is perhaps the most powerful of human experiences, an act whose ripple affects often are felt far beyond the intial gift itself.

The Monterey Bay volleyball community gets to share in just such a gift Friday, Sept. 9 when Cal State Monterey Bay celebrates the Power of Gen with the annual presentation of the Gen Giammanco Scholarship before its California Collegiate Athletic Association opener against Cal State Dominguez Hills.

The Gen Giammanco scholarship is a tribute to an eager learner. Gen was a talented athlete who was determined to achieve her best in the classroom and on the volleyball court. Following her death at age 17, Gen's friends and family established this scholarship as an expression of their love. Their wish is that Gen's life will serve as an inspiration for students.

“When I first saw the CSUMB volleyball flier with Gen's picture, I thought it was perfect in so many ways,”says Mary Larronde, a longtime family friend. “In the photo, Gen is passing the ball. I reminded Annie (Gen's mother Annie Giammanco) that it all begins with the pass, and even though Gen is not here with us physically, she continues to do her job by passing and sharing this wonderful opportunity to other student athletes. She's starting off the play. With her pass, the game goes on. Gen was a great teammate, and would do anything to help her fellow athletes. She continues to pass along her dedication and motivation to so many of us each and every day.”

In that spirit, it's fitting that the first recipient of the Gen Giammanco Scholarship is her friend and former teammate, Lacee Ventura. Ventura is at once humbled and motivated by the gift her friend has given her.

“I play for Gen because I have taken on the challenge of playing her position,” says Ventura. ““I am thankful for the Gen Giammanco Scholarship because if it weren't for it, I wouldn't have been able to go to college.”

“I am honored to play a role in keeping alive the memory of Gen Giammanco,” says Otter Head Coach Jody Garry. “Awarding this scholarship to her close friend and current student–athlete Lacee Ventura is a wondeful opportunity for Lacee to live the dream of competing in college for both her and Gen.”

A memory. A thoughtful, tangible expression of love with the power to transform not just one life, but many. That's the power of a gift.

That's the Power of Gen.

For more information on how you can help support the Power of Gen, contact For more information on how you can help support the Power of Gen Schoalrship fund at CSUMB, contact Jennifer Martinez (831-582-3070 or jenmartinez@csumb.edu) or visit the CSUMB giving page at www.csumb.edu/give.