THE HISTORY OF THE JAYSN JAMESON ENDOWMENT AND THE JAMESON 5K

The Jameson 5K was held for 25 years at Southwestern, and benefited the Jaysn Flynn Jameson Memorial Scholarship Fund at Southwestern University. Jaysn graduated from Southwestern University in 1990 and died in a scuba diving accident in 1991. Soon after his death, family and friends established the Scholarship in his memory. Jaysn loved making people laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid runner, which is why the Fun Run was established to preserve his memory and raise money for his named scholarship. 

Over the past twenty-five years, the Jameson 5K has donated more than $300,000 to the scholarship fund, thanks entirely to the support of runners and the graciousness of our many wonderful sponsors. In the final year of the Jameson 5K (2025), over $90,000 was added to the fund, benefiting multiple Southwestern students in the natural sciences each year. 

THE IMPACT OF THE FUND

Over 65 students in the natural sciences have received this award since its inception. Read one recipient’s reflections on what this scholarship meant to her.

Growing up, Hillary’s brother had a rare genetic condition that inspired her to work with children with disabilities. She shared:

“Understanding the science behind his diagnosis, while also navigating the healthcare system, was a challenge for my family. These obstacles also became a motivation for my future goals. I became interested in studying the natural sciences, especially genetics.”

Although her brother passed away several years ago, his life continues to inspire Hillary’s work and her commitment to helping families facing similar challenges.

After graduating from Southwestern, Hillary earned two Master of Science degrees—one in Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and another in Genetic Counseling from The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Today, she serves as a pediatric genetic counselor in San Antonio, TX, supporting children with disabilities and guiding families through the complexities of genetic diagnoses.

THE JAYSN JAMESON SILENT AUCTION

Thanks to the generosity of local merchants and friends of Southwestern, the endowment continues to grow through annual gifts and an annual silent auction at Homecoming. Since Homecoming is one of the largest annual events at the University, it is fitting that the auction be held over the weekend, when Jaysn’s friends are together on campus. 

REMEMBERING JAYSN

Jaysn Flynn Jameson (October 14, 1967 — October 17, 1991) was a very friendly, fun-loving, loyal, compassionate and caring man. He never met a stranger and everyone that met him fell in love with him. Jaysn was a vivacious, lovable person who was always sincere and made everyone feel comfortable around him.

He was very funny; always ready with a joke or an odd stunt to make people laugh. Jaysn loved making people laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest. People gravitated towards Jaysn because he made them feel good and always garnered their respect and their affection. He was always very charming and loving to those around him.

Jaysn graduated from Southwestern University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. Following graduation, Jaysn went to work for Dow Chemical in Freeport, Texas. As a reward for doing a great job, his boss treated Jaysn and a close friend and colleague to a scuba diving excursion in the Gulf off the coast of Freeport in October of 1991. Unfortunately, Jaysn and his friend were caught in a large undertow while diving, and when they surfaced, they were too far away from the boat to make it back safely. The Coast Guard was not able to locate Jaysn and his friend until the next day, holding onto a buoy. Jaysn had passed away shortly before the Coast Guard arrived. Soon after his death, family and friends established the Jaysn Jameson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Jaysn was very active at Southwestern and loved everything about the University. He was an avid runner, which is why the Fun Run is an excellent way to preserve his memory and raise money for his named scholarship.

The Jaysn Jameson Memorial Scholarship was awarded to a student for the first time in 2000. The criteria to receive this scholarship are that the student must be a science major and demonstrate a need for financial assistance. These are the same criteria that Jaysn met while attending Southwestern. There have been over 65 student recipients since the Jaysn Jameson Memorial Scholarship was first awarded to a deserving student.