We are saddened to announce the passing of Wes Wasson, Kroc School Board of Advisors member, donor, and beloved member of our community at the University of San Diego. 

He passed away on December 10, 2023, after a battle with cancer.

Wes Wasson serving as a judge for the Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge, June 2022

Wes was the CEO and Co-Founder of DreamStart Labs Inc., which designs innovative mobile solutions to help people in developing countries realize their dreams of a better life.

"Wes was a family man, tech entrepreneur, business leader, and lifelong learner. He enjoyed spending time with his family and participating in meaningful ventures that would advance and create a brighter future for students and innovators around the world," Senior Vice President, Provost, and Interim Dean of the Kroc School Dr. Gail F. Baker said in a statement to the Kroc School faculty and staff.

His generosity and leadership have helped support the growth of the Kroc School in many ways:

• He was responsible for the Wasson Social Innovation Lab (KIPJ Classroom Room 247). The Wasson Social Innovation Lab is more than a classroom, it provides a dynamic environment that “inspires innovation, collaborative learning, and design thinking.”
• Wes provided scholarships to 11 students in the Master of Arts in Social Innovation Program.
• In addition, he dutifully served on the Kroc School Board of Advisors from 2016 - 2023.

Wes Wasson with the Former President of Poland, Lech Wałęsa, at the Kroc School, November 2022

“I think of Wes as a person who sought to leave the world a better place. He had great success in his professional career and was deeply committed to achieving a positive impact. Over the past 10+ years, he focused on social innovation to improve the lives of others in several countries. He walked the talk. At the Kroc School, Wes helped develop social innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing his ideas and resources to build programs and a new innovation lab. He enthusiastically mentored many of our students. Wes will be remembered as a person who led a life we should all aspire to,” Patricia Márquez, Professor and former Dean of the Kroc School, said of Wasson’s passing.

Wes Wasson at the launch of the Kroc School's Wasson Social Innovation Lab, August 2017

You can find more information and leave a tribute at Wes’ memorial website here.