Mike Nyeholt '78 brings distinction to a long list of Alumni Merit Recipients at the University of Southern California. At the 88th Annual Alumni Association Awards gala in April, Nyeholt was honored for showcasing Trojan spirit, exemplary service to the community, and stellar professional achievements. Professionally, Nyeholt had a 25-year career in institutional sales at the Capital Group Companies where he retired in 2011. The role closest to Nyeholt's heart is as Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Swim With Mike Foundation where he has contributed to tremendous fundraising efforts totaling more than $26 million for the Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund. Following a motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed in 1981, Nyeholt and swimming teammate, Ron Orr, established Swim With Mike with the help of countless friends, family members, volunteers, and donors. The impact of Swim With Mike has become known as the Ripple Effect as the movement of the organization continues to change the lives of young physically challenged athletes who have been awarded scholarships to pursue higher education. To date, the national foundation has given scholarships to 271 recipients at 142 universities across 47 states.