Mike and Lisa Derezin

Mike Derezin with his wife, Lisa, and their daughters, Mia and Sage, aboard the MV World Odyssey when they sailed as Lifelong Learners in Spring 2018

Ask Mike Derezin to describe his first voyage with Semester at Sea and he'll tell you it was "an adventure of a lifetime." His experience during his junior year at the University of California, Berkeley set him on a career course based on his interests and passions, especially those for discovering different cultures.

"Learning that takes place in a semester on the ship goes far beyond what a student would typically learn in one semester at their school," Mike says. "Experiential education is valuable and will shape and stick with a student for life."

Almost 20 years after his first voyage, Mike sailed again—this time as a Lifelong Learner with his wife, Lisa, and their two daughters. The experience connected the Derezins with college students sailing for the first time. Some of those students had never traveled more than 100 miles from their homes before and wouldn't have been able to do so without financial aid.

"Their eyes and minds were opened up in profound ways," Mike says. "My wife and I would like to help more students who may not have the resources or means to have such life-changing experiences."

That's why Mike and Lisa have established a gift in their estate plan, also known as a bequest, to help ensure that future students will benefit from Semester at Sea.

Gifts like the Derezins' can help inspire students to pursue lifetimes of adventure. Contact Planned Giving Team at or giving@isevoyages.org to learn how you can help the next group of students set sail.