ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AND COMMITTEE

"As a Latine first-generation, low-income graduate student, I appreciate receiving this scholarship to support my graduate education. This scholarship will help alleviate my financial strains by covering transportation and tuition fees, the two costs that have been my biggest concerns since beginning my graduate program at Cal State LA. When I began my program, my conscience was strained by the financial burdens my degree would cost me as I was also working to help pay for bills. I feel validated and empowered to have been chosen for a scholarship that will ultimately help lead and guide my path to educational success through my graduation and beyond."
—Maricela Avalos
Counseling
Alumni Association Scholarship

 

"I am deeply grateful to receive the Dr. Michael Finocchiaro Nursing Scholarship this year. As an international and first-generation nursing student, this support alleviates some of my financial burdens and inspires me to pursue my dream of becoming an RN. As I complete my senior year, I cherish this opportunity and look forward to making a positive impact in the lives of my patients after graduation."
—Cristelyn Joyce Chua
Nursing
The Dr. Michael Finocchiaro Nursing Scholarship 

 

"It is an absolute honor to be one of this year's recipients of the Cal State LA Alumni Scholarship. This scholarship has alleviated some of my financial stresses, helping me pay for school-related expenses and allowing me to dedicate more time to research for my M.A. thesis. I am deeply grateful to the Alumni Scholarship Committee and the Alumni Association for granting me this award."
—Robert Coronado, Jr.
History
Alumni Association Scholarship

 

"I am honored to have been chosen by the Alumni Association Scholarship Committee. I want to extend my gratitude to the Alumni Association, my family, my friends, and my mentors for supporting me and celebrating my feats. This scholarship helped to lighten my financial burden so I could channel more time and energy into my studies, professional development, and community organizing. I look forward to continuing my education and eventually becoming a clinical mental health counselor at Counseling and Psychological Services in the Student Health Center. "
—Christine Figueroa
Rehabilitation Services 
Alumni Association Scholarship

 

"This scholarship has helped alleviate financial stress that has come with having to quit my job to focus on my practical training to become a school psychologist. This is a crucial year of my graduate program and I am grateful to the alumni committee for their generosity and contribution to my education."
—Viridiana Flores 
Counseling
Alumni Association Scholarship

 

"Receiving the alumni scholarship has been an extraordinary achievement! I feel beyond grateful for being recognized by Cal State LA, as this school has provided me with an outlet for resources and to thrive in my academic and social life. The members of the Alumni Association opened my eyes to how to connect our community. This scholarship has motivated me to continue focusing on my studies and achieve my goals. My career path involves becoming a CPA and teaching financial literacy to communities in need."
—Caroline Grigorian
 Business Administration - Accounting
Alumni Association Scholarship

"I am deeply honored and grateful to receive a Cal State LA Alumni Association Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship has given me the confidence that I can achieve my goal of entering the medical profession and making a tangible difference in patients' lives. At the same time, the scholarship has also given me the financial resources to help make this goal a reality. Ultimately, this scholarship has motivated me to give back to the Cal State LA community after graduation, ensuring that future generations also have the resources necessary to achieve their dreams."
—Samuel Groysman
Biochemistry 
Alumni Association Scholarship

 

"Being selected to receive the alumni scholarship means so much to me. As a full-time student, full-time worker, and parent, I often struggle to balance my studies, job, and family responsibilities. This scholarship would ease some of the financial stress that comes with supporting my family while pursuing my education. Coming from a background that involves community violence, I never expected to receive a scholarship like this, so it feels incredible to be recognized for my hard work and determination. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship!"
—Christian Gudiel
 Social Work
Alumni Association Scholarship

 

"Being a recipient of the Alumni Association Scholarship has been a true blessing and an honor. Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting my education and journey to earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Receiving this scholarship will greatly help to alleviate any financial burdens and motivate me to continue working hard toward a fulfilling and rewarding career. I thank you for playing a significant role in helping me achieve academic success and I can't wait to pay it forward to Cal State LA and my community in the future as a registered nurse."
—Faith Hernandez
Nursing
Alumni Association Scholarship

 

"I am deeply honored and thankful to have been chosen as a recipient of the Alumni Association Scholarship. The generosity of this scholarship has impacted my life in two notable ways. First, the award has alleviated the financial burden associated with commuting to school. Because of my disability, I am unable to drive or ride public transportation comfortably. With the funding from the scholarship, I have been able to taxi to and from school comfortably and safely, vastly reducing the stress and distraction related to traveling to school. Secondly, support lays the foundation for growth. Recognizing my academic achievements and leadership qualities has renewed my confidence and zeal in my personal development and academic abilities, for the recognition has assured me that I am seen and I belong. Again, I sincerely thank the Alumni Association Scholarship for its support, for affording me the opportunity to put quality time and energy into my coursework, and for helping me feel empowered to reach my full potential beyond the classroom."
—Valerie Kennedy
Child Development
Alumni Association Scholarship

 

"I am deeply grateful to the Alumni Association for their generous contribution to students' education. This scholarship has allowed me to focus and fully dedicate myself to my studies as a full-time nursing student. I am excited to become a registered nurse in the near future, and I look forward to giving back to the community that has supported me. The Alumni Association holds a special place in my heart, and I truly appreciate their unwavering commitment to helping students like myself succeed. Thank you for all that you do."
—Hilla Lasry
Nursing
Alumni Association Scholarship

 

"I am deeply grateful to the Cal State LA Alumni Association for their support in my education at Cal State LA. This scholarship encourages me to push through the challenging times, and continue striving for excellence in my field, and inspires me to give back to the Cal State LA community one day."
—Yahan Lin
Biochemistry
Alumni Association Scholarship

"I wanted to first express my gratitude to the Alumni Scholarship Committee for choosing me as one of many honorable recipients of the Alumni Association Scholarship. Being a queer, first-generation college student, I had to work through adversity to accomplish my academic goals, and this scholarship has gotten me one step closer to accomplishing my dreams. By receiving this award, I aim to invigorate positive change in my community, and I look forward to giving back to future students like me."
—Michael Loyola
Nursing
Alumni Association Scholarship

"Being selected as a recipient of the Cal State LA Alumni Association scholarship fills me with immense gratitude and a profound sense of financial security. As a second-year graduate student, I was concerned about the recent tuition increase potentially hindering my academic progress, but this scholarship has provided the essential financial assistance I needed to fully devote myself to my studies and successfully complete my master's program without any worries."
—Violeta C. Murillo Martinez
Chicana(o) & Latina(o) Studies
New World Scholarship
 

"I want to express my deepest gratitude for having been selected as a recipient of the Alumni Association Scholarship. As a first-generation college student and nursing major, this financial support is truly a tremendous help in allowing me to focus more on my studies and clinical experiences. This investment in my education has brought me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a registered nurse and making a positive impact in healthcare. Thank you for your generosity."
—Nathalie Mazariego
Nursing
Alumni Association Scholarship

"With great honor, I express my gratitude towards the Cal State LA Alumni Association, which is helping to make my dreams possible so that one day, I can help inspire others to do the same. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology with the intention of going into nursing, I plan on focusing my efforts on underserved communities and working with local shelters to develop free vaccination, health check-ups, and drug assistance programs."
—Cindy Nguyen
Biology
Alumni Association Scholarship

"I am honored and grateful to receive the Chicanx Latinx University Alumni Network Scholarship. My time at Cal State LA has been shaped by supportive faculty and my role as president of the Wrongful Conviction Club. This scholarship will help me advance my academic journey, where I aim to merge education and advocacy on eyewitness memory issues. I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact and inspiring students to persevere through challenges."
—Karina Olmos
Psychology
Chicanx Latinx University Alumni Network
  

"I am deeply grateful and honored to have been selected as an alumni scholarship recipient this year. I feel truly blessed to have the support of my family, friends, and the Cal State LA Alumni Association in my journey to becoming a registered nurse.  As a first-generation college student, I am one step closer to becoming the first nurse in my family."
—David Padron
Nursing
Alumni Association Scholarship

"As a single mother of two young children, a graduate student in English at Cal State LA, and a dedicated middle school teacher of english, history, and theatre at an LAUSD school in Silver Lake, receiving the Leader Scholarship from the Cal State LA Alumni Association is truly an honor that resonates deeply with my commitment to education and community service. This generous award not only acknowledges my efforts in shaping young minds across multiple disciplines but also provides crucial support in my own ongoing journey of academic and professional growth. The scholarship will significantly ease my financial burden as I balance my graduate studies with my teaching career and parenting responsibilities. This recognition reinforces my belief in the power of education to transform lives and inspires me to continue making a positive impact in my community."
—Stephanie Rick
English
The Leader Scholarship

"I am deeply grateful to receive the alumni scholarship as a counseling student because it symbolizes recognition and support from a community that shares my passion for helping others. Graduating from a continuation high school, I initially had no plans of pursuing postsecondary education. I am so excited to say that I am now less than a year away from receiving a master's degree that will allow me to become both a school counselor and a licensed therapist. Being a first-generation student, navigating college and finding any means of alleviating financial burdens has not been easy. This scholarship represents not only financial support but also a vote of confidence in my potential. I am incredibly appreciative for this opportunity, and I look forward to using this support to make a meaningful impact in my community."
—Alexis W. Salzer
Counseling
Alumni Association Scholarship

"As a first-generation student, being selected for the Alumni Association Scholarship means the world to me. I am very grateful to continue to my education and fulfill my dream of receiving my master's degree in speech-language pathology. This scholarship allows me to focus on my studies without the added stress of finances. I am honored to be one step closer to becoming a speech-language pathologist who can make a difference in others' lives. I extend my deepest gratitude to the scholarship committee for supporting my educational journey as a future clinician."
—Tiffany Clarissa Sandoval
Communicative Disorders
Alumni Association Scholarship

"I am forever grateful and honored to receive the Alumni Association Scholarship for my final year in my graduate program. This scholarship will help me focus on my full-time internship serving seven different school districts in my community in my training as a school psychologist. I look forward to graduating and continuing to serve my greater L.A. community through work as a school psychologist and future educational endeavors with graduate school training."
—Laura To
Counseling
Alumni Association Scholarship

"I am eternally grateful to have been selected as an Alumni Association scholarship recipient. In the future, I want to be a nurse who gives back to her community. Thank you to the Cal State LA Alumni Association Scholarship Committee because this scholarship helps me financially in achieving my dreams. Thank you to my family who have supported me in my nursing journey!"
—Isabella Rose C. Villora
Nursing
Alumni Association Scholarship

• Alumni Association Scholarship
• Asian Support Group Scholarship
• Black Support Group Scholarship
• Business Alumni Network Scholarship
• Chicanx Latinx University Alumni Network Scholarship
• Community Commitment Scholarship in Honor of the Cervantes and Muro Families
• Dr. Michael Finocchiaro Nursing Scholarship
• Education Alumni Network Scholarship

• Engineering Alumni Network Scholarship
• The Leader Scholarship
• Marjorie Morrison Mitchell Scholarship
• The New World Scholarship
• Nursing Alumni Network Scholarship 
• Renaissance Man/Woman Scholarship
• Robert Hohmann Alumni Scholarship
• Socorro Rivero Scholarship

"As a low-income, first-generation college student, I have worked vigorously to not only be admitted into a four-year university but to be successful at a four-year university. Receiving this scholarship has helped me reach my goals by directly supporting and sponsoring my education so that I can one day serve to educate the future children and adults that have the power to change our communities, country, and world."
—BELEN ACEVADO
Urban Learning
Marjorie Morrison Mitchell Scholarship

"I am truly blessed to have received the Cal State LA Alumni Scholarship. I am excited to see where my education will take me with the help of this scholarship. As Cal State LA has helped me achieve my academic success, I will continue to serve in my Cal State LA community. I would like to thank God for allowing me to receive this scholarship and to be able to use it to invest in my future career and endeavors. Thank you, Cal State LA alums, and to those who made this possible!"
—ANGELICA AGUINIGA
Child Development
Alumni Association Scholarship

"I extend my deepest gratitude to the Alumni Scholarship Committee for supporting and contributing towards my nursing education here at Cal State LA. I look forward to being able to give back to the community once I begin my nursing career and this opportunity has led me one step closer to my goals. I thank you for your confidence and willingness to help students like me achieve academic success. "
—SABRINA ANDAL
Nursing
Alumni Association Scholarship

"As someone who did not have access to a K-6 education in my country of birth, I am tremendously proud to become a transformative educator for marginalized students in this country. I am now enrolled in my last year of Counseling and it is my goal to bring equity to other students who fall through the cracks of our educational system. For me, this scholarship helps me stay away from falling through the cracks of such system, and it gets me closer my graduation. Therefore, it is my responsibility to pay it forward and bring equity on an individual and institutional level for the new generations who will become the future of our society."
—GIOVANI BAUTISTA
Counseling
Alumni Association Scholarship

"I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Alumni Association Scholarship. Thank you so much for your generosity, which has lessened the financial burden so that I may pursue my career in nursing. In a few months, I will graduate from the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing, and reach my goal of becoming a pediatric registered nurse!"
—JESSICA CORREA
Nursing
Alumni Association Scholarship

"Receiving the Alumni Scholarship has alleviated an immense amount of financial stress that had been weighing on my shoulders. I am happy to say that this upcoming semester, I can now focus on my academics without worrying about paying my bills or the miscellaneous costs that come with college. I am thankful that my hard work and love for education has been recognized by the committee. It is comforting to know that my fellow alumni support me in the path I have chosen to take after completing my masters program. I encourage others to take the opportunity to apply to this scholarship."
—ANDREA DOMINGUEZ
Sociology
Alumni Association Scholarship

"As a future professional in rehabilitation services, I am surrounded by knowledgeable, empathetic, and imaginative educators. They inspire me to open my ears to others, be critical of systems of oppression, and fight for equity. This scholarship validates my efforts and helps to relieve my financial stress since my disability makes it difficult to take on employment in addition to school and motherhood. Thanks to the Alumni Association, my family has a greater sense of security. This honor motivates me to continue my studies and my larger journey as an advocate for Autism and disability acceptance."
—CHRISTINE FIGUEROA
Urban Learning
Alumni Association Scholarship

"This scholarship is will help alleviate some of the financial burdens for my future academic pursuits. I plan on graduating with my Bachelor of Public Health in Spring 2023, and I also plan on getting my Master of Public Health. My ambitious academic career goals will undoubtedly be a financial burden when the time comes. This scholarship will assist significantly in achieving my academic and career endeavors as a health educator. I appreciate the successful Cal State LA alumni for giving back to students who were once where they were. I hope to be part of the alumni who provide supplemental funds to students who need financial support one day."
—JOED GARBO
Public Health
Community Commitment Scholarship in Honor of the Cervantes and Muro Families

"This award relieves the financial burden that I carry as a nursing student, allowing me to focus more time on my studies, rather than working extra shifts at the hospital. Ultimately, this scholarship enables me to grow within my field and a step closer to the dream of providing healthcare to communities that need it most."
—KATIE GEKLER
Nursing
Dr. Michael Finocchiaro Nursing Scholarship

"When I received the news, the first thing I did was tell my family members who have supported me since I was a child. Despite existing or lingering doubts about my capabilities and skills, having accomplished this award will always be a reminder to myself and others like me that we are capable of achieving excellence. I am so touched by this organization and hope to use my award towards furthering a future where I can one day return the favor to this kind community of people who granted me a step towards my future career as a registered nurse. I thank my family, my partner, my friends, and my teachers who supported and believed in me from the very beginning; this is for you."
—ABIGAIL GOY
Nursing
Robert Hohmann Scholarship

"Working and attending college full-time as a nursing student combined with the pandemic has proven to be a challenging journey. This scholarship award will allow me to continue to pursue my chosen career while focusing more on my coursework. I am graduating in 2023, and I aim to be a part of the alumni community and continue the great work they do to support students like me to achieve their goals."
—GRACELLE ANN GUTIERREZ
Nursing
Alumni Association Scholarship

"Being awarded this scholarship will allow me to further my education and become one step closer to becoming an audiologist. Thank you to the Alumni Scholarship Committee. I hope to be able to give back to Cal State LA and the community one day!"
—SUSANA HERNANDEZ
Audiology
The Leader Scholarship

"This scholarship means a great deal to me because I am getting one step closer to my goal of becoming a pilot. I paused my journey of becoming a pilot due to financial hardships, and this award will allow me to continue my training. I want to sincerely express my gratitude to the committee and the Association for giving me this opportunity."
—NGHIA HO
Aviation Administration
Alumni Association Scholarship

"As a first-generation, queer, and undocumented student, higher education often holds multiple adversities that range from social to economic. These challenges can feel overwhelming navigating the world while pursuing an undergrad degree. Being commended by Cal State LA alumni is an incredible honor that encourages my efforts in higher education. Most importantly, receiving a scholarship to further my advancement at Cal State LA is an economic relief that sustains my ability to perform well in school and engage in my community with the full capacity and energy it deserves. I am incredibly passionate about motivating others with the resources I have, and being awarded such is an honor and a joy. Thank you!"
—STEPHANIE INZUNZA
Psychology
Alumni Association Scholarship

"I am honored and humbled to have been selected to receive the Cal State LA Alumni Scholarship. Being a recipient of such an award will allow me more time to focus on my graduate studies. By not having to pursue employment opportunities outside of the university, this scholarship will allow me to fully dedicate myself to academic responsibilities and have the means to support myself as I work on my master’s thesis. This scholarship will alleviate some stress of juggling two part-time jobs, being a full-time student, and being a student-parent."
—ROSA MALDONADO
Chicana(o) & Latina(o) Studies
Alumni Association Scholarship

"I am so honored and grateful to be one of the recipients of Cal State LA's Alumni Scholarship! Receiving this award made me feel validated and supported by the educational community at Cal State LA. This award helps greatly with the financial burden of graduate school, and allows me to focus more on my studies. I worked throughout my undergraduate career to support myself and being able to put all of my energy into school is both a privilege and a blessing. As a social worker my goal is to be an agent of social change in our Los Angeles community and beyond. Thank you for investing in our dreams."
—BROOKE MERO
Social Work
Socorro Rivero Scholarship

"Attending Cal State LA during my undergraduate program allowed me to grow as an individual and propelled me to pursue graduate studies. As a first generation Salvadorean American, navigating through academia has had its difficult times. I am grateful to receive the Alumni Scholarship as it is providing me with the support I need to continue with my graduate studies. I am excited to represent Cal State LA in my future academic and career endeavors in which one day I, too will be able to support students like myself."
—AXEL MUNOZ
Kinesiology
Alumni Association Scholarship

"As a first-generation, low-income Latinx graduate student, I am grateful for receiving this scholarship to sustain my graduate studies. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my graduate studies, afford transportation, books, and other fees. When I started this graduate program, I was worried about not being able to finish my degree due to having to work full-time to provide for myself and my family.It is reassuring to know that there is a support system at Cal State LA that will allow me to further my education and research interests. In the future, I hope to give back and help the next generation of scholars at Cal State LA, so that more students continue to reach upward mobility."
—JENNIFER NAZARIO
Economics
Business Alumni Network Scholarship

"I am so grateful to the Cal State LA Alumni Association for their support of current students and their belief in us to have a positive impact on our communities. As a graduate student in Social Work, there are very few opportunities for funding. This scholarship allows me to focus on my education, my mental health, and campus activities while relieving some of the financial barriers. Thank you!"
—BRIANNA NEWITT
Social Work
Alumni Association Scholarship

"Throughout my time at Cal State LA, I’ve been blessed with many opportunities to grow professionally and personally.  As I complete my last semester, receiving this scholarship means a lot as it encourages me to finish strong, give back, and feel more confident as I prepare for the next chapter in my life."
—ALISA QUON
Biochemistry
Alumni Association Scholarship

" It is an incredible feeling to be recognized by the Alumni Scholarship Committee. Cal State LA has shaped my academic and professional career; it has touched my life in an immense way and I am happy to know that I have touched it in some way as well. It is a privilege and an honor to be recognized as an Alumni Scholarship recipient!"
—TATEV SARKISSYAN
Special Education
Education Alumni Network Scholarship

"When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, my household income was suddenly cut in half; it became immediately clear that I would only be able to continue my research and college education with the support to fund it. Awards like the Robert Hohmann Scholarship are insuring that I can stay a scientist. Thanks to this scholarship, the guidance of my phenomenal research mentor Dr. Sasha Wright, and endless support from the MORE Programs of Cal State LA, I am developing my honors thesis, publishing my research, presenting at worldwide conferences, and traveling to prospective PhD programs across the continent. I am forever grateful to the Alumni Association and the Cal State LA community for believing in me and investing in my potential!"
—STEPHANIE VARGHESE
Biology
Robert Hohmann Scholarship

"Being selected as an Alumni Scholarship recipient was confirmation that I am on the right path to creating a more sufficient and happier life for my son and I. I took an involuntary ten-year break from school. Returning to pursue my academics was quite difficult; learning new technology, appropriating the etiquette of an email and accepting the fact that I was an entire decade older than my peers. I worked twice as hard to keep up through tears and long nights. I constantly reminded myself why I was doing this, what the outcome will be. I want my son to know anything is possible, no matter the limitations. The Alumni Scholarship has given me confidence in my academic career, that I am not a failure and to see myself as an influence, not a burden. Thank you."
—JULEIYAH WALKER
Criminal Justice
The Leader Scholarship