Leadership Opportunity Awards: 06-09-97

June 9, 1997

Thirteen students receive $20,000 scholarships to attend UCSC

Thirteen talented students from regional community colleges have been awarded $20,000 scholarships to attend UCSC. Recipients receive $10,000 scholarships for each of two years, the support of a strong academic mentoring program, and assistance finding paid summer work experience in a field that complements their studies.

Now in its fifth year, the scholarship program has helped dozens of community college transfer students realize their dream of a university education. "This scholarship program is an important piece of the bridge we're building with community colleges," said Chancellor Greenwood. "Many of these transfer students are the first in their family to attend college, and a four-year degree was out of reach without this assistance. We are pleased to provide scholarships to these accomplished and deserving individuals."

The Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Awards Program was established in 1993 by former chancellor Karl S. Pister to increase opportunities for talented community college students who want to transfer to UCSC.

The scholarships recognize students who have overcome adverse socioeconomic circumstances, who have a demonstrated commitment to assisting and improving the lives of others, and who might not otherwise be able to attend UCSC for financial reasons. Candidates are nominated by the presidents of each of 13 regional community colleges, and recipients are selected by Greenwood in consultation with the Leadership Opportunity Awards Program Screening Committee.

A list of this year's recipients follows, with hometowns and college affiliations.

Manuel Bravo of Daly City, Skyline College (Mills Family Scholar)
Erin Broderick of San Mateo, Canada College
Kinshasa Curl of San Jose, Evergreen Valley College (Mills Family Scholar)
Carol Diaz of San Jose, San Jose City College (Hahn Scholar)
Olga Diaz of Watsonville, Cabrillo College (Hahn Scholar)
Vanessa Gilfoy of Morgan Hill, Gavilan College (Neufeld-Levin Family Scholar)
Mahshad Kamali of Campbell, West Valley College (Hahn Scholar)
Maria Reyes of San Jose, Mission College
Morag Taylor of Pacific Grove, Monterey Peninsula College (Mills Family Scholar)
Maria Villagomez of Greenfield, Hartnell College (Porter Family Scholar)
Sally Winterberg of Mountain View, Foothill College
Joan Wuischpard of San Jose, DeAnza College
Marjan Rotting of El Granada, College of San Mateo

Up to 13 recipients are selected each year. A $5.2 million endowment is being established to fund the program permanently. Named scholarships honor contributors of major gifts to the program. A gift of $10,000 establishes a named scholarship for one year; an endowment of $200,000 creates a permanent named scholarship.

To the Currents home page

To UCSC's home page