July 27, 1998

Eleven students receive $20,000 scholarships to attend UCSC

By Jim Burns

Eleven 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 sixth year, the Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Awards Program has helped dozens of community college transfer students realize their dream of a university education.

"For many people in California, our community colleges open an important door to higher education, and the people who receive these scholarships each year see that opening as an opportunity," said Chancellor Greenwood. "These eleven students have worked hard to get into this position, and we are very pleased to reward their effort with scholarships to the University of California, Santa Cruz."

The scholarship 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:

• Carmelita Del Real of Capitola (Cabrillo College), Santa Cruz Business and Professional Women's Club Scholar
• Alison Bates of Redwood City (Canada College)
• Dolly Del Pinal of San Mateo (College of San Mateo)
• Sandra Dodge of Saratoga (De Anza College)
• Tanisha Fitzgerald of Milpitas (Evergreen Valley College), Adolph C. and Mary Sprague Miller Scholar
• Lesanne Etienne of San Mateo (Foothill College)
• Jessica Kohler-Crowe of Gilroy (Gavilan College), Alfred E. Hahn Scholar
• Funmilayo Oyewale of Salinas (Hartnell College)
• Yidnekachew Mitiku of San Jose (San Jose City College)
• Fernando Mejia of San Francisco (Skyline College)
• Robin Elie of Saratoga (West Valley College)

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.

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