Meet Our Scholars - 2020

Scholar: Anna Beatriz Guerrero

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Master of Science in Communicative Disorders

About the scholarship recipient: Anna is an international student from the Philippines, born and raised in Manila. Her undergraduate degree is in speech pathology from the University of the Philippines – Manila, where she worked for a couple years as a pediatric speech language pathologist before pursuing graduate school in the United States. She is currently living in the San Gabriel Valley, where she has found plenty of good Asian food, that brings her comfort whenever she misses home. Receiving this scholarship has been an honor for Anna and she is grateful for the financial support. Most importantly, she is glad that her previous work as a speech language pathologist in her home country has been recognized. Anna thanks Helen Wade for her dedication each year to supporting students studying communication disorders. Anna believes that such generosity allows students like her to continue pursuing a profession that focuses on service and empowerment. After graduation, her goal is to work with diverse, multi-cultural populations and empower children with cleft lip and/or palate to communicate effectively. She also plans to continue researching bilingualism and contribute towards promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of communication disorders and sciences.

Scholar: Alina Fimbres

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Master of Science in Communicative Disorders

About the scholarship: An instructor at CSUN for over 25 years, Helen Sherman-Wade remains active within the university through activities with the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences, the Language, Speech and Hearing Center and the alumni chapter.  She established this scholarship to support graduate students who have decided to further their education after already serving as speech-pathologists. It is also available to students who can clearly describe how a future as a speech-pathologist would impact their lives.

Scholar: Na Young Shin

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Master of Science in Communicative Disorders

About the scholarship recipient: Na Young was born in South Korea and moved to California in 2015 to study speech language pathology. Her undergraduate degree in life sciences and counseling psychology led her to choose this path, hoping to become an effective, culturally sensitive therapist. With the great faculty and supervision CSUN provided, Na Young was enriched with opportunities and experiences working with a variety of populations and learned to collaborate with fellow clinicians. Na Young is honored to receive the Ruth Harris Award and is grateful to Ms. Harris for her continued support in guiding the way for new professionals in the field of communication disorders and sciences. Na Young strives to work with pediatrics, monolinguals and bilinguals, in supporting their communication and exploring crosslinguistic influences in this multilingual world.

About the scholarship: Ruth Harris was the first full-time coordinator of the Language, Speech, and Hearing Center. Her career in the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences spanned nearly 30 years, and although she is now retired, she engages with the university as a volunteer and donor. Ruth established this award to help support a graduate student who has demonstrated strength in collaboration with fellow students, supervisors and other professionals.  Award recipients are exemplar of effective and culturally sensitive communication and treatment–the hallmark of the field of speech pathology and audiology.

Scholar: Marie Torres

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Dietetics, Human Nutrition)

About the scholarship recipient: Marie’s interest in studying childhood obesity has been the driving force behind her work of creating a hands-on cooking workshop and curriculum series at Palmdale High School. She hopes to expand her workshop program and thus help to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity in Southern California. She is currently applying to dietetic internships in the efforts of becoming a registered dietitian. As a dietitian, Marie strives to continue serving communities in need. When she is not focusing on her academic and career goals, she is usually reading, running or performing Aztec dance.

Scholar: Theodore Roosevelt Mitchell

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (Human Nutrition)

About the scholarship recipient: Theodore was born and raised in South Central, Los Angeles. He is currently a student researcher with undergraduate degrees in clinical nutrition and neuroscience, as well as psychology and wellness. His studies focus on healing trauma at the individual, community, and public health levels. Theodore has worked in community development, healthcare, and social services. He is a member of multiple community organizations, including All of Us or None (AOUON). AOUON is a national organization focused on civil rights and enhancing the quality of life for systems impacted people. He is also a member of West2West, an African Diaspora Centered organization focused on community development, culture, education, and health. Theodore’s goals include working to integrate trauma informed care and a healing centered engagement in the field of nutrition.

About the scholarship: For over 27 years, Dr. Annette Besnilian has considered CSUN a second home for her and her family. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), from the Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science program in 1994. She is currently the Executive Director of the Marilyn Magaram Center for Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics and a faculty member in the Nutrition and Dietetics program in the FCS Department. This scholarship will be given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in the FCS Department and will support and provide leadership opportunities for those students who intend to apply to local or national conferences and/or annual professional symposia to present their research.

Scholar: Divjot Kaur

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (Consumer Affairs)

About the scholarship recipient: Divjot grew up in a tiny village in India and immigrated to the United States at a young age. She graduated from CSUN (Cum Laude) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Consumer Affairs option, and double minor in Management and Marketing. She was the recipient of the Family and Consumer Sciences Outstanding Graduating Senior Award in 2018. She was also awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award by the Corporation for National and Community. She enjoys giving back to the community, accumulating over 400 service hours at different hospitals and non-profit organizations. Divjot has also been an intern at the US Federal Trade Commission, in the Los Angeles Regional Office, where she worked on consumer protection investigations. She is grateful to Pastor Herrera for his generous support and she hopes to one day be able to provide future students with similar opportunities to lighten their financial burden while pursuing an education. Divjot’s career goal is to provide all consumers, regardless of their occupation, adequate education about their rights and bring awareness to individuals in how to avoid falling victim to unsafe services.

Scholar: Maria Lizardo

Year awarded: 2020  

Working towards degree: Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (Family Studies and Consumer Affairs)

About the scholarship recipient: In addition to being a student and working part-time at an adolescent treatment center, Maria is a wife, and a mother to two boys. Her children are her biggest motivation and inspire her to be active in their educational endeavors and keep abreast of child development education to nurture their growth in a positive and enriching manner. After graduation, she hopes to become an advocate for education on a broader scale and work directly with families that face challenges that prevent them from being engaged in their children’s educations. This would include providing families with educational resources that are available within their communities, educating parents on social emotional and cognitive areas of child development, as well as providing her personal insight in supporting children as a parent and mentor.

About the scholarship: Pastor Herrera, Jr. has been an adjunct professor at CSUN since 2011. He has also served on the California State License Board and held multiple positions at the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs for over 19 years. His most recent position at the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs was serving as the Director for the Consumer and Business Affairs Department. Pastor understands the importance of giving back and felt that supporting scholarships would make the greatest impact and help students with their finances as they work their way through the family and consumer sciences programs.

Scholar: Karim Damji

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Human Nutrition – Dietetic Internship

About the scholarship recipient: Karim graduated from CSUN in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science. As an undergrad, Karim worked at the CSUN Student Recreation Center as a personal trainer. After graduating, he interned as a research assistant in various nutrition projects along the Thai-Myanmar border with Shoklo Malaria Research Unit. In his free time, he enjoys kickboxing, cooking, drinking coffee, and spending time with family.

Scholar: Maria Lizardo

Year awarded: 2020  

Working towards degree: Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (Family Studies and Consumer Affairs)

About the scholarship recipient: In addition to being a student and working part-time at an adolescent treatment center, Maria is a wife, and a mother to two boys. Her children are her biggest motivation and inspire her to be active in their educational endeavors and keep abreast of child development education to nurture their growth in a positive and enriching manner. After graduation, she hopes to become an advocate for education on a broader scale and work directly with families that face challenges that prevent them from being engaged in their children’s educations. This would include providing families with educational resources that are available within their communities, educating parents on social emotional and cognitive areas of child development, as well as providing her personal insight in supporting children as a parent and mentor.

About the scholarship: This scholarship was made possible by a generous gift from Ernest Hilger, on behalf of the Hilger Family Trust, and in honor of Ernest’s most beloved wife, Rosalie Hilger. Ernest established this scholarship to carry on Rosalie’s legacy, her caring and gentle spirit, and to benefit future generations of students, something that Rosalie was passionate about.

Rosalie Hilger was an alumna of CSUN’s Family and Consumer Sciences program and served as an adjunct professor at East Los Angeles Community College and Los Angeles Mission College. This scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated a positive life path for themselves and their family and who utilize their own positive energy and education as a way to help them succeed in their chosen profession.

Scholar: Shelby Becker

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Dietetics)

About the scholarship recipient: Shelby discovered a great passion for caring for the elderly and Hispanic communities while volunteering at Adventist Glendale Hospital. She hopes to one day become a dietitian and looks forward to being able to advise elderly individuals on how they can use food to improve their health. Shelby’s interests include being in the outdoors, creating new vegetarian foods, and dancing.

Scholar: Alexis Swanson-Coleman

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Dietetics)

About the scholarship recipient: Alexis has a deep passion to enhance the health of others holistically. It is her career goal to become a dietitian. She is currently a project leader for a research project funded by the Marilyn Magaram Center to enhance peer-to-peer health promotion skills in middle school children. Alexis enjoys being involved in several clubs on campus and wants to continue to utilize her skills and passions to make the world a better place.

Scholar: Alondra Valdez

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Dietetics)  

About the scholarship recipient: Alondra grew up in Wasco, California and graduated from Bakersfield College in Spring 2019. She came to CSUN in Fall 2019 to pursue her studies in nutrition. Her plan is to obtain a master’s degree and possibly a doctorate as well. She strives to receive her certification as a registered dietitian with a focus on working with patients suffering from eating disorders.

About the scholarship: The late Dr. Christine “Chris” Smith was a beloved professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department for almost 30 years. She was a co-advisor for the department’s Student Dietetic and Food Science Association for over 20 years and served as the director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Chris was instrumental in guiding students into becoming registered dietitians and she remained a large part of the DPD program after her retirement. Chris and her husband, Owen ’65 (Theatre), M.A. ’67 (Drama) met at CSUN, had a fairytale romance, and both were influential members of the CSUN community. In 2013, they passed away just 81 days apart — Owen after battling cancer and Chris after an accident at her home. Prior to their passing, the Smiths decided to leave a gift from their estate to CSUN, their second home. In their will, the Smiths directed funds in the form of a planned gift to five different areas at CSUN, including this endowed scholarship for a student in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science.

Scholar: Emma Lindsley

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Didactic Program in Dietetics

About the scholarship recipient: Emma has zeal for life that has been evident since she was a young girl navigating the challenges of having a genetic disorder called Nail Patella Syndrome. She is currently, a diet-technician at the Center for Discovery, where she works with individuals suffering from eating disorders. She also mentors high school students weekly through a program called Young Life. Her long-term goals are to work at a registered dietitian and open a Christian summer camp for high school students with her husband.

Scholar: Chloe Hartounian

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Dietetics)  

About the scholarship recipient: Chloe plans to become a registered dietitian and work within her community. She is currently an intern with the Child Nutrition Leadership Internship at the CSUN Child and Family Studies Center through the Marilyn Magaram Center. In her free time she enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends.

About the scholarship: Nancy Owens taught in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences for 36 years, specializing in apparel design and merchandising. She was highly involved at CSUN and has continued volunteering at the university since her retirement. Nancy served as the university’s chapter advisor for Kappa Omicron Nu, the leading honor society for students in the human sciences. Nancy and her husband Joe have continued to support the society by creating this scholarship for an undergraduate and/or graduate student in the department who meets the academic requirements for membership in Kappa Omicron Nu.

Scholar: Tala Derakhshan

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (Apparel Design and Production)  

About the scholarship recipient: Tala’s goal is to obtain a position as a fashion designer with her own line of clothing. She is thankful for her supportive CSUN instructors from whom she has learned so much. She is honored to be the recipient of this scholarship that will help her in reaching her goals.

Scholar: Sara Safabakhsh

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (Apparel Design and Production) 

About the scholarship recipient: Sara loves attending CSUN and is currently working on her collection, interning for LSO Designs by Linda Stokes, and working part-time, all while maintaining a high grade point average. She hopes to have a career in the fashion industry.

About the scholarship: Nancy Owens taught in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences for 36 years, specializing in apparel design and merchandising. She was highly involved at CSUN and has continued volunteering at the university since her retirement. Nancy and her husband Joe continue to support the university through their scholarship endowments that help students achieve their academic and career goals. This scholarship provides support to a student in the apparel design and merchandising program.

Scholar: Laura Ann Horwitz

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Master of Science Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science)

About the scholarship recipient: Laura returned to CSUN in 2014 to pursue a career change with the ultimate goal of becoming a registered dietitian. She holds an undergraduate degree in Music and a Master of Arts degree in Choral Conducting from CSUN. Laura participated in the Marilyn Magaram Center Internship program from two years prior to becoming a student leader in May 2018. She is a member of the Student Dietetic and Food Science Association and served two terms on the executive board during her time in CSUN's didactic program in dietetics.

About the scholarship: Dr. Tungshan “Tom” Chen was a professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department and the founding director of the Marilyn Magaram Center for Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics. Marilyn Magaram met Dr. Chen while she was a master’s student and considered him a great mentor and friend. Unfortunately, Marilyn’s life was cut too short. As a tribute to her, Philip Magaram, Marilyn’s husband, and his family dedicated the Center as an honor to her memory. Tom was a large influence in seeing the Center transform from a concept to a reality after it opened in 1991. This scholarship is awarded to a full-time student and member of the Student Dietetic and Food Science Association (SDFSA) who is actively involved in programs and services hosted by the Center.

Scholar: Belen Contreras

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Health Administration

About the scholarship recipient: Belen is a first-generation, Chicana student studying health administration. She started her path to healthcare by pursuing pre-Nursing at Moorpark Community College in her hometown. Belen says that a career in healthcare aligns with her caring and compassionate personality and provides her with the building blocks for creating a fulfilling career. She has already attained her Nursing Assistant Certification, associate’s degree in Social and Behavioral Science, and an associate’s degree in Natural Sciences. Although she enjoyed delivering direct patient care, she felt an urge to contribute to the field on a larger scale and redirected her focus towards the business sector of healthcare. She attributes her leadership drive from inspiration she received from work at the Ventura’s Women Economic Roundtable and her mentor Paul Nakivell.

Belen plans to travel to Japan and teach English there for a year. She said that she feels this will be an incredible feat considering that her grandfather moved to the United States not knowing how to speak English and now she will be going to a foreign country to teach that language.

Her community is at the core of her character. She considers her success a community effort to combat inequality in marginalized communities. Therefore, receiving the Health Administration Scholarship has proved to her that her community supports and believes in her abilities to create change in the healthcare field. She feels empowered, motivated, and grateful to receive this scholarship. It is Belen’s hope to improve long-term healthcare facilities by becoming a healthcare administrator in a nursing home. She also intends to create retirement homes that welcome LGBTQIA+ individuals and form a nationwide system that supports this mission.

Scholar: Calleen Navasartian

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Health Administration

About the scholarship recipient: Calleen is Armenian and lived in Iran until he moved to the United States at 10 years old. He chose CSUN because he wanted to study in the health sciences field and decided to major in health administration. In the future, he would like to work in a hospital and be part of the backstage of patient care. For Calleen, receiving this scholarship was a big achievement and he feels honored to be a recipient. He hopes to continue gaining academic achievements like this scholarship.

About the scholarship: The Health Administration Scholarship Program was initiated through a generous donation from alumnus, Ronald “Ron” Sorensen, and further supported by alumna, Dori Holnagel. The scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students who are majoring in health administration and have successfully completed the first two introductory courses. Recipients are selected based on evidence of financial need, being among the first in their family to attend college, and have a proven commitment to the community.

Scholar: Diana Moran

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Public Health 

About the scholarship recipient: Diana demonstrated her passion for health education often as a child by giving health advice to her parents and community members in need. In college, she realized that she wanted to commit herself to the educational field of public health. She aspires to teach health education and provide resources to individuals in underserved communities experiencing health disparities. Diana currently volunteers with Peer Health Exchange as a health educator and leadership council member. She facilitates and delivers health education to over 1,000 ninth grade students from Title I schools in the San Fernando Valley. She values this volunteer opportunity because Peer Health Exchange was the only health education she had delivered to her as a high school student. In addition, she also is part of the Health Education Student Organization at CSUN. In this organization, she educates students and community members on mental health, sexual health and substance abuse. Giving back to the community is vital to Diana as a means to express her gratitude and to do something that she holds herself responsible for.

Scholar: Valery Romero

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Health Administration

Year awarded: 2020

About the scholarship recipient: Valery is a first-generation college student majoring in health administration. She is the eldest of three and a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. As the eldest child in her family, she has always been determined to succeed academically and be a good role model for her siblings.

Valery was born and raised in a heavily populated, low-income community in Los Angeles. There she witnessed various health disparities faced by community and family members. This exposure played a critical role her choice to pursue a career in healthcare. She finds great joy in helping others and strives to learn more about the health industry as it continues to evolve. In addition to becoming a health administrator, she also is working towards becoming a registered nurse. She has completed 120 volunteer hours at Providence Tarzana Medical Center to gain necessary experience for the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Valery is honored to be a recipient of the Health Sciences Scholarship.

About the scholarship: The Health Sciences Department Scholarship was made possible by a generous donation from alumnus, Myron Lieberman. The scholarship is awarded to students studying fields in the health sciences department.

Scholar: Denise Nguyen

Year awarded: 2020 

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Scholar: Janett Yu

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Public Health

About the scholarship recipient: Janett grew up in Los Angeles and is a public health major and minoring in human lactation. She chose the field of public health because of the many opportunities that delve into other disciplines. She has always wanted to work in the public health sector, but did not want to solely focus on individuals and, instead, make a greater impact on larger communities. Public health will allow her to work in different communities and improve health via education and interventions. After graduating from CSUN, Janett plans to pursue a master's degree in environmental health. She aspires to become a global ambassador for environmental justice and to work with underserved and underrepresented communities to provide access to clean, fresh drinking water and proper sanitation services. She would also like to work in food safety and inspections. 

Janett is currently facilitating health education services to the CSUN community through the Health Education Student Organization club on-campus. She is also a student research assistant/volunteer for the CalFresh Healthy Living on College Campuses program that provides health education/nutrition workshops on-campus. Janett is grateful to the Hunt family for their continued support to advance education. Their support has motivated her to continue what she is doing and has made her even more determined to push her boundaries.

About the scholarship: Holly Hunt graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health Education at CSUN in 1979, was admitted to the Master of Public Health in Health Education graduate program and worked with children as a teacher. While Holly was a graduate student at CSUN she tragically passed away. In 2006, her siblings, Beryl Loughlin and Ronald Hunt, along with his wife Joyce, established this scholarship in memory of Holly. This scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate public health student who contributes to the community and is committed to public health.

Scholar: Tammy Rassamekiarttisak

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Double Major; Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Bachelor of Arts in Asian American Studies (Graduated Spring 2020)

About the scholarship recipient: Tammy is a first-generation college student, double majoring in Public Health and Asian American Studies, with the aspiration of becoming a pediatrician. She has been involved in several groups and organizations at CSUN. Most recently, she served as an Associated Students Senator for the College of Health and Human Development in the 2018-2019 academic year and she was re-elected for the 2019-2020 term. Tammy is passionate about bringing awareness to the mental health issues that surround the Asian American and Pacific Islanders communities. She believes that through public health, we can understand how vital prevention is and how it is essential to empower the community through being environmentally just in our communities. She hopes to one day give back to the communities that have helped shape her.

About the scholarship: Julian Beck was a teacher, politician and judge in Los Angeles and was instrumental in the establishment of San Fernando Valley State College (now CSUN). Two of Julian Beck's greatest achievements were carrying out the legislation that created CSUN, as well as, creating the Superior Court in San Fernando. He served on CSUN's Advisory Board for 16 years and always felt that education and hard work gave a person more options in life. To him, education was a gift to improve a person's life. He also felt strongly about sharing and giving to those who struggle to pay for their higher education. He left several endowments to CSUN for the purpose of helping others. As a man from humble beginnings, he served as a prime example of where hard work and an education can help fulfill one's own dreams and the dreams of others.This scholarship is made possible by a generous contribution from the Judge Julian Beck Health Sciences Endowment established in 1984. The scholarship provides financial assistance to an outstanding senior each year. Recipients should demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and service, leadership, have a positive and professional attitude, and, where applicable, outstanding clinical potential.

Scholar: Carmen Delatorre

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Master of Science in Public Health Applied Epidemiology

About the scholarship: The late Dr. Lennin H. Glass was a professor of health sciences and served as the Dean of the School of Communication and Professional Studies (now Health and Human Development) from 1979-1987. The scholarship was dedicated to Dr. Glass by his wife Rosalee before her passing. The scholarship is made possible due to a generous contribution from the Lennin H. Glass Scholarship Endowment. It is the intention of the donor to provide financial assistance to a returning adult student who can demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and service, leadership and has a positive and professional attitude within the health sciences field.

Scholar: Sean Almazan  

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences  

About the scholarship recipient: Sean was born in Los Angeles, California and spent his childhood growing up in Chicago, Illinois. When he was in his junior year, he moved back to California and attended Glendale High School. Sean said that having an inclination to help other is a strong attribute of the many of his family members who are physicians and nurses. Seeing his family in these roles led him to follow in their footsteps and pursue a career in the health sciences field. He eventually landed on radiologic sciences because the technologic advancements in the field really drew his interest. Sean plans to use this scholarship to the fullest to further his clinical education and make strides as a radiologic sciences student. He is honored to have received such a prestigious scholarship with other members of his cohort. In the future, Sean plans to become an interventional radiologic technologist. 

Scholar: Pedro Garay  

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences

Scholar: Elizabeth Garcia

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences  

About the scholarship recipient: Elizabeth was born in Orange County and moved to Palmdale when she was 10 years old. She considers herself hard-working, outgoing, and driven to help others as much as she can. She has spent the last few years joining the Keller Williams Organization in their annual RED day, a day dedicated to giving back to the community by gathering food donations and distributing them to the homeless. Since helping others is a huge passion of Elizabeth's, she knew she wanted to go into the medical field. She wanted to attend the radiologic sciences program at CSUN because of the great exposure she would receive and the necessary x-ray experience, as well as CT and MRI modalities that are hard to find in other academic programs. She said that despite the over 50 mile drive she makes for her hospital rotations, the education and experience she is gaining makes it all worth it. 

Elizabeth said that receiving this scholarship relieves a lot of financial stress that she and her parents were feeling. In her future she hopes to pass the board exam, obtain an advanced degree, find a job that allows for growth, research ways to expand her delivery of patient care, and lastly, to help others who have experienced situations similar to her achieve their goals. She feels confident that she will help those who have been treated unfairly or experienced prejudice as patients in the past and be able to do her part by treating all of her patients equally. 

Scholar: Jacob Grospitz  

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences  

Scholar: Xuan Hoang

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences  

Scholar: Alex Hoffman

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences  

Scholar: Brittanie Huffman

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences

Scholar: Quingyang Li

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences

About the scholarship recipient: As a first-generation immigrant, Qingyang faced many adversities when she came to the United States, by herself, at the age of 16. With the help of her community, she persevered and became a dedicated believer in community service. Over the years, she remained an active volunteer at her local church and in the emergency rooms of Glendale Adventist Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center. She is currently the philanthropy chair for the CSUN Radiologic Sciences Student Association. Qingyang has organized several successful fundraisers for local veterans, participated in the Walk for Alzheimer’s and the Breast Cancer Walk, and involved her team in helping at homeless shelters. Scholastically, she has achieved a 4.0 grade point average while working two part-time jobs to support herself. Although she rarely has free time, she rejoices in being able to help others and give back to her community. Quingyang would like to thank Kaiser Permanente for the scholarship that gets her one-step closer to achieving her dream.

Scholar: Howard Lim

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences  

About the scholarship recipient: Howard was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States when he was eight years old. He grew up in Torrance, California and moved to Reseda to attend CSUN. He enjoys snowboarding and his main hobby is working on his car. Howard said that receiving the scholarship means a lot to him and it helped to pay for his tuition at a time when he did not have a lot of money. In the future, he plans to become a MRI technologist.

Scholar: Jennifer Manzo

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences  

About the scholarship recipient: Jennifer is a first-generation American and the youngest of three. She grew up in downtown Long Beach, California and moved to the San Fernando Valley when she got married. She has two boys who are eight years old and six years old. When her oldest son was three, his pediatrician scheduled him a procedure to help with urinary infections at a small hospital. They had a terrible experience at the hospital which led Jennifer to start researching the medical field. She is now part of CSUN's radiologic sciences program. 

Jennifer is a full-time student with young children and does not have extra time to work. Thus, she is grateful to receive this scholarship because it has lessened some of the financial burden for her and her husband. She also said that this scholarship has made her realize that others want her to succeed. Although it may take her some time to finish college, when she does she will be the first in her family to receive a bachelor's degree. She intends to graduate and aquire ARRT certification in radiography, CT, and MRI. She would also like to continue her education in imaging for PET/CT scans and obtain a job in the field. 

Scholar: Nastaran Nassiri  

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences

Scholar: Lisa Rodriguez

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences  

About the scholarship recipient: Lisa is a first-generation college student and knows that graduating with a bachelor's degree will be a great accomplishment in her life that will mean a lot to her family. She is the oldest of four siblings and is working hard to get her degree and be a positive influence on them. Lisa said she believes her education will show her siblings what stability and financial freedom looks like. She chose radiologic sciences because it allows her to learn all aspects of medical imaging. She is proud to be studying in a field that is in the front lines of medicine. Lisa said that receiving this scholarship allowed her to pay for a semester's tuition and focus fully on her clinical internships and academic courses. She is excited to continue her education and thankful to be in such a respected program at CSUN. After graduation, she will find a job in the medical imaging field. She is grateful to Kaiser Permanente for being part of her journey to become a radiologic technologist. 

Scholar: Valentyna Zharska

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences

About the scholarship: This scholarship is the result of a generous contribution from Southern California Kaiser Permanente. The scholarship is for baccalaureate students studying Radiologic Sciences and intends to encourage them to excel in their education and reward such outstanding students. The intent is to lessen the financial burden of the students who are studying to gain professional imaging skills, training, and the experience necessary to join the professional field of Radiologic Technology. Students are chosen based on a combination of financial need, commitment to the community, dedication to the institution, scholastic achievement and devotion to the imaging profession as described by references. Award funds are designated for summer clinical registration fees.

Scholar: Matisse Denae Swanson

Year Awarded: 2020

Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Dance (Graduated Spring 2020)

Working towards degree: Master of Science in Kinesiology

About the scholarship: The Glenn W. Arnett Scholarship was made possible due to a generous contribution from Mr. and Mrs. Elwood C. Davis in honor of Dr. Glenn Arnett, who was a faculty member and department chair in kinesiology. He served as CSUN’s first athletic director in 1958 and taught at CSUN until his retirement. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide support to a student in the kinesiology program who aspires to have a career in the area of kinesiology and physical activity.

Scholar: Brianna Carrillo

Year awarded: 2020

Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise Science (Graduated Spring 2020)

Working towards degree: Master of Science in Kinesiology; Exercise Science

About the scholarship: The late Dr. Laurence Young was a professor of Kinesiology in the physical education option at CSUN for many years. He and his wife Ethel established a planned gift that will enable many students in the future, to be rewarded for their time, leadership and the hard work they put into their academic major.

Scholar: Junghoon Park

Year awarded: 2020

Degrees: Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise Science

About the scholarship recipient: Junghoon is an immigrant from Korea and struggled with language and cultural barriers in middle and high school. Due to those factors, he was not interested in an education and was more focused on surviving in a new country. His perspective changed, however, when he saw military retirees and people physically injured need rehabilitation to return to normal life. This compelled Junghoon to enroll at CSUN and finish his degree in Kinesiology. While on campus, he was inspired by the Center of Achievement and the clients he worked with daily, leading him to strive for a career that would allow him to continue working with individuals with disabilities. Specifically, he would like to pursue research that explores the physical effects of individuals who suffer from a stroke. It is his hope to use his research findings to utilize exercise to improve the health of stroke victims.

About the scholarship: Leslie “Les” and Terry Cutler are long time contributors to CSUN and this scholarship expands their giving to the university in their area of interest in healthcare. Les attended CSUN in 1963, although he did not graduate from the university, he went on to become a dentist, receive a PhD and become the Chancellor and Provost of Health Affairs at the University of Connecticut. It is the intention of the donors that this scholarship be awarded to Kinesiology students with outstanding potential to become a leader in the field of health, fitness and rehabilitation as they proceed through the adapted physical activity graduate program. The student must also be working in the Center of Achievement.

Scholar: Stephan Acuna 

Year awarded: 2020

Degrees: Master of Science in Kinesiology, Adapted Physical Activity

About the scholarship recipient: Stephan transferred to CSUN in 2015 to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, Applied Fitness. During his time in the undergraduate program, he worked at the Center of Achievement (COA). The COA quickly became a second home to him and he decided to apply for the master’s program at CSUN in adapted physical activity. During the graduate program, Stephan has been able to teach students, learn new equipment at the COA, and begin researching. His research focuses on people with spinal cord injury and how their strength and muscle size can be effectively improved post-injury. Stephan’s research is looking at the use of blood flow restriction cuffs to improve such strength and muscle size. He will use ultrasonography to measure muscle thickness and a computerized isokinetic dynamometer to measure peak torque. It is his hope that the knowledge base can be increased to help individuals with spinal cord injury improve their quality of life.

About the scholarship: Leslie “Les” and Terry Cutler are long time contributors to CSUN. This award expands their giving to the university and it is in their area of interest, healthcare. Les attended CSUN in 1963, although he did not graduate from the university, he went on to become a dentist, receive a PhD and become the chancellor and provost of health affairs at the University of Connecticut. Les and Terry created this outstanding graduate research award in honor of their mothers, Marian Cutler and Lucille Grubman. It is the intention of the donors that this award be given to kinesiology students with outstanding clinical potential as they proceed through the adapted physical activity program. The student must also be working in the Center of Achievement through Adapted Physical Activity.

Scholar: Janet Sandoval

Year awarded: 2020

Degrees: Master of Science in Kinesiology, Adapted Physical Activity

About the scholarship recipient: Janet grew up in northern California and is a first-generation college graduate. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from CSUN. After she graduated, she worked in different areas, such as public health, non-profits, and medical administration. She decided to continue her education and apply to the adapted physical activity graduate program because of the unique clinical experience it provides. Janet serves as the clinical supervisor at the Center of Achievement (COA) at CSUN as she works on her thesis. Her thesis focuses on Kinesiology students’ perceptions of their self-efficacy after working with individuals with disabilities in a student service-learning program at the COA. After she completes the graduate program, it is her hope to continue working with people with disabilities.

About the scholarship: Leslie “Les” and Terry Cutler are long time contributors to CSUN and this award expands their giving to the university. This gift is in their area of interest, healthcare. Les attended CSUN in 1963, although he did not graduate from the university, he went on to become a dentist, receive a PhD and become the chancellor and provost of health affairs at the University of Connecticut. Les and Terry created this outstanding graduate leadership award in honor of Les’ father Norman Cutler, who was a champion of excellence and showed a strong commitment to helping others achieve greatness in their career and calling.

Scholar: Jesus Guzman

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Physical Education (Graduated Spring 2020); Master’s of Science in Kinesiology  

About the scholarship recipient: Jesus was born in Tijuana, Mexico and moved to the state of Kentucky at age seven. Although he did not know the English language when he moved, he was able to build relationships through sports. He participated in soccer, cross country, and track. At age 13, he moved to California where he continued playing sports. This passion for sports led him to pursue a career in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in physical education. Jesus transferred to CSUN in 2018, earning Dean’s List recognition throughout his time as an undergraduate student. He is grateful to CSUN and the support he has felt by his teachers. He strives to help other students find success and connect communities through sports in the future. Jesus is especially thankful to Dr. Margaret Shiffrar for her support of this scholarship and feels honored to have been selected as a recipient.

About the scholarship: This scholarship was made possible by a generous gift from Dr. Margaret Shiffrar, a professor of psychology and the former assistant vice president of graduate studies at CSUN, in memory of her mother, Ruth Shiffrar. Ruth was a CSU graduate and champion of physical education for school children. She was a proud fourth generation Californian whose childhood was happily spent playing in the outdoors of the Central Coast. Ruth was a high school physical education teacher in Northern California for many years. When California public schools began to systematically de-fund physical education courses, her concern for the future health of Californians grew. The goal of this scholarship is to help right the health related wrongs that resulted from de-funding programs by supporting a CSUN student with outstanding potential to become a leader in the field of physical education.

Scholar: Jacqueline Truong

Year awarded: 2020

Degrees: Master of Science in Kinesiology, Adapted Physical Activity

About the scholarship recipient: Jacqueline was born and raised in San Gabriel, California. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology (Applied Fitness) in 2018. Now pursuing her master’s in  adapted physical activity and having held several leadership positions at the Center of Achievement, she has found her true calling. Jacqueline looks forward to expanding her knowledge and improving her skills to be able to serve all populations of all abilities. She is currently working on a research project entitled, “Implementation of Multimedia Learning in Adapted Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise”. Her hope is that with this project, more Kinesiology students will have equal learning opportunities and be confident in becoming future healthcare professionals.

About the scholarship: Susan Tartakoff ‘71 and her husband, Raymond, are members of the community with a long-history and devotion to CSUN. Susan is an alum and has been a client and volunteer at the Center of Achievement for over 15 years. She became a client at the Center after she was involved in a horrific car accident that left her paralyzed from the chest down. When Susan started using the Center, only the land-based programs existed. She helped raise funds for the Brown Center for Adaptive Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise through the volunteer group, “FOCAS” (Friends of the Center of Achievement and Sponsors). Susan and Raymond created this scholarship to further their support of the Center. The scholarship is for Kinesiology graduate students that work in the Center and aspire to have a career in adapted physical activity or physical rehabilitation.

Scholar: Ariel Dankner

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

About the scholarship recipient: Ariel comes from a family of immigrants. Her grandparents escaped persecution in Iraq to begin a new life in Israel. Ariel’s father and Canadian mother left war-torn Israel and immigrated to the United States in search of a better future for their children. She draws strength and inspiration from these generations before her.

Ariel was born and raised in Los Angeles. She received her bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of California Santa Barbara and has since committed almost all her free time to community service. This volunteering has reinforced a desire in her to start clubs aimed at social justice that bring people together.

The Nursing Scholarship is providing Ariel with needed relief at a time of financial hardship in her family. She said that although generations before her did not receive a post-secondary education, they do recognize the value of knowledge and set out to ensure she and her siblings learned to think well and belong to something greater than themselves to make a positive difference in the world. In the future, Ariel would like to continue bringing compassion and excellence to her profession, while demonstrating the highest ethics and commitment to her work. She is also determined to pay it forward. After graduation, she hopes to work in the intensive care unit and eventually pursue a master’s in nursing degree.

Scholar: Nathan Davis

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

About the scholarship recipient: Nathan grew up in Van Nuys, California. After graduating high school, he attended Saint Joseph’s College in Indiana where he received a scholarship to play baseball. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and moved back to California where got his Emergency Medical Technician’s license and decided to pursue a career in the medical field. He worked in an ambulance for three years and then worked in the emergency department at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica for the last five years. Working in a hospital next to incredible nurses is what pushed him to pursue a career in nursing. He then chose CSUN’s program because of the accelerated nature and great program reputation.

Since starting the program, Nathan has had to cut back on his hours working at the hospital. Therefore, receiving this scholarship has been a significant help in removing financial burden. He is extremely grateful to have been selected for this scholarship.

After Nathan graduates, he plans to become a nurse in the emergency department for the hospital he is working at through their New Grad program. After working for a few years, he then would like to go back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner. He is grateful to CSUN and the nursing department for giving him the chance to make his dream of becoming a nurse a reality.

Scholar: Puyeh Panahi 

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

About the scholarship recipient: Puyeh was born in Copenhagen, Denmark where her parents had sought refuge after leaving Iran. At four years old, she and her family began a new journey when they moved to California. 

Prior to deciding on a future career in healthcare, Puyeh had planned to apply to law school. However, after working in a law firm she realized her passion was elsewhere. She said walking away from law was difficult, but she reminded herself that it was not failure, rather a detour to a better suited destination. She is now in her fourth semester of the accelerated nursing program at CSUN. 

Receiving the scholarship means less of a financial burden for Puyeh and it has afforded her the opportunity to volunteer her time helping individuals in low socioeconomic areas. She can now invest that time in volunteering herself which in turn will be re-invested into her community.

Scholar: Chaya Perlman

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Scholar: Jessica Poff

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Scholar: Mitzy Sanchez-Hernandez 

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Scholar: Samuel Sherry

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Scholar: Monica Tamayo Villa

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

About the scholarship recipient: Monica is a first-generation college student; both of her parents were born and raised in Michoacán, Mexico. She grew up in Moorpark, California and has two younger siblings that both look up to her.

Monica completed her degree in health sciences and had known she wanted to attend CSUN’s nursing program when she was working towards her general education at Moorpark Community College. She was thankful to be accepted to CSUN’s competitive accelerated program.

The Nursing Scholarship is a financial relief to Monica who is supporting her own tuition through loans while she completes the rigorous nursing program that leaves little time to work outside of schooling. The scholarship has allowed her some peace of mind to focus on her studies. In the future, she hopes to grow in the nursing field by obtaining a master’s degree in nursing leadership. During her clinicals, she has enjoyed working in the different specialties that nursing has to offer, so she does not have a specific area of focus thus far. However, she does hope to help those with a Spanish language barrier in whichever area of expertise she pursues.

About the scholarship: The Nursing Scholarship is made possible due to a generous contribution from friend of the university, Dale Sipma. Mr. Sipma sees the importance of nurses and therefore donated scholarships to students studying in the Nursing program at CSUN.

Scholar: Zachary Atienza

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (Class 62)

About the scholarship recipient: Zachary was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. He came to Los Angeles to attend school and pursue the city's career opportunities. Zachary said that as a Filipino student, he is proud and grateful to be the first of his family to attend graduate school. Receiving this scholarship is a great help and high honor to him. The scholarship will help to lessen his financial burden. Zachary's goal is to help individuals break through the physical limits that life has imposed on them so that they can have a better quality of life. He is grateful for the generosity of the Dodgers and the Campanellas for helping him to achieve his goals. 

Scholar: Melani Cabanayan

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (Class 62)

About the scholarship recipient: Melani and her family are honored that she will be the first in her family to complete a doctoral program. During her time in the DPT program, she has been involved in the mentoring program for future DPT students and has several other program events. In the near future, she will join the Dodgers during Spring Training for her last clinical rotation. Melani is honored to receive this scholarship and elated to be part of such a well-known legacy. She hopes to become a physical therapist who can educate and empower the community to move and live better. 

Scholar: Andrew Donnelly

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (Class 62)

About the scholarship recipient: Andrew served in the United States Marine Corps prior to pursuing higher education and was deployed to Afghanistan twice. Since coming to CSUN, he has been involved in many events and mentoring opportunities, including serving as an officer in the Physical Therapy Club. Andrew is honored to receive this scholarship and said he is overjoyed to join in with a professional organization that prioritizes welfare and community involvement. He is thankful to the Campanellas and the Dodgers for their generosity and support of the CSUN DPT students.

Scholar: Taylor Hawes

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (Class 62)

About the scholarship recipient: Taylor said she and her family are very proud that she will be the first in her family to earn a doctorate degree. During her time in the DPT program, she has been involved in many activities that benefit the university, community, and DPT program. She said receiving this scholarship is an immense honor as she has been a softball player for many years and a fan of the Dodgers since birth. Taylor is grateful to the Dodgers and the Campanellas and looks forward to continuing to help individuals in need and share her passion for baseball, the Dodgers, and the physical therapy profession. 

Scholar: Thuy Jacobson

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (Class 62)

About the scholarship recipient: Thuy was born and raised in Dallas, Texas after her family immigrated to the United States following the Vietnam War. In 2009, she graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in business administration and a focus on marketing. She is the first in her family to graduate from college. 

Years later, her husband's job brought them to Los Angeles. She then decided to pursue a degree in physical therapy. She enrolled at Glendale Community College to take prerequisite courses while she worked as a waitress and physical therapy aide. Thuy dreamed of attending CSUN's DPT program because of the exceptional reputation and many volunteer opportunities it provided. During her time at CSUN she has been involved in many volunteer and event activities in the program. 

Thuy feels immense gratitude to be a recipient of this scholarship. She feels lucky to be able to use her passion for health, wellness, and movement to help others achieve their own life goals. She said her family has overcome many tragic life events and receiving this scholarship proves to them that it has not all been in vain. She is thankful to the Campanellas, the Dodgers, and the faculty in the Physical Therapy Department.

Scholar: Bret Maddux

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (Class 62)

About the scholarship recipient: Bret came into the physical therapy world through sports. In high school, he was a CIF champion pole vaulter, two-time state champion in football, and also received an Eagle Scout award in the Scouts of America. During his time at CSUN, Bret has grown academically and in his involvement in the community. He has been engaged in many campus events and community service activities as well.  

Bret said he has been a fan of the Dodgers since he was a boy and has regularly attended games with his family and best friend. To receive this scholarship is a complete honor for him. He said that although the road to get to where he is today has been long and difficult, he is extremely grateful to be where he is now. Bret is thankful for the generosity and the recognition that has been given to him by the Campanellas and the Dodgers. He is excited to continue giving back throughout his career.

Scholar: Caelan Griggs

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (Class 63)

About the scholarship recipient: Caelan began his studies at community college and worked to pay his way through classes. He moved to attend Humboldt State and became president of the Kinesiology club there where he helped aspiring physical therapy students attend various conferences across California. Caelan came to CSUN and has been involved in many activities and events in the Physical Therapy Department. He is working with faculty to research and create a presentation on health and sustainability. Caelan said that as a fan of the Dodgers, receiving this scholarship has been a dream come true and great honor. He considers it a blessing to pursue a career in which he can positively impact the lives of many on a daily basis. He is sincerely thankful to the Dodgers and the Campanellas.

Scholar: Christine Matsuda

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (Class 63)

About the scholarship recipient: Christine said that her path to CSUN's DPT program was not the most conventional, as it started with an accounting degree. The years following college were filled with rediscovery that led her heart to ultimately find the physical therapy profession. During her time at CSUN, she has been involved in many physical therapy events. Christine said that receiving this scholarship has been an incredible honor for her and she hopes to represent the profession to the best of her abilities. She said that physical therapy has the potential to impact people's lives, as baseball does for many. She is thankful to the Campanella and Dodgers Foundation Boards for their generosity.

Scholar: Celeste Alcala

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (Class 64)

About the scholarship recipient: Celeste is a first-generation Latina student and is grateful to be part of the DPT program. As an undergraduate student, she served as a tutor and mentor to further student success at CSUN. Celeste has also spent her time in the CSUN community volunteering for non-profit organizations by promoting physical activity and wellness. Celeste is thankful to everyone who has helped guide her journey to becoming a physical therapist thus far. More important, she said that the Dodgers have always been part of her family history; from attending games before she could walk, to her siblings playing on the stadium's field before high school championship games. She said, receiving support for her education is more than she can ask for, but to receive support from an organization that she has valued her entire life is truly an honor. Celest is thankful to the Campanellas and the Dodgers for this scholarship. She seeks to continue her academic career with integrity and compassion and hopes to make a difference in the field of physical therapy someday.

Scholar: Earl Lopez

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (Class 64)

About the scholarship recipient: Earl is a proud Matador and said that CSUN has become like home. As a CSUN undergrad, he was heavily involved in club activities in the Kinesiology department, and engaged in various academic and community based volunteer opportunities. He was also a dancer and choreographer for the annual Kinesiology dance performance, Collaboratoria. 

Earl was extremely happy to return to his home at CSUN to pursue his dream of becoming a physical therapist and join the DPT program. He is thankful to the Campanellas and the Dodgers for this scholarship. It is a tremendous honor to him that affirms his strong sense of duty to continue serving communities.

About the scholarship: Roy “Campy” Campanella was a catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers and one of the first African Americans to play Major League Baseball; he was also a three-time National League MVP. In 1958, he was involved in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down, ending his baseball career. He started physical therapy which helped him gain enough mobility to become a guest instructor at the Dodgers’ spring training camp, offering lectures to young catchers. Roy passed away in 1993, a year later his wife Roxie began donating money to physical therapy programs and she continued to do so until her passing in 2004.

The scholarships at CSUN are made possible due to a generous contribution from the Campanella Family. In 2005, the Roy and Roxie Campanella Foundation and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation partnered to dedicate scholarships to CSUN physical therapy students. Roy and Roxie’s daughter, Joni Campanella-Roan, has enhanced the partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers and continues to be actively involved with the College. The partnership has grown to add more scholarships, and since 2010, each year the Dodgers have invited a CSUN physical therapy student to intern with the team’s medical staff.

Scholar: Allison Meyer 

Year awarded: 2020 

Working towards degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy 

About the scholarship recipient: Allison grew up in Los Angeles and attended Pepperdine University for her undergraduate degree. She participated in Pepperdine University's Crossing Boundaries Leadership Institute in Lausanne Switzerland. In that capacity, she met with organizations that assess and meet the healthcare needs of the most underserved populations globally, including non-profits. This experience in international leadership opened her eyes to the tremendous global need for healthcare professionals and inspired her to pursue a career in physical therapy.  

Allison said that although she did not have the pleasure of meeting Kristy Tyler Stupar, she is fortunate to be able to participate in the Pilates elective that Kristy was instrumental in developing and is grateful for such opportunity. In her studies, Allison has learned how effective Pilates practice can be both psychological and physically for a wide array of diagnosis. As a physical therapist and certified Pilates practitioner, Allison hopes to pay tribute to Kristy's legacy by sharing the mind body rewards she has received from the Pilates program at CSUN with her own patients.

Scholar: Laura Rubin

Year awarded: 2020 

Working towards degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy

About the scholarship recipient: Laura is a physical therapy student with a Pilates elective. She currently lives in LA county with her husband and son, and will graduate the DPT program at CSUN fall 2021. She chose CSUN’s program because of the warm community on campus, and because of the opportunity to deepen her knowledge in Pilates, which will be extremely valuable to her success in the field of pelvic floor physical therapy. This scholarship allows her to have more time to invest in her studies, and she feels truly grateful to have received a scholarship in the honor of Kristy Stupar, who was a true leader both in her community and at CSUN. Laura is extremely passionate about women’s health, and believes that the Pilates exercises and theories learned in the elective will elevate the level of care she can provide for her future clients.

About the scholarship: The Kristy Stupar Tyler Physical Therapy Scholarship is in honor of the late, Kristy Stupar Tyler. Kristy was a CSUN physical therapy student and then later a faculty member. She was a beloved and compassionate teacher. Kristy was also a leader in the physical therapy and Pilates communities. This scholarship is awarded to students in the Physical Therapy Department with a Pilates elective. Students must demonstrate academic excellence and show a clinical promise of using Pilates to treat patients in their future physical therapy professions.

Scholar: Karin Tarpinian

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and, Recreation Management

About the scholarship recipient: Karin grew up in Southern California and transferred from Pierce Community College and lucked out as a Recreation and Tourism Management (RTM) major at CSUN. She has a passion for the outdoors and has wanted to pursue a career in the outdoor industry. She has worked at various organizations in the recreation industry, including multiple roles at CSUN’s Associated Students Outdoor Adventures. Currently, she is a volunteer coordinator for the Yosemite Climbing Association and helps to organize their yearly National Park Clean-Up event at Yosemite National Park.

Karin graduated with a bachelor’s in RTM and is now working on her master’s degree. She continued at CSUN because of the academic program and the Outdoor Adventures program. She has been able to gain experience through field work and learn in the classroom.

The Burt Anderson Scholarship means a lot to Karin and her future academics and career pursuits. She hopes to one day be able to run her own summer camp that works with volunteers and horses. She also plans to volunteer more of her time to the Yosemite Climbing Association and help to expand their event to other National Parks.

About this scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to a graduate student in the Department of Recreation and Tourism Management who can show evidence of involvement in activities of professional concern. The student must possess academic areas of achievement and be involved in professional and/or community service organizations. The student must also have worked either in a paid or voluntary role in the profession of recreation.

Scholar: Brenda Galvan

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and, Recreation Management

About the scholarship recipient: Brenda grew up in West Covina and is working to complete her undergraduate degree in tourism, hospitality, and recreation management (RTM). She said finding the program was not easy for her at first, as she went through different majors before she found RTM. When she found the program she knew it was for her because it allowed her to share her people skills and work with others who shared similar values that include the importance of recreation. 

Brenda said that receiving this award showed her that her dream career had real importance and it gave her the reassurance she needed to proceed. Her goal includes working with Disney's Youth Education Series, more specifically, the leadership series. She understands that many under-resourced schools lack the privileges of being involved in such a series, and that is something she hopes to change and build out in her future.

About the scholarship: The late Dr. Byrne Fernelius was a founding faculty member of the department and held the position of Department Chair for Recreation and Leisure Studies (now Recreation and Tourism Management) for approximately 20 years. He always encouraged students in the recreation profession and community service area to be exemplary scholars. This scholarship is awarded to students who can show evidence of involvement in activities of professional concern and/or community service and has worked in the recreation field either as a volunteer or in a paid role.

Scholar: Mackenzie Miravet

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and, Recreation Management

About the scholarship recipient: After high school, Mackenzie began pursuing a career in recreation and tourism management because she had always had a love for restaurants. She is excited to finish her degree in May 2021 and continue working in the luxury hospitality sector.

About the scholarship: Dr. Lola Sadlo was a founding faculty member in the Recreation and Tourism Management Department who was interested in crafts and dance. She wanted students to get creatively involved in the community and have high academic standards in academics. This award is given to one student for proven creativity in a RTM program and/or project, on or off the CSUN campus.

Scholar: Bryan Huerta

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and, Recreation Management

About the scholarship: This award is dedicated to the late professor of leisure studies and recreation, Dr. John "Jack" Foley. Dr. Foley graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a degree in Recreation Administration and later earned a doctorate from Brigham Young University. He worked for the City of Culver City and later became a professor at CSUN where he worked for over two decades. He was a beloved mentor to students and a devoted contributor to the CSUN baseball team. He had a tremendous desire to give back to his community. He led the charge for a renovated Matador field and some of his hard work paid off when the Matador clubhouse was constructed in 2002. More recently, a significant donation was made to help bring Dr. Foley's vision for a redesigned Matador Field to fruition. The gift supports the renovating of the entrance and is the first of multiple projects. The Jack Foley Award is given to a student in the Department of Recreation and Tourism Management in honor of Dr. Foley's dedication to CSUN.

Scholar: Jessica Arevalo

Year awarded: 2020

Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and, Recreation Management

About the scholarship: Tal Morash was a faculty member in the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department for many years (now Recreation and Tourism Management). He also founded the Outdoor Adventures program in the department. This scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student who can show evidence of involvement in activities of professional concern in outdoor recreation. The student must also have volunteered or worked in the field and can show evidence of involvement with community service organizations.