The California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) Alumni Association awarded a record 16 students with scholarships for the 2021-22 school year, providing them with funds to help continue their education.
The recipients include 7 graduate and 9 undergraduate students–all carefully chosen for the scholarships, which are given annually to students with strong academic records and service to the university and their communities. This marks the most Alumni Scholarships that have ever been awarded in a single year, thanks to increased philanthropic donations to the Alumni Association.
The 2021-22 recipients of the CSUDH Alumni Scholarship are:
Daisy Aguilar
Grade level: Sophomore
Major: Child development
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
Daisy Aguirre
Grade level: Senior
Major: Education
Minor: Women’s studies
Hometown: Lawndale, Calif.
“As a Latinx woman, winning this scholarship means being able to expand my educational opportunities, such as applying to graduate school and achieving my dream of becoming a social justice educator within higher education. This scholarship has given me the chance to further my experience in working with first-generation college students and giving back to communities in need.”
Kerrington Boykin
Grade level: Senior
Major: English/Africana studies
Hometown: Bellflower, Calif.
“I am grateful to be a recipient of the Alumni Scholarship. I thank God for this wonderful blessing. This scholarship has allowed me to complete my undergraduate journey and achieve my degree without financial worries.”
Mariana Castro
Grade level: Graduate student
Major: Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding
Hometown: Compton, Calif.
“Being awarded this scholarship is important to me because it allows me to keep pursuing my education. After completing my master’s, I will continue my education by attending law school to become a cooperating attorney. It is truly an honor to represent CSUDH.”
Janelle Catbagan
Grade level: Senior
Major: Music education
Hometown: Carson, Calif.
“This scholarship means so much to me, because it gives meaning to who I am as a student at CSUDH and as a future Toro alumna. Being awarded an Alumni Scholarship opens up more opportunities for me to inspire the Toros after me and continuously serve my community and everyone else I encounter. I am beyond grateful!”
Krista D’Angelo
Grade level: Senior
Major: Business administration – human resources management
Hometown: Vallejo, Calif.
“I am proud to be a Toro! Winning an Alumni Scholarship means that the alumni community is confident that I will represent the school well and with pride. It also means that I can continue my education with less of a financial burden. I am very appreciative and thankful to have been chosen for this scholarship.”
Ana K. De La Torre
Grade level: Senior
Major: Clinical Science – Medical Technology Option
Minor: Spanish Grammar and Writing
Hometown: Lawndale, Calif.
“This scholarship will not only be a much-needed financial boost towards my educational expenses, but will provide invaluable moral support in my academic journey. As a single mother and first-generation college student, there has always been uncertainty regarding my ability to earn my degree successfully. Therefore, I am beyond grateful and honored for the support from the Alumni Association and everyone who helped make this happen!”
Keonna R. Simpson
Grade level: Senior
Major: Human services
Hometown: Gardena, Calif.
“Winning the Alumni Scholarship means determination and hard work. I transferred to CSUDH from Los Angeles Harbor College in the fall of 2020, and I am looking to graduate this December Magna Cum Laude! During my time here at CSUDH, I have been able to build myself personally and professionally. Working full-time while managing 16+ units a semester has been very challenging but rewarding. It feels like I am being rewarded for the dedication and time I put into my studies and into my future. Thank you!”
Christina Johnson
Grade level: Senior
Major: Healthcare management
Hometown: Redondo Beach, Calif.
“Winning the Alumni Scholarship means that I will be able to achieve my higher education goals. I will be able to continue my program full-time, graduate, and then give back to my community.”
Gustavo Limo
Grade level: Graduate student
Major: School counseling
Hometown: South Whittier, Calif.
“Receiving the scholarship is a great honor. I have worked extremely hard to be where I am today. Receiving the scholarship shows that there are other people out there who support the goal I am looking forward to accomplishing.”
Fatima Mohammad
Grade level: Graduate student
Major: Curriculum and instruction
Country of birth: Jordan
“I feel honored and thrilled to be selected for this scholarship. It is an appreciation for my efforts, and it motivates me for more achievements. It has also helped me build higher self-esteem.”
Christina Nesbit
Grade level: Graduate student
Major: College counseling and school counseling credential
Hometown: Torrance, Calif.
“Receiving the 2021 Alumni Scholarship is an honor. I am so grateful to our alumni for supporting me through my educational journey here at CSUDH. I am proud to be a Toro!”
Angelica Tan
Grade level: Senior
Major: Human services
Hometown: Carson, Calif.
“Winning an Alumni Scholarship means that I can help empower other students, especially my fellow immigrant youth and students, to use their voices to advocate for the resources that they need and encourage them to address student-related concerns on campus and in the community.”
Karla Torres
Grade level: Graduate student
Major: Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
Hometown: Buena Park, Calif.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity! Winning the CSUDH Alumni Scholarship will not only assist me with my graduate study expenses, but it also allows me to recognize how much hard work I have put into my education thus far. As a future higher education instructor, my main goal is to encourage future students to further their educational paths. I was unsure if I wanted to pursue my master’s degree, because I knew I would struggle to afford tuition and textbooks; however, my family and friends have constantly reminded me that no obstacle should stop me from attending graduate school, because there are scholarships like this one that will help support me. Thank you so much to this amazing committee for helping me reach my educational aspirations. I am proud to have CSUDH as my alma mater!”
Jazzmyne Urquiza
Grade level: Graduate student
Major: Public administration
Hometown: Glendale, Calif.
“This scholarship means everything to me. I have struggled financially to get my masters degree but remain motivated as my ultimate goal is to one day help my community. CSUDH has helped me grow as a person and I’m grateful for the opportunity to thrive and achieve my dreams.”
Cybil Vidal
Grade level: Graduate student
Major: College counseling
Hometown: Lakewood, Calif.
“At a time when the cost of higher education continues to climb and so many students are struggling to pay back their educational debts, this scholarship is a wonderful gift that will propel me forward and help me reach my educational goals. Receiving this scholarship means that I can take part in enriching experiences in professional development and confidently navigate the final stretch of my graduate program, working hard to finish strong. I am truly grateful for the CSUDH Alumni Scholarship and hope to pay it forward in the future to assist others who could benefit greatly from this help just as I did.”
