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Alumni Association awards more than $12,000 in scholarships

Eight alumni pursuing graduate degrees next academic year receive support

By California State University, Bakersfield

June 18^th, 2025

The CSUB Alumni Association recently awarded more than $12,000 in scholarships to eight alumni who will be pursuing their graduate degrees on campus during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Funds for the awards were provided by the Alumni Scholarship Endowment, established in 1990, with proceeds from fundraisers such as the CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame awards ceremony.

Our recipients include aspiring educators, educational counselors, health care workers, researchers, human resource managers and other professionals. We asked them to share, in their own words, a little more about their career plans and how the scholarship money will help them achieve their dreams.

Alumni Association awards more than $12,000 in scholarships

Marlon Vincente

What are you studying?

I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on curriculum and instruction. I want to continue my education because I want to become a more effective educator, and I know how crucial it is to understand each student’s level, to differentiate instruction, and to create an inclusive learning environment where everyone has a chance to thrive and be successful.

What are your future plans?

I plan to share what I learn with other educators, as I hope to create professional learning communities where teachers can collaborate to better support students and make meaningful changes by developing lesson plans and teaching strategies. Furthermore, I want to advocate for students who lack representation, which can help close achievement gaps.

What does the scholarship mean to you? How will it help?

I would like to express my deepest gratitude for selecting me as a recipient of the CSUB Alumni Association scholarship. This scholarship means the world to me, as it will help me pursue my master’s degree in education, enhancing my knowledge and skills to better support students and meet their diverse needs.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Education has changed my life, and I truly believe it holds the same power for every student who walks into their classroom. Hence, a big shout-out to all students, especially my students from McFarland High School Early College. Once again, believe in the power of education and believe in yourselves!

Tomasita Flores

What are you studying?

I am currently pursuing a graduate degree in educational counseling with an emphasis on earning my Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential. This program is preparing me to support students academically, socially, and emotionally within the K-12 educational system.

What are your future plans?

My goal is to work in a K-12 school setting as a dedicated educational counselor. I’m passionate about helping students navigate their academic and personal journeys, and I hope to be a positive and reliable source of support in their lives.

What does the scholarship mean to you? How will it help?

Receiving the Alumni Association scholarship means so much to me. As a full-time mother and a full-time student, this generous support helps ease some of the financial burden of paying for school, allowing me to focus more fully on my education and my family. It is both a relief and a motivating reminder that others believe in my potential.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Alumni Association for their generosity and commitment to supporting students. Your contribution makes a real difference in the lives of individuals like me, and I am truly thankful for your willingness to give back to the community.

Myron Gregory

What are you studying?

I am about to be a second-year, full-time master of social work student here at CSUB. I am currently placed at a local acute inpatient psychiatric hospital where I serve as a social work/therapist intern.

What are your future plans?

After graduation, I plan on staying within acute mental health, either within a hospital doing psychiatric-related admissions, an inpatient psychiatric setting like where I am currently placed or ultimately going into prisons. I plan on collecting my hours towards licensure during my first few years after graduation and becoming a licensed clinical social worker.

What does the scholarship mean to you? How will it help?

CSUB has played a major role in shaping my educational and professional career, leaving me proud to have received the Alumni Association scholarship. This scholarship will greatly aid in allowing me to focus on my education and not the financial factor that is often a stress for many of us graduate students.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I am so grateful to have been selected, and I appreciate the opportunity to be noticed as an alumnus from CSUB while pursuing my master’s from this very institution.

Gabriel Moore

What are you studying?

I am a history major, and my research focuses on Kern County's Chinese American history.

What are your future plans?

After obtaining my Master of Arts degree from CSUB, my goal is to continue my research while pursuing a Ph.D.

What does the scholarship mean to you? How will it help?

This scholarship is highly appreciated as it will allow me to dedicate additional time to my studies and research, especially as it provides the much-needed funds to travel to various archives to collect sources needed for my MA thesis.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

The CSUB Alumni Association scholarship is an excellent opportunity for any and all Roadrunners who need the necessary support to pursue their academic dreams.

Kelly Pofahl

What are you studying?

I am currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at California State University, Bakersfield’s Antelope Valley campus. My studies focus on developing clinical skills and community-based practices, covering everything from micro-level direct practice with individuals and families to macro-level policy advocacy and systems change.

What are your future plans?

My goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and work directly with underserved communities, providing mental health support and advocacy services. I have a strong interest in supporting immigrant communities and working with individuals who have been affected by domestic violence, as both areas reflect my commitment to advocacy, healing and empowerment.

What does the scholarship mean to you? How will it help?

Receiving this scholarship is both an honor and a huge help. As a full-time student, parent and community volunteer, this financial support allows me to focus more on my academic and professional goals without the added pressure of tuition costs. It’s a reminder that the CSUB community believes in my journey and wants to see me succeed.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’m grateful for the encouragement and generosity shown by the Alumni Association. As a mother of five, a soccer coach, and a community advocate, this scholarship empowers me to continue balancing school, family and service. I hope to one day give back to future students in the same way this scholarship has helped me.

Joanna Ramirez Leon

What are you studying?

I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational counseling with a concentration in school counseling. Education transformed my life, and I believe it can do the same for many others. I chose this career path to help students overcome challenges and build the future they envision.

What are your future plans?

My plan for the future is to become a high school counselor and continue making a positive impact in my community. I want to be a safe and encouraging presence for students.

What does the scholarship mean to you? How will it help?

Receiving the Alumni Association scholarship is an honor that brings me so much hope and encouragement. It is exciting and rewarding to be seen and supported in my educational journey!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I would like to share that my education means the absolute world to me as a first-generation student who started with nothing, and I will continue to strive for more. Thank you so much for your amazing support of students like me.

Ravneet Kaur

What are you studying?

I am currently a Master of Business Administration student with a focus on human resource management. The esteemed faculty in the College of Business and Public Administration at CSUB are providing me with knowledge I will carry forward and share with others throughout my life and career.

What are your future plans?

My vocation centers on human resource management, with the aspiration of becoming a director of HR. I also aim to pursue academia by serving as a lecturer in human resource management, as well as contributing as a scholar to the field through research.

What does the scholarship mean to you? How will it help?

The Alumni Association scholarship is a blessing and a reminder that I am moving in the right direction. I will approach the upcoming semester with deep gratitude for the honorable donors who have graciously invested in my future. It has been moving to see the growth in donor support, knowing that it represents a collective belief in the value of higher education and commitment to student success.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

My educational journey has been long but fulfilling, and I am proud of the path I’ve taken. I want to acknowledge the dedicated faculty and staff I have had the privilege of knowing. Thank you for your spirit of support toward students and for making each of us feel seen.

Vanessa Martinez

What are you studying?

I am currently in my second year of the Master of Social Work program at CSUB. I plan to specialize in trauma-informed care and work with at-risk populations, particularly those affected by mental illness and systemic challenges.

What are your future plans?

I intend to continue my education by pursuing a doctorate in either criminal justice or psychology. My goal is to enhance my ability to advocate for vulnerable communities and contribute to meaningful reform through research and clinical practice.

What does the scholarship mean to you? How will it help?

Being selected for the Alumni Association scholarship means more than just financial support — it means opportunity. With my tuition covered, I’m able to dedicate more time to my studies, organize community events that raise awareness, and be present for my family. This scholarship directly supports my academic success and personal wellbeing.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I am deeply grateful for this support. It not only eases the financial burden but also allows me to complete my semester and internship with focus and peace of mind. I can now move forward in my journey with a renewed sense of motivation and purpose.