Meet the 2023 alumni scholarship recipients

Alumni Association awarded $13,000 in scholarships to five students

By California State University, Bakersfield

August 29^th, 2023

The CSUB Alumni Association recently awarded $13,000 in scholarships to five alumni who will be pursuing their graduate degree on campus during the 2023-2024 academic year. Funds for the awards came from the Alumni Scholarship Endowment established in 1990 and proceeds from fundraisers such as the CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame awards ceremony.

Our recipients include future teachers, counselors, human resource managers and more. 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.

Meet the 2023 alumni scholarship recipients

Ana Dominguez

Studying: I am pursuing my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at CSUB.

Future plans: I want to become an ELD teacher and be the best English teacher I can be. My purpose in pursuing a degree in curriculum and instruction is to develop a comprehensive educational program that advocates for reform within institutions serving at-risk youth. My objective is to join a continuation school where I can introduce an innovative English curriculum that fosters critical thinking, amplifies the voices of marginalized and disempowered individuals, promotes self-advocacy in students' education, and, above all, sparks a genuine joy for learning. My intention is to contribute to the academic success of socioeconomically, racially, ethnically, and gender-oppressed communities, thereby striving towards a more equitable and inclusive society.

What the scholarship means/how it will help: It will help me to be more focused in school rather than worrying for my financial status. Therefore, I will be able to be a better student and a better teacher and spend more time with my family when possible.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?: I appreciate the opportunity to receive this scholarship and the people that collaborate to help fund this scholarship because they make it possible for students like me to have achieve more in school and become better students and professionals.

Eleyda Murillo

Studying: I am currently enrolled at CSUB in order to obtain my special education teaching credential.

Future plans: My future plans are to become a fully credentialed special education teacher and help my community. After obtaining my credentials, I will also pursue a master's degree in special education.

What the scholarship means/how it will help: This scholarship is of much importance because it will help with tuition costs in order to complete my credential classes, and lower my stress, related to financial matters. As a head of household, my gratitude is beyond words.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?: I am a proud CSUB alumna with blocks on the road but with a goal in mind.

Erik Ramirez

Studying: I am continuing my master’s in educational counseling with a concentration in student affairs.

Future plans: My goal is to be a mentor and role model to other students. I am planning to get a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience or clinical psychology to do research, become a professor and help students find meaning and purpose in their lives. I plan to work in higher education because I know that my passion is helping and learning.

What the scholarship means/how it will help: This scholarship means that I am capable of great things. It means that anything is possible. It means that hard work is rewarding. It means that other first-generation students can accomplish great things too. It means that we all can have hope for greater things.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?: Thank you to all of the donors for your support and donations. It is wonderful to know that our community cares about the future generations. It’s amazing to know that we have the support of many people, people who truly want to see us succeed.

Michael Weir

Studying: I will be studying my master’s in business administration with a concentration in human resources, the same concentration I got my Bachelor of Science in.

Future plans: My long-term plans are to become a chief human resources officer or human resources manager in the food, healthcare or tech industries.

What the scholarship means/how it will help: This scholarship has completely eliminated my financial need for the first year of my MBA studies. I almost didn’t enroll in my MBA and decided to forego specifically because of the financial concerns. This combined with a State University Grant has completely covered my tuition. I am a full-time working father of two, and the last thing anyone needs is some extra financial stress these days! It’s wonderful to know that someone notices that you need help and think you’re worthy of it.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?: I went through a lot to get my bachelor’s degree. I didn’t start until I was 26 years old and didn’t finish until I was 36. I had to drop out once. It was a lot of long hours and late nights and time away from my kids to get there, but I was enormously proud of myself. With my financial needs taken care of, I’m here to study for MBA because I want to see what else I can accomplish.

Talha Arif

*Arif was not available to respond, and his answers are extracted from his note of appreciation he wrote in acceptance of his scholarship.

Studying: I am deeply passionate about business management, and I aim to become a leader in this field.

Future plans: As a dedicated and ambitious student, my goals, aspirations and plans for the future have always revolved around pursuing higher education and making a positive impact in my chosen field.

What the scholarship means/how it will help: With this scholarship, I am now able to focus on my studies and devote myself to achieving academic excellence. I aspire to use my knowledge, skills and experiences to address pressing issues and bring about positive change. I envision myself working on innovative projects and collaborating with like-minded individuals.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?: I enjoy participating in sports and engaging in community service. Sports have always been a significant part of my life as they not only keep me physically active but also instill valuable lessons of teamwork, discipline and perseverance. I actively participate in basketball in recreational leagues. Engaging in sports allows me to push my limits and develop important interpersonal skills. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in the community. In addition to sports, community service holds a special place in my heart. I am actively involved in various volunteer initiatives organized by my local church.

The money raised at the Alumni Association’s signature fall event Party in the Park helps fund alumni scholarships as well as the alumni-student `Runner Alumni Mentor Program. Tickets to Party in the Park can be purchased at www.csub.edu/pip. Guests must be 21 and over to attend.