This week, Hill’s will to overcome the many obstacles placed before her since birth not only helped her earn one of the 23 William R. Hearst/CSU Trustees’ Awards for Outstanding Achievement given statewide by the California State University, but the only 50th Anniversary Scholarship awarded. Hill received $5,000 total. Most Hearst scholars received $3,000.
The Hearst/CSU Trustees' award is given to students who have demonstrated financial need, experienced personal hardships, and have attributes such as superior academic performance, exemplary community service and significant personal achievements. The award is among the highest forms of recognition for student achievement in the CSU.
"These extraordinary student scholars exemplify strength, perseverance through adversity, dedication to learning and commitment to others," said Ali C. Razi, CSU trustee emeritus. "The leadership through service demonstrated by these scholars inspires deep respect on CSU campuses and within the community."
Hill began her college education after her marriage of 27 years ended. After the divorce, she became homeless and lived out of her car and floated from home to home for nearly a year while attending college. Despite the challenges she has faced, Hill has maintained a 4.0 GPA in her major of communications.
The strength shown by Hearst scholars is often rooted in the adversity they have overcome. In Hill’s case, it was bi-polar disorder and birth defects that meant she had to endure several surgeries at a young age.
“All of this has imprinted upon me the vulnerability of human life,” Hill said.
About the Scholarship:
The William Randolph Hearst Foundation originally established the endowed scholarship fund in 1984. In 1999, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation partnered with the CSU Board of Trustees to supplement the endowment with contributions from CSU Trustees and private donors. From this endowment, the trustees award $3,000 to students who exemplify the scholarship criteria.