She followed her brother and mother to Stanislaus State after hearing about their positive experiences, but Lillyanna Azevedo forged her own path as a Warrior.
The chance to join the Cheer Team was an incentive, too.
“It gave me the opportunity to be involved, build friendships and be part of something special on campus,” Azevedo said.
In addition to supporting Warrior athletes, she got involved in other campus activities and pursued her real calling: biology.
A survivor of childhood leukemia, Azevedo is pursuing a career as a pediatrician to care for children as others cared for her.
“I’m excited to make a positive impact in the lives of children and their families through medicine,” Azevedo said. “Having spent part of my life in the hospital with leukemia, much of my childhood was taken from me.
“The doctors, nurses and specialists at the hospitals always went above and beyond to bring light to my life and allow me to still feel like a child. I hope my education and future career will lead me to bring this kind of joy to others.”
Though her childhood was challenging, the Livingston native found joy as a college student.
“Attending Stan State has given me countless opportunities and experiences that I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” she said. “By getting involved on campus and in the community, I was able to create lasting connections, develop new skills and gain valuable experiences. I’ve learned that embracing these opportunities and stepping outside your comfort zone is essential to making the most of your time here.”
She also found faculty and other resources to support her as she pursued her career goals.
“The most powerful thing I’ve learned at Stan State is the importance of staying focused on your goals and believing in yourself,” Azevedo said. “My time here has shown me how valuable education, determination and a strong support system are in achieving success. This experience has helped me grow both personally and academically, and it’s something I’ll carry with me into the future.”
Azevedo’s success led her to be named a Rogers Scholar. The title, as well as its scholarship, is awarded to upper-division students and credential candidates who excel academically, demonstrate a commitment to community service and have overcome significant challenges to achieve success.
“Lillyanna’s exceptional work extends beyond the campus,” said Kristina Stamper, the director for Communications and Creative Services for Strategic Marketing and Communications. “In 2023, she was named a Miracle Woman for Valley Children’s Hospital after raising funds and awareness for the children at the hospital. She is passionate about making a difference in healthcare for young people in our community.
“Lillyanna is an outstanding ambassador for Stan State as a scholar and a student-athlete. Her resilience and passion exemplify what it means to be a Warrior.”
#StanGrad File
Name
Lillyanna Azevedo
Hometown
Livingston, CA
Degree/Credential
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
What memories stand out most from your time at Stanislaus State?
“The memories that stand out most from my time at Stanislaus State are the ones where I felt truly connected to the Stan State community — through volunteering at community events and participating in campus activities. Those moments made me feel at home and showed me the value of giving back and growing with others.”
Which faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you, and why?
“Dr. Van Laar had the greatest impact on me. She consistently goes out of her way to support her students — not just academically, but personally as well. Her genuine care for our learning experience and her willingness to help whenever we need it made a huge difference in my experience at Stan State. She deepened my interest in my major by making the material engaging and by showing how much she truly cares about our success and future.”
What advice would you give to current and future students?
“Take the time to get involved — both in your community and in student groups on campus. Being engaged opens up new opportunities, helps you meet great people and makes your college experience more meaningful. Step outside your comfort zone whenever you can; it’s one of the best ways to grow and discover what you’re capable of.”
Note: This article is part of the StanGrad series highlighting Stanislaus State students who are part of the Class of 2025. Read more StanGrad profiles.
