Alumni, community leaders, advocates and friends of Stanislaus State came together for a series of tribute events that highlighted fundraising opportunities to support and champion the educational pursuits of the University’s largest demographic: first-generation college students.
As President Emerita Ellen Junn prepared to retire from her role at Stanislaus State, an array of Warrior Tribute events collectively raised more than $175,000 to support the President’s Central Valley First-Generation Scholars Initiative, the first of its kind in the California State University system to provide scholarships to first-generation college students from a specific geographic region.
In addition to raising funds for the First-Generation Scholars program, which supports exceptional students from the region who are the first in their families to pursue a college education, the events provided occasions to thank sustaining donors.
During the President’s Gala in March, the night’s honorary hosts, John and Edith Jacinto and Aaron Valencia and Gloria Soriano combined to donate $75,000 toward the fund and many others donated money, time and effort to support Stan State students.
The gala was a great kick-off for tribute gifts honoring Junn, her leadership at Stanislaus State and the first-gen scholars she championed during her seven-year tenure.
John Jacinto, a 1996 Stan State first-gen graduate, put his degree in business administration to work as the co-founder and CEO of Vistech Manufacturing Solutions.
He has stayed involved with Stan State since earning his degree, serving as chair of the Alumni Advisory Council, creating Vines — the premiere fundraising event for the Alumni Association — and serving as a member of the University’s Foundation Board, including as president from 2018-2022.
“When you invest in people, it’s a residual generational return,” Jacinto said. “When you’re talking about changing the trajectory of someone’s life, you’re talking about generational changes that last.
“The first time I stepped on campus, it was a very scary feeling. As a first-gen college student, you don’t have anyone to lean on. I didn't have anybody who could teach me, because no one else in my family or people who were around me went to college.
“As I stand here today, I look back to when I was here so many years ago, and I reflect upon the blessings and all the people that have helped me along the way,” Jacinto said.
Junn created the First-Generation Scholars Initiative seven years ago by donating the first $50,000 to fund four years – at $12,500 each year – for an incoming student. The scholarship would pay for tuition, books and a laptop computer and came with assistance in landing an internship or mentorship with local civic and business leaders.
First-Gen Scholar Paola Campos spoke highly of how the program has helped her both academically and personally.
“Thanks to the scholarship, I’ve been able to meet and get to work with amazing people at Stanislaus State,” Campos said. “These interactions widen my view of the opportunities available beyond my undergraduate career and motivate me to keep moving forward.
“This scholarship shows the University’s commitment to helping all students feel involved and valued. The support I’ve received thanks to the First-Generation Scholarship motivates me to try my best and continue helping others whenever possible.”
