VENTURA COLLEGE FOUNDATION
AWARDS PHOENIX SCHOLARSHIPS
VENTURA: Norbert Tan, Executive Director of the Ventura College Foundation announced that ten students have been awarded Phoenix Scholarships of $500 each. Tom Anthony, Ventura College Foundation Board Chair, said, “these scholarships are a program of the Ventura College Foundation and named for the Phoenix Rising – symbolizing new beginnings. It is a special program for re-entry students at Ventura College created in 1999 by several of the Foundation’s board members.” The Phoenix Scholarship Awards Ceremony was held January 24 in Guthrie Hall on the Ventura College campus. The scholarships were presented to the recipients by The Honorable Colleen Toy White, Ventura County Superior Court Judge, member of the Ventura College Foundation board of directors and a Ventura College re-entry student herself.
According to newly appointed Ventura College Foundation Executive Director Norbert Tan, who begins his service with the Foundation officially on February 5, “by definition, a re-entry student is one whose educational progression was either terminated or interrupted prior to completion. Although the program is not limited to ‘single mothers,’ many re-entry students are single parents who must work, secure childcare and go to school, all at the same time. Simply buying clothes for a growing child can mean the difference between continuing their education and sitting out a semester. Sadly, re-entry students are often caught in a vicious circle; they cannot go to school because they cannot afford childcare and they cannot earn the money needed to pay for child care because they do not have the education needed. In addition, they are often part time students and, therefore, do not qualify for most traditional scholarship or financial aid. The Phoenix Scholarship, by taking care of some of the student’s direct educational expenses, makes it possible for these students to continue their education, rather than abandoning their goals.”
In announcing the Phonenix Scholarship winners, The Honorable Colleen Toy White noted that winners of the 2007 Phoenix Scholarships, as do the students of Ventura College, come from all over Ventura County.
1. Annette Berryhill, Ventura – Annette received her Associate’s degree in the spring 2006, and she is currently finishing her prerequisites before entering the VC nursing program. Her ultimate goal is to combine nursing and psychology to work in the field of psychiatric nursing. Annette’s instructors described her as “having an amazing drive, in spite of some serious hardships” and as “an outstanding, devoted, motivated and successful student.”
2. Lisa Boccarsi, Ventura – Lisa is the single parent of a 16 year old daughter and a full time student. The Phoenix scholarship means a big financial relief to her that will help out in many ways, allowing her to continue her studies without having to withdraw from any of her courses this spring. Joe Selzler, Lisa’s chemistry professor, said, “Ms. Boccarsi has been an excellent student this semester in my Chemistry for Health Sciences class. She is very busy with many responsibilities outside of school and yet has one of the highest averages in class.”
3. Lorraina Estrada, Oxnard – Lorraina is the single mother of four children. She has re-entered college in the field of education in hopes of making a positive difference and influencing her family. This scholarship will be a tremendous help, allowing her to pursue her goals and become a success that her children can be proud of. Professor Linda Rovai describes Lorraina as “motivated and determined to complete her degree and transfer to a four year university.”
4. Eddie Granados, Oxnard – At 17, Eddie started working at McDonald’s in an entry level position. Now Assistant Manager, Eddie has realized the importance of higher education. He returned to school to pursue his degree in Sociology, with a minor in Spanish. “I want to go to college to get my degree, become a successful member of society and most importantly, to be a role model for my children. The Phoenix scholarship will help meet a financial need and give me the motivation to continue my education and accomplish my goals.”
5. Marcella Hammons, Ojai – Marcella is best described by the instructor who said, “Marcella is an excellent student, one who hardly misses a class, regularly participating in all discussions.” Receiving the Phoenix scholarship allows her to purchase a computer for her homework assignments, thereby opening up a whole new field of skills. Being a re-entry student has been rewarding, and Marcella is looking forward to a brighter future.
6. Ivy Harris, Carpinteria – Life changed a year ago for Ivy when she became a single parent of two small children. She decided to return to school to set a good example for her children. Because of her outstanding performance in math, her instructor recommended that she become a tutor in the Tutor Center, assisting other students. She jumped at the chance and is demonstrating that commitment to help others. Ivy said, “This scholarship will help me out tremendously because I, like most college students, have a lack of funds!”
7. Kati Lilly, Ventura – Life has been a challenging journey for Kati. Raised in Korean orphanages and adopted by an American family at the age of 10, Kati left home at 17 due to unfortunately circumstances. Now a single parent, she is trying to support herself while she completes the nursing program. This scholarship will help lessen her financial worries. Her nursing instructor Terri Helton commented, “Kati is a leader with a positive attitude and follow-through!”
8. Celia Ramirez, Santa Paula – Celia can best be described as a woman with strong determination. She re-entered school to complete the nursing program at Ventura College. As the single parent of four children, Celia realizes the importance of the Phoenix scholarship in assisting her with necessary purchases so she can continue her education a little more “stress free.”
9. Natalia Snee, Oxnard – One of Natalia’s instructors said, “Natalia is a remarkable young woman who has faced tremendous personal tragedy this year and still earned a “B”, a very good grade in my difficult Microbiology course. I expect her to be a wonderful success at whatever academic and career path she pursues.” Despite coming face-to-face with some challenging obstacles this past year, Natalie remains very optimistic about her future and pursuit of education.
10. Susanna Sukiasyan, Ojai – Susanna said, “In 2000, I came to the US to change the future for my family. Prior to coming here, I worked in the Central Emergency Hospital in the capital of Armenia for 18 years. Although I was in the medical profession in Armenia, I need to qualify for American requirements, including schooling and licensing. This scholarship will help alleviate the financial pressure that I am under until I can begin working again in my profession. Her English professor, Dianne Armstrong, said, “Susanna is an individual of exceptional character. She has shown great perseverance in the face of hardships and adversity in her personal life. She has much to offer that can substantially benefit any profession she selects.” Susanna has been working three jobs to try to stay in school and help bring her family to join her here in the United States.
The Ventura College Foundation was founded in 1985 and is dedicated to “the support and enhancement of the student educational experience at Ventura College through fundraising activities that provide scholarship to students, grants to staff and funds for special college projects.” With current assets in excess of $6 million, since 1985 the Foundation has contributed over $5 million to Ventura College and its students. Currently the foundation provides over $400,000 per year in scholarships and nearly $500,000 in program and capital support to Ventura College.
The Ventura College Foundation is made up of a volunteer board of 21 community leaders who serve as the Board of Directors, and hundreds of supporters, all of whom are dedicated to enhancing and sustaining the educational experience at Ventura College. Over its history, the Foundation has raised more than $12 million in private support for Ventura College. Though Ventura College receives state funding, that funding falls far short of actually covering the costs incurred in providing educational opportunities for over 12,600 students.
Donors to the Ventura College Foundation take pride in the fact that their gifts have helped to create a very special environment for learning that reflects the characteristics of our community and our students.
For additional information, contact Executive Director Norbert Tan at the Ventura College Foundation, (805) 654-6461, or by email at ntan@vcccd.edu.
Back Row, Left to Right: Eddie Granados, Lisa Boccarsi, Lorraina Estrada,
Annette Berryhill, Natalie Snee, Susanna Sukiasyan
Front Row, Left to Right: Ivy Harris, Kati Lilly, Celia Ramirez
Not Pictured: Marcella Hammons
##### |
