2023 Recipients

Isabelle Lindstrom

Hello, my name is Isabella Lindstrom, and I am senior planning to graduate in Spring 2024. I am a full-time student at Sac State and plan to graduate with political science- journalism degree. My future goals are to either work on some political campaigns or to write about political campaigns as a journalist, I would like to do both to see what interests me. I would mainly like to pursue writing in any way as a main part of my future career as it is a passion of mine. My current job is working with autistic children as a registered behavioral therapist. I am thankful for this scholarship as it will help get me through my senior year and to graduation. My mother, Maria Lindstrom, is a Coordinator/Academic Advisor for the College of Business, and my father, Gary Lindstrom, is a Facility Worker Two.

Derek Chen

Derek Chen, a third-year Computer Engineering major at Sacramento State, primarily aims to continue his educational journey by obtaining a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Passionate about engineering, he aspires to contribute to developing cutting-edge technologies and applications. This scholarship will help him achieve his goals by providing essential research support. He plans to utilize the funding to conduct his own research projects within the engineering field, more notably in 3d printing and robotics. This opportunity will enhance his knowledge and expertise and contribute to advancements in the field. Furthermore, the scholarship will enable him to excel academically by providing funds for academic resources. Derek has been actively involved within the Division of Student Affairs as a student assistant for the Vice President's office. Within this position, he gained insights into the resources and services available to students, allowing him to help his peers navigate and utilize the university's support system effectively. Derek's mother, Susana Valdez, works in Student Affairs as director of IT & Marketing, and Communications, while his father, Tony Chen, works in Athletics as their Information Technology Consultant.

2021 Recipients

Georgia McMorris

Hi, I am Georgia McMorris. I am a third year English major at Sacramento State with an emphasis on Creative Writing. I am currently taking 16 units, which is less than my usual work load, but I am hoping to graduate after next school year, Spring 2023. After graduation, I want to get my teaching degree so that I can teach elementary school level kids. I currently work at a daycare and I have learned that I love working with children and love to see the differences in working with different age levels of kids. This scholarship allows me to pursue my dreams by continuing my education at a slightly lower cost. I’ve really enjoyed my experience at Sacramento State and cait wait to continue my education here. I enjoy working with kids and I volunteer with the fifth grade boys at my church. I also love spending time with my friends and family, singing, and writing. I have a lot of hopes and dreams for the future that I can see happening because of this scholarship.

Tommy Edwards

Tommy Edwards is a senior in the College of Business with a concentration in Finance and is graduating in Fall of 2021. He is aspiring to be an engaged, responsible business leader who enriches the Sacramento Area community. Tommy has always had his eye on the finance world and is exploring the areas of insurance, real estate, and loans to begin his business career. He is part of a huge Sacramento State family as his parents, grandparents and extended family are all alumni. This scholarship enables to him to receive his degree and achieve his goal. He enjoys playing golf, keeping physically fit, watching sports and movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Tommy’s father, Paul Edwards, is the Director of the Student Athlete Resource Center.

Sumaya Salem

My name is Sumaya Salem and I'm studying to obtain a Bachelor's of Science in Nutrition and Food. I am currently a senior hoping to graduate in Spring 2022. After obtaining my degree, I aspire to work with organizations and agencies to improve the nutritional needs and outlook of minority and underrepresented communities. I am deeply appreciative and forever grateful of this scholarship as it has helped me pay my tuition this year and has brought me a step closer to graduating. My father, Ahmed Salem, is a Professor in the Computer Science department.

2020 Recipients

Calista Cunningham

is a third year Nutrition and Food major at Sacramento State with an emphasis on pre-nursing. She is currently taking over 18 units so she may graduate in Spring of 2021. After graduation, Calista plans to pursue her RN license and master's degree to work in the health care field to help people. Calista currently works in the kitchen at the Sutter Center for Psychiatry to gain experience in the health care field, and enjoys learning all she can about food and nutrition. This scholarship will allow Calista to follow her dreams by continuing her education at Sacramento State. Calista has loved her education experience at Sacramento State, and is so grateful for the help of all of her professors. She enjoys helping others, playing piano, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Calista’s mother, Wendy Buchan, is a professor in the Nutrition and Food department.

Kenneth Pickrel

is a second-year civil engineering major at Sacramento State. He hopes to graduate by 2023 and further his education by attending graduate school. Kenneth's goal is to graduate from Sac State debt free so he can have a less stressful future and spend more time learning. This scholarship has helped him to keep those dreams alive and has given him the ability to work fewer hours during the school year without the stress of tuition. Kenneth is a member of ASCE, the American Society of Civil Engineers. He attends their meetings and listens to experienced engineers talk about their work life, which helps him learn about some of the things they wish they would have done in college. Besides working and school, Kenneth either works on his computer, which he built, or plays video games with his friends.

Kenneth’s mother, Carolyn Pickrel, is a lecturer in the English Department.

2019 Recipients

Kelia Carbin

I am a fourth year physics and astronomy major at Sacramento State with a hopeful graduation in spring 2021. I've always loved science as a subject, but it wasn't really until I started my major classes here that I really found out that I loved astrophysics above all else, and now my biggest dream is to be an astronaut, or at the very least a physics teacher-wherever I end up. I've worked as a STEM tutor at the Peer Academic Resource Center for a number of years now, and I love every minute of it. I also enjoy cooking, knitting, hiking, and volunteering as a guide at the observatory.

Keila’s mom Carolyn Chang works in the Office of Graduate & Professional Studies in the College of Education.

Rashaan Harper

I am currently a senior majoring in Family Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Fashion Design and Merchandising. My first passion was drawing. Through my passion for drawing, I found a love for painting and sculpting. Eventually, I took my artistic abilities and love for clothing, I combined the two and birthed my interest in the Fashion Industry. After finishing my fourth year here at California State University Sacramento, I plan to move to San Francisco to work as an assistant designer. Aside from fashion, I love binge watching tv shows and youtube videos as well as studying biology and chemistry. My lifetime goal is to be the main designer and creative lead of my own high-end fashion company.

Rashaan’s mother Caryl Vickers-Harper works in the Bursar’s Office Administration & Business Affairs.

2018 Recipients

Haley Emerson

is a senior majoring in Nursing. She has wanted to be a nurse for a long time and feels very fortunate to be in Sacramento State’s Nursing Program. After graduating in May with her BSN she plans to work in Pediatric Oncology. This past summer she volunteered at a camp for children with cancer and their families and can see spending her life working with these children. She likes to read, go to the movies and take her dog for long walks. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key Honour Society and California Nursing Student Association. She wrote, "I am proud of the fact that I will Finish in Four. This was only possible because of scholarships like this one from the Sacramento State Retirees Association." Her mother, Laura Emerson, is an Analyst in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean's Office.

Spenser Goodwin

is also a senior and plans to graduate after the Spring 2019 semester. He received an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from American River College and is majoring in Social Science at Sacramento State. He plans to attend law school after getting his Bachelors degree. In his free time he enjoys movies and playng video games. His biggest outside interest, however, is coaching youth football, a way to help kids develop their skills and to continue enjoying the competition he experienced playing sports. His mother, Kimberly Walton, is a Lecturer in the Geography Department.

2017 Recipients

Carmen Nguyen

is a Senior majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is excited about being a senior because she is now be able to gain more hands-on experience with clients in the field of speech pathology. She has always been interested in language, as she attended a dual immersion program in elementary school, and has also been exposed to Vietnamese and Tagalog at home. She hopes to use her multicultural experience as an asset as a speech pathologist. In her free time, she plays tennis for the Sac State Tennis Club. She also enjoys learning about sea creatures! Carmen’s Mother, Irene Bersola-Nguyen is a Lecturer in Undergraduate Studies in the College of Education.

Andrea Maher

is a junior majoring in Criminal Justice. She is very involved with the campus and currently works for Public Policy and Administration as well as the Center for California Studies. Andrea is currently interning with the Probations Office and a student in the FBI Collegiate Program. When she graduates she wants to either be a Crime Scene Investigator or in the juvenile corrections office. In her spare time she loves to travel to new places as well as spending time with her family and best friends. Her mother, Sandra Bernard, is the Office Manager for the Center for California Studies.

2016 Recipients

Loren Dobson

is a senior majoring in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology. He serves as a tutor in his major department and in two Student Affairs programs. He grew up around telescopes; his father, John Dobson, is the founder of the San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers. Loren hopes to complete a doctorate in neuroscience and become a college professor like his mother, Ruth Ballard, who recently retired from the Sacramento State Biological Sciences Depoartment. Loren's wife Karibel is a veterinarian.

Molly Redfield

is also a senior and is majoring in both Music Education and Performance (Jazz and Classical Bass). She is busy as a private cello instructor and as a performer. She has won a number of music awards including at the Reno Jazz Festival. After graduation she plans to complete a masters and doctorate while continuing to perform and teach. Her father, Clay Redfield, is a rofessor in the School of Music and directs the Sacramento State Marching Band.

2015 Recipients

In the third year of the Association's scholarship there were 28 applicants for our two $1500 scholarships. The recipients were Kindra Davis and Holly Siino.

Kindra Davis

is a junior, majoring in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences. She has worked as a student assistant in her major department and in the 2015/16 year is working as a peer health educator in Student Health and Counseling Services. She plans to become either a dentist or dental hygienist. She said, "I absolutely love learning and always try to take advantage of any opportunity to gain new knowledge." Her father, Randy Davis, is a Mail Clerk in the Mail Services Center.

Holly Siino

is junior, majoring in Child Development. She has worked as a student assistant in the Center for College and Career Readiness and as a tutor for students taking Italian in the department of Foreign Languages. She plans to work towards a teaching credential and then a masters degree. She commented, "Education is my passion and I am looking forward to giving back to the community as a teacher." Her Father, Greg Siino, is the Director of Data Services and Business Intelligence in Information Resources and Technology.

2014 Recipients

Teresa Morton

is a junior psychology major. She attendedd Folsom Lake and American River Colleges before transferring to Sacramento State. She is engaged, likes to travel, and is passionate about her major. Teresa's mother, Patti Morton is a Lecturer in the Division of Nursing.

Kyle Swartz

is a senior majoring in Kinesiology. He enjoys learning sign language, movies, and exercising. He plans to be a high school physical education teacher and coach football. Kyle's mother, Suzanne Swartz, is a Contract Management Specialist in Procurement and Contract Services.