Fifteen Downtown Scholarship Initiative Students to Receive Diplomas
Among the UTSA Class of 2001 are 15 students who began their pursuit of a college degree with a boost from the Downtown Scholarship Initiative, a citywide campaign undertaken to fund scholarships for first-time freshmen who would be taking the majority of their classes at the Downtown Campus.
Elizabeth Marie Arevalo is one. Like many high school seniors, Arevalo says she wanted nothing more than to leave town and get as far away as possible from home to attend college. Indeed, she was accepted at several universities, including Sam Houston State, Southwest Texas State, the University of North Texas and even Boston University.
But her father had heard about the imminent opening of the UTSA Downtown Campus--only a 10-minute drive from home--and persuaded Arevalo to apply.
"Fortunately, I got accepted and received a $500 Downtown Scholarship, renewable for up to two school years, from Sam Riklin (who made the lead gift to the Downtown Scholarship Initiative effort). This scholarship was one of the main reasons why I decided to stay home and attend UTSA Downtown." she says. "I was able to use the money to pay for my books and supplies."
"The scholarship changed my life dramatically and gave me the opportunity to attend a university close to home," added Arevalo. "Over the past four years, the majority of my classes have been at the Downtown Campus--I've only had to take 12 hours at the1604 campus. I am proud to be a student leader on campus, and since I've been here I've involved myself with the Catholic Student Association, VOICES, Leadership Basics and Student Government Downtown Ad-Hoc Committee."
Arevalo has participated in many events, including Latino Heritage Week, Dia de los Muertos activities, NIUTSA, Student Leader Luncheon with Vice Provost Jesse Zapata and Open House with Dr. Ricardo Romo.
"I have had the opportunity to be a work-study employee in the College of Fine Arts and Humanities and, currently, in the New Student Admissions Office," said Arevalo. "All of this came about because of the Downtown Scholarship that I received during my freshman and sophomore years. I have been here [at the Downtown Campus] since the beginning, and I am proud to be a part of the first group of graduating seniors from the Downtown Campus."
Arevalo, who is completing her undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary
studies, will return to UTSA this fall to pursue a master's degree in bicultural-bilingual
studies.
"I am glad my parents encouraged me to stay home and attend UTSA, and
I owe my success here to Sam Riklin I am truly grateful for what he has given
me," said Arevalo.
Other Downtown Scholarship recipients receiving degrees are Kimberly Alanis, Sandra De Leon and Julie Lopez, all IDS majors; Pamela Enriquez and Timothy Bendele, accounting majors; Denise Arreguin, management: Christina Garcia, mathematics; TIna Luther and Heather Russi, communication; Bichthuy Nguyen, biology; Jennifer Peacock, English; Jamie Perez, psychology; Abraham, Posadas, criminal justice; and Julie Solis, history.