Overcoming Life’s Challenges,
Six Guardian Scholars to Graduate
May 28, 2004 :: No. 268
They are motivated to better their lives and,
more significantly, the lives of others. The future aspirations
of six graduating Guardian Scholars include homicide detective,
giving back to foster youth, clinical psychology and business management.
Cal State Fullerton’s Guardian
Scholars program goes beyond awarding a scholarship,
acknowledging the accomplishments of students who have left the
foster care system, were wards of the court or come from similar
backgrounds. Lacking even basic resources during the transition
to adulthood, they are willing, but not yet able, to help themselves
fully — often struggling without families and the financial,
emotional and psychological safety nets that their classmates rely
on.
Graduating with the Class of 2004, which celebrates
commencement May 29-30, are:
Latisha Boyd, who will receive her
bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. The Fullerton resident
currently works as a cadet for the Anaheim Police Department and
will become a law enforcement officer upon graduation. This fall,
she begins her graduate studies in criminal justice at Cal State
Long Beach and will continue working toward her goal of becoming
a homicide detective. She held several key leadership positions
in the Guardian Scholars, including serving as student representative
for the group’s advisory board.
Valerie Gamez, also of Fullerton,
who has made significant contributions to the Guardian Scholars
program and the university, including organizing and hosting the
first Guardian Scholars Thanksgiving dinner and serving on the Titan
Student Union Governing Board. As a public information officer for
the Center for Demographic Research, she was instrumental in disseminating
data and reports to public and private entities throughout Orange
County. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology,
Gamez hopes to earn her master’s in the same major and work
in the nonprofit sector.
Lakewood resident Jayette Hightower,
who, in addition to graduating with a bachelor’s in communicative
disorders, also will receive her American Sign Language certificate
and speech language pathologist assistance license through the state
of California. For the last four years, she was a peer mentor/counselor
for the Orangewood Children’s Foundation and is now an independent
living coordinator for the organization.
Angela Leon, graduating with a bachelor’s
degree in the double major of psychology and human services. The
Corona resident is a member of the Golden Key International Honour
Society and is on the National Dean’s List. As a Ronald E.
McNair Postbaccalaureate Scholar, Leon is working with Howard Wang,
associate vice president for student affairs, on a questionnaire
to predict achievement. She is a member of the California Youth
Connection, Human Services Student Association and Psychology Department
Student Association. She plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical
psychology.
Susan Kamiunten Lewis, also graduating
with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Another McNair Scholar,
the Lake Forest resident conducted undergraduate research on the
predictive correlations of emotional intelligence and transformational
leadership within organizations. For the past year, she has been
vice president of the Rotaract International Club of CSUF and is
a member of the Phi Eta Sigma and Psi Chi honor societies. She graduates
with honors and plans to go into business management and on to graduate
school to obtain a doctorate.
Fullerton resident Candace Newman,
who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communications
and minor in women’s studies. Throughout her years at CSUF,
she has committed herself to several student organizations and projects
in the community — addressing the needs of low-income students
aiming toward higher education. Her plans are to earn a master’s
degree in communications and serve her community.
In addition to providing funds, the Guardian Scholars
program offers assistance in navigating campus life in and outside
the classroom, on-campus housing and employment opportunities, counseling,
peer and faculty mentoring programs, financial aid application assistance
and enrollment in the university’s Fullerton First Year program.
Since its inception in 1998, and believed to be the
first program of its kind in California, Guardian Scholars has served
as a model for other institutions that have created similar programs
to serve foster youth.
Media Contacts: |
Jenny Mohr, director of guardian
scholars, 657-278-4900
or jmohr@fullerton.edu
Gail Matsunaga, Public Affairs, 657-278-4851
or gmatsunaga@fullerton.edu
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