Scholarships

Scholarships ensure that students, who otherwise might not be able to complete their education, can do so successfully. Our team will work with you to determine the best criteria and type of scholarship to meet your giving goals.

Scholarships can be endowed or funded on an annual basis.

ENDOWED Scholarships are invested in the Southwestern College Foundation's endowment portfolio. Only the investment earnings are awarded to students. These scholarships are awarded annually and in perpetuity.

NON-ENDOWED (Annual or Renewing) Scholarships allow all the funds you deposit into the Southwestern College Foundation to be awarded as a scholarship, usually in the same fiscal year as the gift is received. To continue awarding the scholarship from year to year, annual contributions must be made.

You may also choose an existing scholarship to support through your donation.

Existing Scholarships at the Southwestern College Foundation*

Students: for more information on how to apply, and/or to submit an application, please visit the Financial Aid Scholarship Page.

*The availability of scholarships may vary year to year and semester to semester. For a complete list of scholarships offered in any given cycle, you must log on to Academic Works at the link found here.

This scholarship recognizes students at Southwestern College who are members of the ASTRA Volunteer Club and have volunteered and actively participated in community service projects throughout the academic year.
This scholarship is established by Jorge Poveda to honor the memory of Amelia Poveda and rewards a bilingual (Spanish/English) female Hispanic student enrolled in an Associates Degree program in Nursing, Health Occupation Program, Surgical Tech, LVN-ADN step-up program, Operation Room Nursing, Preoperative Nursing or Vocational Nursing.

Amelia Poveda was born in the city of Tampico, Taumalipas Mexico and passed away on February 18, 2001. Despite being raised by a single parent and enduring many hardships as a young child she went on to study nursing at the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico in Mexico City where she received her degree in nursing and subsequently worked as a registered nurse. While studying at the university she met Gustavo Poveda and they married. It was through Amelia's support that her husband was able to pursue his degree in Architecture.

After moving to the United States, Amelia sacrificed her career to help her husband's career and raise their five children. The move was quite difficult for Amelia since she spoke only Spanish and did not have any other family in the United States. The accomplishments of her husband and her children are due to the sacrifices Amelia made on their behalf.

Amelia Poveda was a strong woman who cared deeply for her family. To spend more time with her children she worked as a Teacher's Aide at the Elementary and Jr. High School her children attended. However, she never lost her passion for medicine or learning. She believed in life-long learning and enrolled in courses at San Diego City College throughout her life. Amelia was a great proponent of higher education and encouraged and supported all of her children to pursue higher education.
American Medical Response is proud to be an employer that champions diversity and inclusion. As a long-term partner of Southwestern College, AMR has a proven track-record of supporting SWC’s high-quality Public Safety & Services career development programs for nearly 30 years.

The AMR Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships are designed to encourage members of diverse backgrounds, or with documented commitment to diversity and inclusion, a chance to obtain an EMT certificate, degree, or career advancement.
The Association of Student Organizations (ASO) awards scholarships for students demonstrating excellence in academics, athletics, and ASO Campus involvement, as well as academic feats in the Honors Program.
This scholarship was established by the property owners of Beacon Cove Apartments to encourage and support its residents to pursue higher education. It provides scholarships to students who live in Beacon Cove Apartments demonstrated by the following home addresses: 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590 or 596 East h street.
Thanks to the generosity of the Bernard Osher Foundation, thousands of California Community College students receive an Osher Scholarship each year as part of the California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment. Mr. Osher’s vision is to “not only benefit the community college students of today, but countless more for years to come.”
This Osher Foundation Scholarship, sponsored by the Sempra Foundation, rewards students who are pursuing a career in Green Technology, such as Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy Studies
This scholarship was established by the property owners of Bonita Hills Apartments to encourage and support its residents to pursue higher education. It is provided to students who live in the Bonita Hills Apartments demonstrated by the following home address:
1400,1404, 1408, 1412, 1416, 1420, or 1432 Ridgeback Rd.
The CAASSIE fund was formed with a goal to close the "opportunity gap"; that one day, all students will have the opportunity to earn a college degree. Scholarships awarded include Laverne Cumby Memorial Scholarship, Lurie Center Memorial Scholarship, SWC Black Alliance Student Excellence Scholarship and the Close the Gap Scholarship.
The Cal Coast Cares Foundation scholarship is offered to students currently enrolled in a minimum of 9 units and have completed 12 units or number of units equivalent to 1 semester/quarter at Southwestern College. Leadership in an on campus or community service organization is required.
This scholarship is awarded in memory of Carolyn Brady who was a retired SWC employee who worked in the Athletic Department. Ms. Brady desired to support women’s athletics through scholarships and funding program equipment needs on an on-going basis.
Casa Familiar’s mission is to provide dignity, power and worth within individuals and families to flourish by enhancing the quality of life through education, advocacy, service programming, art and culture, housing and community/economic development. Education being one of our main pillars, we are creating this scholarship to support the students in our South Bay community in hopes that they will return to their neighborhoods to continue the positive impact and strive for equity in their neighborhoods.

This scholarship has been established to support low-income students living in the south bay who are facing financial obstacles.
The Southwestern College Chicano/Latino Coalition's mission is to support the academic and occupational success of Chicano/Latino students, staff, faculty, and the community of the Southwestern Community College District. Our goals are to promote a spirit of collaboration to support and facilitate education and professional advancement. Additionally, highlight, celebrate, and promote Chicano/Latino accomplishments, and lastly to provide a forum for the discussion of issues affecting Chicano/Latino staff, faculty, and students.
Scholarships awarded include an AB540 scholarship, Career and Technical Scholarship, Cesar E. Chavez Scholarship, Community Service Scholarship and Transfer Scholarship.
The Chula Vista Garden Club scholarship is dedicated to Landscape and Nursery Technology (LNT) students at Southwestern College. These scholarships are intended to encourage future generations to improve the beauty and health of our planet. This club believes that the quality of life improves through education.
Cindy Gompper-Graves was appointed in December 2003 as the first full-time Executive Director for the South County Economic Development Council. She invested her time and hard work in a project she is passionate about – the overall improvement and development of South County. Her drive and vision made her an asset to the San Diego Economy.

The purpose of the scholarship is to support full-time students who have demonstrated leadership skills at school or their community.
Started in 1972, at 16-years-old, Bill Tall had a dream to work in a field he loved. Organically run and maintained with a desire to help customers to learn the beauty of gardening. Growing healthy food and adding beauty to their lives is simple. The world would be better if “people just helped people.” City Farmers is a destination, an oasis and a place of joy and relaxation. Bill’s goals are met daily. Helping People, families, kids and students, groups, his community and beyond to enjoy things of the past which create family and happiness.

This scholarship is to support students studying Landscape & Nursery Technologies and are planning to go into the retail, wholesale or grower field of Nursery.
This scholarship is in memory of Corky McMillin and is awarded to students transferring to a four-year college or university majoring in an area from the School of Business and Information Systems who intends to pursue a career in business.
This scholarship is awarded in memory of Dr. Sue L. Crittendon, Mrs. Kathy Alvarado, and Mr. Akira Hamaguchi all former teachers in the National Elementary School District, with many happy years working with students at Palmer Way School.
Kathy began her teaching career as a student teacher for Dr. Crittendon, at Palmer Way; Akira was Dr. Crittendon’s teaching partner in grades five and three at, Palmer Way. Kathy and Akira both grew up in National City and graduated from Sweetwater High School. Akira attended Lincoln Acres Elementary School and Kathy attended Harvison Elementary.
In addition to teaching for years at Palmer Way, Akira also taught at Lincoln Acres and Kathy taught at John Otis and Central Elementary Schools; Dr. Crittendon taught at Olivewood, Kimball, and Otis Annex Elementary Schools.

Two other Sweetwater High School graduates important to Dr. Crittendon’s professional and personal development were Mr. Ralph Finnerty, administrator and Mrs. Eleanor Peters, teacher; both mentors and friends from her first year, 1966, at Olivewood Elementary. All three were members of the original staff of Palmer Way Elementary, which opened in 1967; therefore, Palmer Way students should receive a primary consideration when applying for this scholarship.

Sue retired from the National School District after 34 years of teaching in the primary grade levels and established the endowed scholarship fund in honor of her friends and colleagues to inspire students from National City to dream big, pursue their passions and most importantly have fun!
Crystal received her AA degree from Southwestern College before transferring to SDSU, ultimately receiving a BA in English. In 2005, Crystal became a tutor in the Writing Center so she could, according to her, shape the minds of today's youth into fierce, analytical thinking machines. During her years working in the Writing Center, she managed to enthrall students, dazzle her co-workers and vex and charm her coordinators. Her bold and daring spirit often led her to chase opportunities for adventure and she didn't dare miss a chance to explore, learn, or to have fun. It is this adventurous spirit that led her to obtain a Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate and ultimately, this brought her to teaching English in Moscow, Russia in 2011. It was her desire to live life to its fullest, to love with all her heart and to laugh through it all and it's with this in mind that we offer this scholarship in Crystal's name.
This scholarship is awarded in memory of a young woman, Cynthia Ross, who was a Student Services Assistant in the Admissions Office at Southwestern College. She brought joy and happiness to the lives of those she touched.
The purpose of this scholarship is to support Southwestern College students pursuing a career in Horticulture, Landscape & Nursery Technology (or related areas). Qualified students must be carrying a minimum of 6 units per semester, have a minimum GPA of 2.8, and demonstrate financial need, which is determined by data on the student's current FAFSA or Dream Act Application.
David Wales worked with his brother, Carlos in the Tutorial Center in the Learning Resource Center. He later went on to be a coordinator and then work in Research and Planning for the last eight years as a senior researcher. Altogether, David worked at Southwestern College for twenty-seven years. He was always the first to be there if anybody needed help. He was a valued member and treasurer of the Classified School Employees Association. He truly loved SWC and considered this institution his second home and SWC his extended family. He poured his heart and soul in this institution because he loved the students. He enjoyed walking unexplored trails and would be happy to know this scholarship would benefit students.
Eric “Ric” Davy, owner of Davy Architecture, established this scholarship to help ease the financial burden from costs associated with pursuing higher education for students who are members of the Veterans Student Organization and/or are receiving services from the Veterans Resource Center. A combat Veteran of Viet Nam and Desert Storm, Mr. Davy believes that education is the “gateway to our democracy,” as stated by Dr. Francisco Rodriguez former President/Superintendent of the Mira Costa College District. Mr. Davy owes all he has achieved to his education. Starting his own career at the age of 34, Mr. Davy understands that Veterans can have a late start to their careers.
This annual scholarship is established in memory of Chester S. DeVore, who passed away January 7, 2011 at the age of 92. He was a respected patriarch, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and an accomplished coach and educator who always remained dedicated to his Country, his community and his family. Mr. DeVore graduated from Chaffey High School in 1937 and Chaffey Community College in 1939, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. He then enrolled at San Diego State College where he lettered in basketball and was a member of the 1940—1941 NAIA National Championship Basketball Team.

After receiving his B.A. in 1942, Mr. DeVore served his Country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in World War II. Fighting alongside members of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, he saw action in the Pacific Theater of war during the campaigns of Bouganville, Emirau, Guam, and Okinawa. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his gallantry and left the U.S. Marine Corps having achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Upon returning from the war, Mr. DeVore began a rewarding career in education. He found passion in coaching and teaching youth, and worked at Chula Vista High School from 1947–1955 as a coach, teacher, counselor, vice principal and principal from 1956–1961. Mr. DeVore was one of the most successful high school football coaches in San Diego County history, guiding Chula Vista to a 40–3 win-loss record over his last four seasons from 1951–1955.

In 1962 he became the founding President/Superintendent of Southwestern College where he supervised the formation of a new college, including the development of academic programs, campus planning and construction. After 21 years in this role, Mr. DeVore retired, at which time the stadium at Southwestern College was named in his honor. Throughout his life, Mr. DeVore modeled and taught five core values: a positive attitude; a strong work ethic; teamwork; sportsmanship; and leadership.
The primary pupose of this scholarship is to support Southwestern College Latina students who are transferring to a four-year university with a prioritty given to students who majored in Business / Business Management.

Dr. Virginia Lopez-Hansen went to Sweetwater High School in 1956. She was passionate about learning and it was very important for her to pursue a higher education. Due to her passion and drive, she eventually received a Doctorate Degree. During her 34 years at Southwestern College, she started as a Secretary then to Supervisor, to Instructional Operations Manager, to Director of Academic Services then retired as a Dean of Student Support Services. She could not have accomplished as much as she did without her education.

Virginia was the founder of the Scholarship Fund Foundation at Southwestern College. She was very passionate about this program and wanted to make sure each student had every opportunity to pursue their education dreams. Knowing she is helping a student to further their education is a great way to celebrate her legacy. I know she is smiling down on us full of tears and joy knowing she is helping others pursue their education and the Scholarship Fund continues to flourish at Southwestern College.
For more than a century, Falck has helped keep people and societies safe and healthy. They are committed to advancing sustainable healthcare, and every step taken is dedicated to making life better, safer, and healthier for more people. Falck scholarships will encourage and support students looking to pursue a career as an EMT or Paramedic.
Gloria loved working as a student intern, and volunteering in the South Bay Botanic Garden (SBBG) from 2012-2019, and earned an Associate of Science degree in Nursery Occupations: Retail Nursery/Plant Production from Southwestern College, in May 2019.
Gloria helped create a promotional video for the SBBG describing her work in the Garden and encouraging SWC students to explore and appreciate the hidden jewel on campus that is the SBBG. Gloria’s love for nature and the outdoors, and the SBBG in particular, is the inspiration for the establishment of the Gloria Linda de Jesus Memorial Scholarship Non-Endowed Fund. It is her family’s earnest hope that Gloria's legacy lives on in the future Horticulture, Landscape, and Nursery Technology students who will, in turn, beautify the neighborhoods we all live in.

Whenever you see beautiful flowers, a garden walk that invites you down a lovely path, a stately tree that invites you to its shade, or a humble vegetable garden that offers its fruits and vegetables for you to enjoy, you will understand how Gloria loved all these quiet places, and sought the tranquility and peace found there.

As Gloria would say, “Magandang Buhay sa inyong lahat! A beautiful life to you all!”
Professor Mohler served the Southwestern Community College District for more than 30 years as a tenured professor of Computer Information Systems. He challenged his students academically and went above and beyond to be of help. Teaching was his life. A decorated Vietnam era veteran, he often mentored returning veterans, assisting in their transition from military to civilian life. Professor Mohler would be proud to continue his support of veterans through this scholarship in his honor.
Patricia Larkin is a long-time employee of Southwestern College who retired in spring of 2020. Her last position at the college was as the Director of Financial Aid and Veterans’ Services and she has had an extensive history of supporting students through her work as well as through scholarship. She would like to establish a new scholarship specifically for students participating in the Guardian Scholars program.
Indevia Accounting was founded by a man who was raised by a widow in India. His mother received a scholarship that enabled her to return to school, then become a headmistress of a school and support her family. He then received a small scholarship that helped make it possible for him to attend Harvard Business School, which changed his life.
This scholarship will support students studying in area of Information Technology. After graduating from USCD, Jerry Gonzalez began his employment in 1987 as Systems Programmer, advancing to Information Systems Specialist, Senior Programmer Analyst and his current position was Senior Systems Analyst. Jerry was dedicated to his work at Southwestern College, putting his whole heart and soul into everything he did. His employment spanned over 31 years. He helped oversee several software and hardware platforms, he was extensively involved with a multitude of upgrades, enhancements and patches as the major systems facilitator between IT, the many campus departments and vendors. He served as the CSEA President for two years, heavily involved with union matters. He was the “go to” guy regarding CSEA contract policies, as he represented fairly from both sides – CSEA and the District.
One of the areas that was of vital concern to Jerry Gonzalez was the District’s primary mission of serving students. If student registration issues were in need of some electronic assistance, Jerry, who was the expert in such things, solved problems in a flash. Anything affecting a student’s ability to register for the classes they needed or anything affecting a faculty member’s ability to serve students was critical to Jerry. Besides being such a pleasant person to work with, Jerry was always a great resource to answer questions especially about students and their interactions with SWC systems. His loss is devastating to the District and his impact has been significant. This scholarship is a great way to honor his legacy for students, especially those who have an affinity for technology.
This scholarship is awarded in memory of John Valenzuela, who gave up his dream of going to college when he had to drop out of high school to help support his widowed mother and siblings. The family migrated to the United States from Mexico in 1914 to escape the violence of the Mexican Revolution. Regardless of his limited formal education John had a very successful career in retail and the wholesale foods industry. John was a very hard worker with a formidable memory who would not compromise his principles. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 91.
This is a scholarship in honor of Jonathan M. “JD” De Guzman, a San Diego Police Department (SDPD) officer who was slain in the line of duty in July 2016. Officer “JD” De Guzman had been an SDPD officer for over 16 years and his dedicated service and community involvement in the City of San Diego and South Bay region was inspiring. The scholarship is given in honor of De Guzman’s outstanding ability as a police officer and as a role model for the Administration of Justice (AOJ) community.
These Academic Excellence Scholarships have been established on behalf of Dr. David W.Lipp, who sought to further programs that would educate the workforce of tomorrow, particularly in the fields of science and mathematics.Dr. David W. Lipp was a man of high intelligence.He graduated from Texas A&M in 1966 with a dual major in physics and chemistry. He attended the University of Delaware part-time while serving in the Army, and earned his doctorate at the University of Massachusetts in Amhurst in 1974, specializing in polymer engineering. His subsequent work dealt with polymerization of bromal while in its infancy, inverse oil water emulsion, and oil recovery chemicals, amongst many other things. Proficient in German, he frequently had the task of translating German patents for his employers. David was also an expert in chess and, along with his parents, was an avid musician often playing classical duets and trios on the violin, viola, and cello.*Note: The reference letter required must address the student’s abilities in upper level and commitment to an MSE declared major, and overall general excellence.
This scholarship is awarded in memory of Marcia Lydia Luckman who completed the SWC Dental Hygiene program in 2005. Dental Hygiene students who have completed their first year and are continuing at SWC are eligible to apply.
This scholarship is awarded in memory of Marilyn Lassman who was the first woman elected to the SWC Governing Board in 1969. This scholarship is open to female students who have children and are pursuing an Associate Degree or transferring to a college or university to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree.
This scholarship is open to Bonita Vista High School seniors and Bonita Vista High School graduates who plan to attend or currently attend Southwestern College and are pursuing/will pursue a degree in Business Management.
This scholarship is to honor Michelle L. Dubberly whose life ended too soon. She lived more in her fourteen years than some people do in a lifetime because she saw the best in people and cared about social justice.
From 1993 - 2004, Mimi Simmons educated and inspired students in the Child Development Program as an adjunct instructor. The love for her job and her students was evident every time you talked with Mimi.
The Mission Hills Garden Club is a volunteer organization dedicated to the knowledge and enjoyment of gardening, the preservation of historic and cultural richness of our community, the beautification of public spaces, and the provision of scholarships to those students pursing an education/career path in the areas of horticulture and agriculture. The Club's largest event is The Mission Hills Garden Walk, which occurs every Mother's Day Weekend in the historic neighborhood of Mission Hills. The proceeds from each year's Garden Walk provide the funds for our scholarship program.
Barbara Hampson served 17 years as a biology lab technician at Southwestern College. Her service to the college went beyond her job responsibilities. She was a role model and inspiration to many of her student assistants. They felt safe sharing their life struggles and aspirations with her. Her compassion, wisdom and sense of humor refreshed their days and gave new perspective to the challenges they faced. Barb loved the life sciences. Her office proudly displayed numerous treasures and she had a story to tell if you had the time to listen. This scholarship is in her memory to help students majoring in a scientific field to achieve their educational goals.
This scholarship provides financial support to meritorious School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering students majoring in Engineering. Applicants must complete a personal statement that demonstrates commitment to the major. Former winners may not apply and students may apply for only ONE of the five Garden of Giving scholarships in a given year.
This scholarship provides financial support to meritorious School of Technology and Human Services students majoring in Horticulture. Applicants must complete a personal statement that demonstrates commitment to the major. Former winners may not apply and students may apply for only ONE of the five Garden of Giving scholarships in a given year.
This scholarship provides financial support to meritorious School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering students majoring in either Mathematics or Computer Science. Applicants must complete a personal statement that demonstrates commitment to the major. Former winners may not apply and students may apply for only ONE of the five Garden of Giving scholarships in a given year.
This scholarship provides financial support to meritorious School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering students majoring in Physical Sciences (Physical sciences include astronomy, chemistry, geography, geology, and physical science). Applicants must complete a personal statement that demonstrates commitment to the major. Former winners may not apply and students may apply for only ONE of the five Garden of Giving scholarships in a given year.
This scholarship provides financial support to meritorious School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering students majoring in either Biology or Biotechnology. Applicants must complete a personal statement that demonstrates commitment to the major. Former winners may not apply and students may apply for only ONE of the five Garden of Giving scholarships in a given year.
This scholarship is in honor of Nadia Smit to award an outstanding Journalism Student. Nadia Smit was an award-winning writer and Viewpoints Editor of the Southwestern College Sun Student Newspaper. She was a student at San Francisco State University and a writer for the Vegetarian Times Magazine when she died in a traffic accident her senior year. Nadia loved her family, friends, journalism and all the animals of the earth.
The purpose of this fund is to annually award scholarships to students who are transferring to a four-year university and demonstrate a minimum 2.8 GPA along with evidence of a minimum of one year of college or community service, have 60 transferable units and proof of letter of acceptance or proof of application. Priority for consideration of this scholarship will be given to AB540 or DACA students who cannot access federal financial aid.

Norma Cazares retired after serving over 25 years as a Counselor at Southwestern College, primarily working with students desiring to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. She is well aware that financial challenges have kept many deserving students from realizing their educational dreams. Her desire is that recipients of the scholarship will someday pay it forward by donating to scholarships and/or through sustained community service.
Southwestern College (SWC) is offering scholarships to academically talented, financially burdened students who intend to transfer to a 4-year university as a chemistry/biochemistry major. This program will provide a unique opportunity for qualified students to focus full-time on their studies and fully benefit from a support system provided through SWC and San Diego State University (SDSU). Our program aims to increase student success by providing financial support, mentoring, opportunities for undergraduate research experiences, and Chemistry-related student club activities. Students will develop leadership in the chemical sciences, attend chemistry seminars, obtain summer research opportunities, join in field trips to industry, and many other activities in partnership with SDSU.
Raymond A. Osbon Orozco is the younger brother of Alejandro Orozco, a Philosophy/ Logic instructor at Southwestern College. In 1985 after a lengthy illness, Raymond passed away at the age of 24 just one semester short of a civil engineering degree.
Rey-Etta was the first president of the Altrusa Club of Chula Vista Intl. in 1958. She was born in Alaska but later moved to southern California. She went on to found literacy projects in Chula Vista and was a proficient pianist who loved the fine arts.
This scholarship will support students majoring in Music or Dance who have a financial need.
This scholarship was established to support justice-impacted Southwestern College students who have been personally impacted, or involved, with the criminal justice system. This may include, but is not limited to: individuals who have been incarcerated or in detention, those with arrests/convictions without incarceration, those under parole supervision, those on probation, individuals with immediate family members who are directly impacted by the justice system.
This scholarship is awarded in memory of Ron Lawson, a photography instructor, who was one of the original staff members at Southwestern College. The scholarship is intended for students interested in pursuing photography.

Ron Lawson graduated from La Jolla High School in 1946 before his collegiate studies at SDSU, UCLA, and UC Berkeley. He served with the Army National Guard during the Korean War. He began his teaching career at Chula Vista High School. Over the years, he taught English, drafting, yearbook, and journalism, worked as a school counselor, held a position with the California Teachers Association, was the stadium announcer for football games, and taught at the NewSchool of Architecture & Design. He is best remembered, however, as a longtime photography instructor at Southwestern College, where he taught from 1961 until his retirement in 2000. His wife, Sharon, worked in human resources and payroll at Southwestern for more than two decades.

Ron’s passion for photography was evident not only in his teaching, but also in his own photographs. He took photos for many years of California, Mexico, Europe, and elsewhere, many of which were shown in galleries.
This scholarship is awarded in memory of Professor Rose Tantalo—one of the first community college nursing educators in the United States and a founding member of the Department of Nursing at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York. Professor Tantalo was a continuous source of guidance and assistance for many students. Her compassion, charity, and generosity came from a deep love of humanity and this scholarship honors her legacy.

Elizabeth Conti was a beloved member of the Southwestern College family for many years. She was the driving force behind the creation of this scholarship in her aunt’s memory. After Liz’s death, her family asked that the scholarship be renamed to include her legacy also.
Susan Luzzaro was a Southwestern Community College graduate. She transferred to SDSU where she earned her MFA degree in creative writing. She returned to Southwestern where she was a professor of English until she retired. Her poetry and creative nonfiction works have been published in a number of prominent literary journals. She was a staff writer for the SD Reader since 1999. Guided by her belief that journalism is a public service and the better informed we are, the better we are as a society, she turned her attention to investigative journalism. Utilizing her gifted writing skills, Susan spoke truth to power in her reporting and earned awards for her investigations of mismanagement and corruption in two local school districts.Susan passed away on May 1, 2017. In her memory, a scholarship will be awarded annually and in perpetuity to a deserving SWC student who is a member in good standing of the Southwestern College Sun newspaper staff and an advocate for social justice.
This scholarship fund provides $1,000 scholarships to the 20 annual recipients of the Student of Distinction Awards. Student awardee will receive $1000 scholarship, SODA Medal, and certificate during the Student Awards Ceremony. Student must be nominated by a current SWC Administrator, Faculty, Classified Staff. A student cannot nominate oneself or a fellow student. Nominations will be open from February 1-29, 2024. To nominate a student, here's the link: http://jag.swccd.edu/SODA

Student must meet the following eligibility requirements:

> Must be a current SWC student enrolled in at least 6 (six) units during the Spring 2024 semester
> Must have a minimum of 30 units completed at SWC
> Must have an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 at SWC
> Must have a Student Education Plan (SEP) on file as proof of plans to transfer or complete a program*
> Must not have received a Bachelor’s degree or higher
> Must not be a past SODA awardee
> Must not have any disciplinary record at SWC

*Students participating in a career education and/or short-term certificate programs are exempt from this requirement and still eligible to be nominated for SODA.

For more information, please contact Jenny Davis, jdavis5@swccd.edu.
This scholarship is awarded in memory of Thomas Crescenzo, an Economics Professor at Southwestern College. Mr. Crescenzo believed in two things: 1) teaching for the present; and 2) enticing students to seize their future.
University of Phoenix provides access to higher education opportunities that enable students to develop knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their professional goals, improve the performance of their organizations, and provide leadership and service to their communities. The purpose of this scholarship is to support Southwestern College students who are transferring to a four-year college in the next academic year.

Existing Scholarships at the Southwestern College Foundation*

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