2019 Awardees
Sheradyn Ruef
Major: Computer Science
“As a fairly indecisive person, I thought committing to a college would be a struggle. I was shocked yet relieved when I realized how confident I was with my decision to go to Channel Islands. Every time I visit the campus I am reassured that I have made the right choice. On Dolphin Day, I immediately fell in love with the feeling of the campus, the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, and the intimate class sizes. I thought starting college would be terrifying, but I’ve never felt more at home. The Presidential Scholarship Program has made the transition into college easier by offering so much support, amazing opportunities, and by connecting me with so many resources across campus. This scholarship is such a blessing and has allowed me to get an education that I might not otherwise be able to afford. I am so excited to be able to follow my aspirations to pursue a career in cybersecurity. For most of my life, I wanted to be a nutritionist until I discovered my passion for computer science in my high school IT class. Since coming to CI, my love of CS has only grown. When I found out that our school offers a minor in security, everything fell into place. It piqued my interest, and I knew that I could reach my goals of working in cybersecurity, and advocate for women in STEM. I feel like I can make an impact here because every student matters at Channel Islands. I truly believe everyone has a place here, and I’m so glad I’ve found mine as part of the CI family.”
Caleigh Tupy
Major: English
"When I first stepped onto the Channel Islands campus, a sense of peace and familiarity flooded over me. That was a couple of years ago, but that tranquility still sits with me today. Of course, that should be expected, after seeing the campus’s charming architecture and landscaping—which both serve as a reminder of our local heritage.
This cultural “representation” is not limited to the school’s physical surroundings, though. I have witnessed it in my coursework as well. As an English major, I have had the honor of reading about diverse cultures from near and far—including a few stories from my own hometown! I have learned more than I ever could have imagined when I first applied to CSUCI a few years ago. As I aspire to become a teacher myself, I plan to bring this invaluable cultural capital with me to my own classroom in the future.
In all, I consider it an honor to be a President’s Scholar, as I know this position has been funded and supported by my local community members. I only hope that I can pay this kindness forward with my future work in the education system."
2018 Awardees
Kaylena Mann
Major: Psychology
"On the morning of my 18th birthday, I received the best present ever - a call informing me that I had been selected as a President’s Scholar. I was immediately humbled and near tears. As a senior, this is still such a huge honor and I am so grateful to be included with the other students and staff involved with the President’s Scholar Program. This scholarship is also such a blessing for my family financially, so I hope that I can make them proud. CSU Channel Islands has always held a special place in my heart. I first fell in love with the campus during a triathlon a long time before college was even on my radar. Since then, so many things have kept this university on my mind such as working with Casa Pacifica and talking to friends who are Channel Islands alumni. I was fortunate to go to a high school where I could thrive academically while still having the freedom to pursue my many interests. Without those experiences, I don't know if I would have ended up here, but I am beyond grateful for the amazing opportunity to grow and learn in this environment. Serving others and acting as a leader is a huge part of who I am, so having the chance to be a President’s Scholar means the world to me. I am so lucky to call this gorgeous campus my home and I am constantly in awe of the genuinely caring faculty and the diversity of students. My time here has exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t be happier. I know that I will be devastated to leave this campus, but I am forever thankful for my journey here at CSU Channel Islands"
Sabrina Shaboti
Major: Nursing
"Living only 25 minutes away from CSU Channel Islands, I overlooked all the potential I had here and the university as a whole. It was not until I began my college hunt that I realized CSUCI was the place for me. Not only did it offer my major, nursing, but the CSUCI nursing program was ranked #8 in all of California. CSUCI is enabling me to accomplish my dreams of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I was already impressed at the high rankings of the nursing program, imagine how impressed I was by the campus itself. With the small class sizes, new state of the art buildings and technology, and the abundance of fresh air and greenery, what’s not to love? Now that I am enrolled, I’m even more certain that I made the right choice by coming to CSUCI. Immediately, I felt that this campus has something special to offer. A campus this size may seem small and mundane, but the size actually creates a feeling of family and a sense of belonging. The majority of universities have a student body in the tens of thousands and above. Here at CSUCI, I am not another name on the roll sheet for my professors. Instead, they actually take the time to understand us as a student and as individuals. I am forever grateful to the President’s Scholar committee for this prestigious distinction. I am excited to continue my journey here at CSUCI! Go Dolphins!
2017 Awardees
Alyssa Ayudante
Major: Biology
"Living only fifteen minutes away, I was no stranger to CSU Channel Islands. I was so close to CI, in fact, that I almost overlooked it. Like most high school seniors, I was struggling to choose a university that was a perfect fit for me. I was fortunate enough to have two state universities offer to fund my pursuit of a higher education through scholarships. Being selected as a Presidential Scholar for CSU Channel Islands was not only a financial blessing, but a sigh of relief. It made me realize what I was looking for was only a short drive away. Channel Island’s enthusiasm for learning and dedication to its students makes this university unlike the rest. Due to the intimate class sizes and attentive professors, students are exposed to an environment that encourages academic growth. Channel Islands puts its students first. I don’t feel as if my only purpose is to fill a seat in a classroom. Professors are willing to invest time and effort into us because they care. I consider myself extremely lucky to be a part of a campus that supports and inspires its students to reach bigger. As I start my first semester at Channel Islands, I have never been more confident that I made the right decision. I see with my own eyes that the sense of community exhibited by the students and faculty is this university’s most valuable asset. As I embrace this wonderful opportunity, I aim to represent Channel Islands with the same initiative and collaborative energy that embodies this beautiful campus."
Iris Perez
Major: Communication
"As a first generation college student, I didn’t know what to expect during my first year at CSU Channel Islands. I was filled with various emotions ranging from fear to excitement. Living only a couple minutes away from campus made my decision to attend CSUCI even more challenging. Although I can pleasantly say my first year has been only an affirmation to myself, and clear to those around me, that I made the best decision to become a Dolphin.
CSUCI makes me feel part of a community much greater than a college campus. The environment is so welcoming one can’t help but feel like a member of the CI family. The faculty, staff, and students on campus all reflect an image that is beyond compare. We all work together to make our educational pathway to our lifelong careers the greatest it can possibly be. CSUCI offers an abundance of support programs that make it possible for all students at CSUCI to succeed beyond one’s expectations. In just one academic school year I’ve meet many new people, explored different majors, gained a great deal of new knowledge, began my own campus club, and much more. I am thrilled to see what the upcoming years at CSUCI have in store for me, as I already envision them to be exceptional."
2016 Awardee
David Figg
Major: Business
"Because I lived in Oxnard my whole life, Channel Islands seemed too close to home to have a large influence on my college choice. Looking back, I should have never doubted the University by the sea. With a very close knitted community, Channel Islands feels like home from the very start. Never once have I felt intimidated by any peer or teacher. Channel Islands is a place to bloom into the independent student I aspire to be. With a multicultural approach and integrated learning, I feel CI creates a well-rounded student that is ready to face real world quandaries. Besides the interesting and involved courses, there are faculty who are caring of student’s academic affairs and futures. Not to mention how beautiful the campus is. Surrounded by rolling hills and amazing sunsets, Channel Islands creates a unique environment that motivates and inspires."
2015 Awardees
Noelle Abe
Major: Computer Science
"Studying here at CSU Channel Islands has been a blessing, and I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have been given to succeed. Every semester has brought a new set of challenges for me, from navigating difficult classes to navigating a different culture, and each one has helped me to grow. One of the highlights of the past four years has undoubtedly been studying abroad in England, and without the support of the university, I would not have benefited from such an amazing experience. I have seen firsthand how much the faculty and staff here truly care about the students, and how hard they work to prepare us for our futures. There’s something special about CSU Channel Islands, and I’m glad that I was able to be a part of it."
Paisley Meir
Major: English
"When I started my college search I had no idea what to expect, let alone what I wanted out of a university. I, along with my parents, embarked on the long and fearful hunt for the perfect college: however, my hunt was cut short. From the moment I stepped onto CI's beautiful campus, I knew I was home. When I stepped out of the car and felt the cool Camarillo wind, I knew right then that this was the place that was not only going to be my "school," but that was also going to be the place where I grow and turn into the person I am supposed to be. As Martin Buber said, we have moments and experiences in our lives that we can't fully explain, otherwise known as "I-Thou” moments, and walking onto campus for me, was one of those indescribable moments that just felt like home. Unlike at most Universities, I am not just a number here. I am a person who the faculty and students actually take the time to both teach and get to know, which in my opinion, is one of the most important aspects a school could have. In my short time here, I have already created a home, and formed a family with not only my peers, co-workers, and professors, but also with all of CI. As a Freshman, I realize that I have not even started to fully understand everything that CI has to offer me, but what I do know is that we are family, and what more could I ask for from a school?"
2014 Awardees
Molly Cook
Major: Environmental Science & Resource Management
"When it was time to apply for colleges I had planned to go to community college first. My counselor was appalled by my decision of community college and suggested that I go to CI instead. I had my doubts since I didn’t know much about CI. I had always seen a representative from the university at my high school’s college fairs but I had never been interested in attending before. I applied after deciding that the small class sizes and interdisciplinary approach would be a good match for me academically. I was accepted and I decided to see the campus. It was isolated but beautiful. I knew I made the right choice when I saw the campus. It was a surprise and honor to be chosen as a President’s Scholar. I know I will fully enjoy the next few years and I am proud to be a student at CI."
Madison Guynn
Major: Early Childhood Studies
Minor: Performing Arts
“Even though I recently finished my third year at CI, I feel as though I am just getting started. I feel so blessed to have a scholarship that allows me so many opportunities. To begin, I absolutely love my Early Childhood Studies and Performing Arts programs. The faculty that I interact with daily are truly outstanding and have such a passion for education and my success as a student and future leader. One of my favorite experiences so far is being a part of the CI Sailing Club. Growing up in the desert, I had absolutely no experience with water sports. Now I know how to sail a boat and have raced against other colleges! CI has so much to offer: a beautiful campus, a passionate and diverse student population, knowledgeable professors, and a club for every interest. I have treasured my time here and look forward to a fourth year.”
Christian Ramos
Major: Mathematics
"All throughout high school, I had been dreading choosing a college to attend. It meant having to make a big decision about my future. As soon as I found Channel Islands, that big decision became an easy one. The environment here at CI is extremely welcoming, and it has what I like to call the "home town" feel. I grew up in Camarillo, and I've grown to love the tight community we have in our little town. Channel Islands is an extension of what I know best: friendly smiles, nurturing environments, and people who really care about each other. I can be immersed in all the diversity and creativity here while still feeling safe at home. Trust is an important thing that I need to have in order for me to truly be myself. I am confident that this university will not let me down when I put my trust in its staff, teachers, and fellow students to guide me. Receiving the Presidential Scholarship was a great honor, and it was a sign of immense trust. If President Rush and his committee can trust me enough to welcome me with generous, open arms, then I can certainly trust them and the university they represent. Channel Islands is so much more than a school that offers what I think I want. It's a community I can trust to guide me where I want to go, but also introduce to me various opportunities to explore passions I never knew I had. Surrounded by inspiring leaders, motivated students, and well-equipped staff, I am truly honored to be a part of this community."
2013 Awardees
Emily Hildago
Major: Environmental Science & Resource Management
"Sitting beneath a tree in the bell tower courtyard, I am reminded of just how fortunate I truly am. I am fortunate to not only be studying at the most beautiful campus in California but to have the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing community of intelligent minds, creative thinkers, and inspiring leaders. I can't help but feel a sense of elation each time I walk along the tree-lined paths on my way to class each day. Some may believe that choosing to apply to only one college in a state with so many, is somewhat unconventional, not to mention pretty uncommon. However, thinking back I remember feeling as though this decision was inherent and I know it now to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Just driving to campus my very first time, I quickly developed a connection to and admiration for the beauty of the campus's natural surroundings. From that point on, I knew it was the right place for me. To have the immensely generous opportunity that I have, and to feel the way that I do about this university is more than I could have ever dreamed. As I take my first steps into this next chapter of my life, I am beyond proud and incredibly honored to be taking those steps at CSU Channel Islands. My only hope is to continue to follow my passions and allow them to lead me to not only make others proud, but to make a difference. To have the incredible opportunity to do just that in a place that I admire so much is what I am truly grateful for. A hero of mine once said, "We are all called to do something with our lives." At CSU Channel Islands, I am confident that I will find that calling."
Nathan Porter
Major: English
Minor: Economics and Business Management
"When I first started applying for colleges I had no idea which school I wanted to go to. However, I had heard many great things about the CSUs so I applied to many of them, especially those nearby to my hometown of Simi Valley. The first time I came to Channel Islands, I immediately fell in love. I loved the mission style architecture, as well as the natural beauty of the entire campus. The fact that it is close to the beach was definitely a plus, but in my list of reasoning, there were so many other things going for it that the beach part was nearly negligible. What really caught my attention was the way that the school was designed as an institution, as well as its mission statement. It is a school truly based around the well-being and success of its students. The small class sizes are awesome and the professors legitimately care about their students and take the time to have open office hours just so students can come in and ask for help. I saw Channel Islands as a way to get a strong education and not only that, but a place where I could truly enjoy achieving it. Ultimately when I learned I had received the honor of being a President's Scholar I was ecstatic. For my parents and I not having college debt was a large issue and although Channel Islands is inexpensive, the scholarship was truly a blessing from God. I am grateful for every minute that I have spent with CI, and am truly proud and honored to be a graduated President's Scholar of California State University Channel Islands."
Olivia Springfield
Major: Biology
"The first thing that interested me about Channel Islands was the name. Coming from San Diego I had never heard of the school before. By the time applications came around I had no idea what school I wanted to go to, but Channel Islands peeked my interest. It became one of my top choices to the many schools I applied. As a hopeful future medical student, I wanted a school that was not only strong academically but had a diverse, developed community as well. Channel Islands was the perfect combination of the two. As soon as I stepped on campus I felt like it was somewhere I could not only thrive academically but socially as well. It didn't feel like just another school I visited on my college road trip. This one felt like a place I could live. The small class sizes, amazing professors and faculty, as well as the diverse student body make it a pleasure to be here. Yet the thing that impressed me the most about Channel Islands was how personable and accessible the professors are. When I was trying to decide between Channel Islands and the much larger Institution of UCLA, I emailed the Channel Islands Chair of Biology, Dr. Denton. I asked her why should I choose Channel Islands over some of the more well known universities. She replied to me quickly, giving me a factual and unbiased answer. Now though what she said made me like the school a great deal, it was the fact that she emailed me back personally that made me love this school. It would not have been easy to receive such personal attention from someone in her position at a larger institution. I enjoy that my professors are teaching because they are passionate about the material and want you to be passionate about it too. I know that this will not just be a school for me but a home. I have full faith that Channel Islands will prepare me both for medical school and to be an active member of a community. Being chosen as a President's Scholar is such a great honor. I still cannot believe it! I am ecstatic about seeing the amazing things this university and student body can accomplish. I am proud to call myself a Dolphin!"
2012 Awardees
John Butzer
Major: Political Science
"As my high school years were coming to a close, I found that the next step in my educational journey was unclear. I was certain that I wanted to continue my studies at a University, but the process on how to reach that goal was difficult to navigate. As a first generation college student, I turned to my high school guidance counselor for help. She remarked that I should be applying to quite a few Universities and scholarship programs. I heeded her advice, and applied to the President’s Scholar program at Channel Islands. When I received an invitation to interview for the scholarship, I visited the campus. The location and the beauty of the campus immediately struck me, and I just knew that I had to spend my next four years here. I returned to campus for the interview; armed with knowledge about the University and a strong desire to join this incredible group of scholars. I am honored not only to be a President’s Scholar, but to also be a member of the Channel Islands campus community. Channel Islands truly excels in its mission to be student-centered, and I am incredibly blessed to be a part of that mission."
Giovanni Colitti
Major: Business
"What really captured my interest in CI was not the male to female ratio, although that too was impressive, but the gentle, caring, and genuine demeanor that seemed to characterize every representative I met. “Are they always this nice?” I remember asking myself after touring the campus and asking a few staff members and students about the school. Everyone had a big smile and a welcoming hello. That was my first impression of the school. Beyond the aesthetics, which are likewise impeccable, the aspect of Channel Island’s pedagogy that intrigued me was more intrinsically than superficially based. I wanted substance. I wanted a jovial environment of like-minded, motivated people to work and grow alongside. And I got it. Building relationships at CI is easy. From the guys across the hall to your professor to President Rush, everyone here seems to have an aura of sanguinity. I cannot stress the positive CI environment enough. However, I think the atmosphere of Channel Islands works only to build the strong foundation upon which the quality of education, recreation, and stimulation blossoms and shines. CI has an extremely knowledgeable staff. Students work together. The food is great. Professors teach. The administration inspires and creates. And CI, from top to bottom, simply works. I look forward to being one of CI’s newest Presidential Scholars. I look forward to joining the MVS Business Club, playing intramural basketball, and participating in poetry readings. I am incredibly happy here at Channel Islands and deeply honored to represent CI through the President’s Scholars Program."
Matthew Fewel
Major: Mathematics
"CI was the first of seven colleges I visited on a trip up the California coast last summer. As I drove to the end of the entrance road and saw CI for the first time, I instantly fell in love with the calmness of the campus, its small size, the awesomeness of the surrounding foothills, and the cool Camarillo/Oxnard/Ventura area. I could immediately picture the benefits of a small school, where it's much more likely students can have great relationships with their professors and not get lost in a big crowd of students. Because I liked Channel Islands so quickly and so much on just a short first visit, I was actually a little worried as I headed to my second stop. I thought, "if every school's as great as Channel Islands, there's no way I'm going to be able to pick one!" But as I continued on my journey, I quickly realized that the other schools just weren't for me. As I did further research on CI, I was so impressed with the high honors of the Math department faculty, and the focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) majors, as I plan to major in math. Needless to say, I was ecstatic when I received my acceptance letter from CI and couldn't wait to begin my freshman year. As a President's Scholar, my involvement on campus and in the community has already started. I'm helping to reactivate the Channel Islands Surf Club, which will not only allow Channel Islands students to compete in surf contests put on by the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA), but will also bring the CI community together as student surfers meet, get to know each other, and put another face of Channel Islands out in the community. As a former surf instructor, I also see it as a possible place for new surfers, both students and community members, to receive instruction on how to improve their surfing."
Nicholas Stern
Double Major: Computer Science & Applied Physics
"As I was getting ready to apply for colleges, my mom emailed me a list of colleges I might be interested in, among which was Channel Islands. The next day, my American Government teacher happened to ask me after class which colleges I was going to apply to. I had not made any definitive choices myself yet, so I recited my mother’s recommendations verbatim. Once I said Channel Islands, his face lit up and in his usual dry wit he said “Channel Islands? You should look up the history of that one. It would be perfect for you!” After finding out that it had been a mental institution and laughing at the jab of my teacher, this experience sparked a great interest in this school that was actually just as “perfect for me” as my history teacher had joked. The more I researched about it, the more I fell in love with the school. I had to visit it. I had been to college campuses before, but they always seemed so busy and distant from anything I would have considered an academic setting, but when I arrived here the first time, I was honestly amazed. The beautiful setting, the pristine landscaping, the Spanish architecture, this was distant only in that it seemed a utopian dream. Every time since then my mom and I have played a game where we count the pieces of trash we see on the grass on our lengthy walks around campus. Typically, neither of us can find even one bit of trash. I think we celebrated upon finding trash once, but it turned out to be a leaf. I thought that somewhere with such pristine design could not possibly have any money left for good teachers or student services, but I have never heard of a college so student-friendly, with so many opportunities, or with such a great faculty. This school is honestly too good to be true, and I could not be happier if I went to any college in the country. They say it’s a private school at public school price, but I invite any private school to try and compare itself to us. I assure you CI will be victorious. I could not be more grateful for this opportunity to be here as a President Scholar, I assure everyone it will not be wasted on me."
2011 Awardee
Taylor Moore
Major: Liberal Studies
"I first realized that I wanted to further my education at California State University Channel Islands in the eighth grade. I was young; moreover, that simple dream motivated me throughout the rest of my academic career to do my best. I have to say that I did have to work hard to get to the position I am in today, but it was worth every missed party and Friday night study session. I am a CSU Channel Islands President's Scholar. I had to write it just once due to the novelty of it; I still simply can’t believe that this is my new title and I am worthy of such a magnificent opportunity. I get to attend CI with its inspiring staff and friendly student body free of the burden of tuition. I am so thankful for this opportunity; thus, I am going to try my hardest to make my new CI family proud. I also hope to help my peers along their journey and guide others to the university path. At the end of my university road, I would like to shake President Rush’s hand at the commencement ceremony and know that again I did my best and my best was good enough. I am confident that this wish is going to become reality due to the amazing opportunities the President's Scholars Program has and is bound to open up for me."
2010 Awardees
Jillian Glassett
Major: Applied Physics
"I found out about CI from a college fair in San Diego at the end of my sophomore year in high school. It attracted my attention instantly, and it quickly became my first choice school the more I looked into it. What especially attracted me was the Applied Physics program. It seems to fit with what I want to go in my future career. What pulled me to CI more was the feeling of home and community from the school each time I visited it. I knew this school was perfect for me. The Presidential Scholarship seems to be an opportunity to not only help aid students financially, but also help students achieve more out of their experience at Channel Islands. Going through the interview process for the Presidential Scholarship and getting the call from President Rush still feels like a dream that I never want to wake from. It is a great honor to me already. I cannot wait to become a part of this amazing community."
Aline LaTurner
Major: Biology
"CI and its President's Scholars program has allowed me to fulfill my lifelong dream to learn and teach anything and everything about the world around us. However, CI and this program would not be complete without its caring staff dedicated to student success and the hands-on programs that allow eager students to interact with the world on a deeply profound level. Fortunately, it has all this, all set on a beautiful campus AND a five minutes drive from the Pacific Ocean. I have already met many delightfully kind and upbeat people on my adventures as a CI student, and I plan to make my pathway here to graduate school and my adulthood as an explorer of many fields a fantastic one. Good thing CI already makes it so easy to indeed have a great one!"
Sundee Olson
Major: Biology
"Most people were shocked to hear that I had only applied to one college. In all likelihood, this was one of the best decisions I have made in my entire life. From the moment I stepped onto Channel Islands soil, I knew that this was going to be my home for the next four years. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of becoming part of their close-knit community. I was ecstatic when I received the news that I had been accepted into the President’s Scholars Program. I truly feel as though the faculty and staff sincerely care about the success of each and every student. As a biology major, I cannot wait to begin this new and exciting chapter in my life!"
2008 Awardee
Danika Lindsay
Major: Mathematics
“As we were driving up University Drive, we saw a deer crossing sign, and then two deer! I knew then that I would love the school, as it was unlike any college campus I had ever seen. I live right by LAX, so I’m used to seeing building upon building and no open space. I was thrilled by the thought of waking up in the morning and having the mountains and farmland all around me. The one-on-one interaction with professors at CI offers the perfect learning environment for students. Since seeing the CI campus for the first time, I have visited several times and just can’t seem to get enough of it. I can’t wait to take advantage of every math class CI has to offer!”
2007 Awardees
Ryane Cox
Major: Biology
“I am a sophomore pursuing a degree in Biology with an emphasis in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology. After I get my degree I plan on getting my Masters and then perhaps my Ph.D., depending on where I am at in my career and life. In the end I want to work with marine mammals in the conservation area. My experience as a President’s Scholar has been amazing. The opportunities it has opened up for me are endless and I know this will forever help me in attaining my goals.”
Brandon Dowling
Major: Political Science and Psychology
“The Presidential Scholarship Program in conjunction with all the other remarkable aspects of CI has made my college experience one I will never forget. The air of excellence that this school possesses is reflected not only by the multitude of services it offers, but also by the esteemed faculty and staff that rise above the occasion to make sure that our learning experience is of the utmost quality. I consider it a distinct honor to be at an institution where so many individuals are committed to student success. I could not ask for more.”
Brad Jashinsky
Major: Computer Science
“I fell in love with this campus as I saw the past, present, and future of the University during a tour of campus. I believe that everyone who attends CI has the ability to be an individual instead of a number, and to create a path of education that is right for them thanks to the support of the instructors and administrators who allow for individuality.” Jashinsky is a graduate of Santa Susana High School, where he carried a grade point average of 4.14. He has experience working for a Website design company and in software development. Jashinsky plans to pursue a degree in computer science with a minor in business to prepare him to achieve his career goals in the Internet industry.
2006 Awardees
Jacob Jones
Major: Psychology
“My experience as a President Scholar has been amazing. This scholarship is so much more than just a financial relief. The faculty at CI really go out of their way to make sure that my college experience is a memorable one. Some events that I have participated at CI are, building a dirt bike tract at Casa Pacifica with the help of Boy Scouts and the Seabees, helping package gifts for kids around the world with the organization Operation Christmas Child, and helping package food for needy kids with the organization Foodshare. I know that the scholarship and the opportunities that come with the scholarship will be even more meaningful in my next two years, as I continue to grow and find out what my future will be.”
Kimberly Tacke
Major: Chemistry
“Attending Channel Islands has been very rewarding for me! Last year I had the opportunity to work on a research project with my Organic Chemistry Professor, which, although it was not entirely successful, was a great learning opportunity. I was also able to go on a trip to Japan with one of my classes over last spring break. The trip was absolutely amazing and through it I made lasting friendships with other students. After having so many wonderful opportunities presented to me over the past year, I look forward to what my future holds at CI.”
2005 Awardees
Jennifer Bonsangue
Major: Mathematics
“As one of the founding President’s Scholars at CI, I have had the unique experience of simultaneously benefiting from, and helping to shape, a program designed for student success. During my time at CI, the faculty and staff have been extremely supportive and have invested time and energy ensuring that my education is top-quality. As I begin my senior year in the mathematics department and apply to graduate schools, I appreciate both the caliber of education that CI provides to all of its students, as well as the individual opportunities that I have had from being a part of this program.”
Melody Mattingly
Major: English
“The French author Anatole France once wrote that “nine tenths of education is encouragement.” As a President’s Scholar, I have been greatly encouraged to pursue my wide-ranging educational interests--from academic conversations in the classroom to campus involvement as the President of Student Programming Board. I am very excited for this school year because this will be my fourth year as a President’s Scholar. Upon graduating in the spring I hope to pursue a career in technical writing in the Ventura County area so that I can serve my community as an alumna of CI.”