2011-2012
Norman J. Priest Scholarship The Foundation’s February 13th Board Meeting started with a special ceremony to recognize the winners of the Norman J. Priest Endowed Scholarship. This award is given to Foundation full-time student employees who embody the ideals of former Foundation Board member Norman J. Priest through their community service, leadership skills, and involvement in the Foundation. Submitted applications are reviewed by Mrs. Halo Priest, her son James Priest, and a Foundation Scholarship Committee. Selection is based on one’s resume, a recommendation from both a supervisor and a Foundation staff member, plus an essay on how the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation has helped them with their educational goals and how the award will help them achieve their career/educational goals. The essay should also highlight how participation and leadership in campus activities and community service will help them achieve their goals. So far, 24 deserving students have benefitted from this award since 2000. The 2011-2012 winners are Ashley Sanders Lerner, Kellogg West Front Desk employee; Rachelle Webb, Research Assistant with STEM; and Angel Vizcarra, Dining Services employee. Ashley is expecting to earn her Bachelors of Science Degree in Hospitality Management in 2013. She is involved in various clubs on campus and holds positions in each. In the Hospitality Club she is the Director of Activities and enjoys planning trips to various hotels, restaurants, and theme parks in the region. For leisure purposes, she is involved in the Yoga Alliance Club on campus and holds the secretary position. Ashley has held a seasonal job as a chaperon to college students traveling to and from Israel since the summer of 2009. This initially sparked her interested in travel and tourism and thus began her studies at the Collins College of Hospitality Management. After graduation she hopes to continue working in the industry while living in Israel. Rachelle will earn her B.A. in Psychology in 2013. She aspires to go on to earn her Ph.D. in Psychology and ultimately conduct research within the fields of cognitive neuroscience and positive psychology. Rachelle is a member of the Kellogg Honors College, a McNair Scholar, and a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. She was elected Treasurer of Psi Chi International Honor Society for Psychology for the 2011-2012 school year and has served as President of Yoga Alliance for the past two years. Rachelle also serves as a peer mentor for the Psychology & Sociology Department helping her fellow students by holding office hours and hosting workshops on graduate school, financial aid, and stress management.
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Angel (above) and Rachelle (below) accepting their award from President Ortiz and Paul Storey