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EMPLOYEE SCHOLARSHIP FUND 2025

Employee Scholarship Fund 2025

Many of our employees need additional financial help to further their education and that of their children or grandchildren. The NBCC Employee Scholarship Fund was created to increase education opportunities and show appreciation to our dedicated staff. Club members may contribute to the Scholarship Fund to support eligible employees and their qualified children and grandchildren.

Members who wish to make a tax-deductible contribution to the scholarship fund may donate online by visiting the Club website. Alternatively, Members may issue a check to Desert Community Foundation, who administers our scholarship program. Checks may be mailed or brought to Melanie Stacklie, Assistant General Manager, or mailed directly to Desert Community Foundation:

Newport Beach Country Club Desert Community Foundation

Attn: Melanie Stacklie 75-105 Merle Drive

One Clubhouse Drive Suite 300

Newport Beach, CA 92660 Palm Desert, CA 92211

***Please reference “NBCC Employee Scholarship Fund” on the check issued to Desert Community Foundation

Dear Members,

On behalf of the Newport Beach Country Club Employee Scholarship Committee, we extend our sincere gratitude for your generosity and commitment to our mission. Your support makes a profound impact on the lives of our employees and their dependents by providing financial support for their educational opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

At Newport Beach Country Club, we recognize that our success is a direct result of the dedication, hard work, and passion of our employees. To honor their contributions, we established this fund in 2013, to help them, and their dependents, pursue their educational dreams. Through this scholarship, we aim to provide financial assistance to those looking to further their education— whether it’s to obtain an undergraduate degree, graduate degree, certification, trade school, or specialty program.

Your contributions directly fund scholarships that empower our employees to achieve their personal and professional aspirations. With your support, we are able to alleviate some of the financial barriers that may stand in the way of education, and in turn, help our employees grow, both within the club and beyond.

We are deeply grateful for your support and partnership in this important initiative. Together, we are helping to build a brighter future, one scholarship at a time.

Best regards,

Robin Shelton, CCM, CCE, PGA Master Professional General Manager

PABLO Garcia-Garcia IT

Child of Paul Garcia (8 years) and Adriana Garcia (2 years)

My name is Pablo Garcia-Garcia. I am in my 2nd year of college; I attend California State University of Fullerton, and my major is art but I will be changing it to be a chemistry educator. I picked this major because I am really fascinated by chemistry, and I think it is sad to see a lot of kids who don’t like chemistry. When I graduate, I want to be a chemistry teacher in high school to teach kids so they can see how important chemistry is. I am thankful for this scholarship opportunity because it will allow me to attend college and not worry about tuition, so I can focus on what I need to do to become a teacher. Thank you for this opportunity, I am very grateful.

OLIVIA Ortega

Food & Beverage, 4 years

I am a junior in college and will be graduating in May of 2026. I am currently attending Cal State Fullerton with a major in Criminology. I played volleyball for two years at Irvine Valley College where I started my academic career in college. After finishing volleyball, I transferred to Cal State Fullerton. I selected Cal State Fullerton because of their opportunities in the world of criminal Justice. I currently have a 4.0 GPA and am enjoying every second with my professor and courses. I am so incredibly grateful for this scholarship. With my dad working at Newport Beach Country Club for 17 years, I grew up golfing here each week. It is such a special experience to work here, making relationships with members just as he did. This scholarship means so much as I am able to attend college and further my education.

MCKENNA Levison

G & A, 2 years

I am in my junior year of college (according to my units, I’ve been in school for 4.5 years though due to switching majors). I am projected to graduate in May 2026 (3 semesters left!). I am going to Cal State Fullerton as a Business Marketing major. I transferred from Cypress College. I currently have a 3.6 GPA, and I chose my major because I have always had a very entrepreneurial spirit with a creative side, so I figured learning business could come in handy, and marketing can be as creative as you want. This all of course was realized 2 years of community college as a Criminal Justice major and one law firm internship later! I have fallen in love with the hospitality industry, so after graduation I am hoping to continue growing and learning in this industry. My 5-year plan will either include getting my master’s and/or CMAA certification. I am beyond grateful for this scholarship because it has given me the freedom to focus on school. In the later years of my high school/ early community college I was frantically applying to scholarships online to try to get any amount of aid I could since, although they offered, I knew my parents couldn’t comfortably afford 4 years of university. I also felt the need to do it on my own, again no pressure from them in that regard, I just thought I wanted to be more independent and do it all myself (however I was working at Tilly’s at the time for $14 an hour). On a whim I applied at NBCC, and a year later I was able to apply for the scholarship, and truly believe my prayers were answered as so far, I haven’t had to ask my parents for any help for the cost of school. I am so fortunate to be a part of this team and so so grateful for all that this club has done for me.

JACK McCook

Golf

Child of John McCook, 7 years

I’m a sophomore and will graduate in May 2027. I am attending Baylor University, and my major is Business. I did not transfer from another school. I originally chose Baylor because of pre-med but quickly changed my major after a dreaded Biology class my freshman year. I am still deciding what I want to do but would love to own my own business someday. I currently have a 3.85 GPA. Honestly, Baylor was my top pick and even though I did receive an academic scholarship from Baylor, it wasn’t enough to make it affordable for myself and my family so this scholarship was such a huge blessing for me to be able to attend my dream school. For that I am beyond grateful to NBCC and their commitment to provide this scholarship to so many.

DECLAN McCook

Golf

Child of John McCook, 7 years

I am currently a Junior and will graduate in 2026. I am a student at Texas Christian University and my major is Economics. I transferred from Saddleback College. I’m currently interning with Fox Sports and am enjoying my time there. I am looking at pursuing something in the Sport industry, if possible. I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend a private school with the help of this amazing scholarship. It is such a blessing to me and my family to be able to attend such an amazing school. Thank you to Newport Beach County Club and the committee for this scholarship. Without it I would not be attending TCU.

HANNAH Marzouk

Food & Beverage, 2 years

I am a senior graduating this year in May 2025. I am studying at California State University Long Beach, achieving my bachelor’s in fine arts for Interior Architectural Design. Prior, I transferred from Mount San Antonio College. I feel very fortunate to be studying in a field that I am truly passionate about. I’ve always had an eye for design and a strong desire to create spaces that are both functional and meaningful for others. I chose this school because of its excellent program and reputation, creative community, and the opportunities it provides to grow both academically and personally. I currently hold a 4.0 GPA and am on track to maintain straight A’s throughout my college career. Once I graduate, I aspire to work in hospitality design such as hotels and restaurants. I am extremely grateful for this scholarship and especially for all of the members that have contributed. This support has given me the opportunity to focus more fully on my education and academic success, without the added stress of worrying about tuition costs. It truly means so much to me and motivates me to work even harder toward achieving my goals. This scholarship is not just financial aid to me; it serves as a reminder of the incredible community I’m a part of and how fortunate I am to be included in it.

MIA Gaffoglio

Member Relations, 2 years

I am a junior and I graduate in the spring of 2026. I go to Chapman University, and I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. I transferred from Irvine Valley College where I got my AAT degree in psychology. I graduated from IVC In May of 2024. I have a 3.6 GPA. I got straight A’s my first semester of Chapman. I plan to also attend graduate school studying clinical psychology to become a neuropsychologist. I am extremely thankful for this scholarship because it opened more opportunities for me when I was choosing schools and supported my first two semesters of university which is phenomenal.

MASON Pilkington

Golf, 2 years

I am a senior and will graduate in 2025/2026. I am attending Cal State University of Fullerton, and my major is Business Administration. I transferred from Irvine Valley College. I chose Fullerton for their excellent business school and because it has a good ice/roller hockey program. My first semester at CSUF I received all A’s. I’m thankful for the scholarship because it grants me financial freedoms, I would not have been able to obtain. I no longer have to take out a student loan to pay for the remainder of my schooling. I appreciate it very much, thank you!

ADAM McMaster

Member Relations, 2 years

I will graduate in the fall of 2025. I am at Arizona State University (the online campus) and I am majoring in Sociology with a minor in Organizational Leadership. I transferred to ASU from Orange Coast College where I took classes for 2.5 years. My very first semester of college was at Cuesta Community College in San Luis Obispo before I transferred to Orange Coast College. I chose to attend Arizona State University due to my desire to stay present in the Hospitality industry. After completing the True North Leadership Program at NBCC, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in Hospitality. Arizona State University provided me with a program that allowed me to complete my degree with flexibility while gaining valuable work experience as a full time Team Member. I am thankful for the scholarship because it provided relief to the financial stress that attending college can bring. It not only made it easier to attend the school of my choice, but it allowed me to enjoy the process! This scholarship is also a testament to the care of the members of NBCC and donors who are generous enough to help educate the next generation, and I will forever be thankful. Additionally, due to the great help of the scholarship I am now going to pursue a graduate degree, which I would’ve otherwise not given thought to. I am very appreciative of the scholarship and all who make it possible!

JESSE Lopez

Food & Beverage

Child of Loreno Lepez, 8 years

I am currently a first-year graduate student, and I will graduate in May 2026. I am at Cornell University, pursuing a dual degree; a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Johnson Graduate School of Management and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the Brooks School of Public Policy. I did not transfer to this school. I am proud to be the only Mexican American in both programs and the only candidate from Orange County, California. I chose Cornell because it pushes me to think beyond the ordinary and prepares me to tackle challenges with bold solutions. My ultimate ambition is to oversee the implementation and evolution of the United StatesMexico-Canda Agreement (USMCA, playing a pivotal role in shaping economic policies that foster collaboration across nations. Cornell gives me the tools and the network to turn that vision into reality, while reminding me to stay grounded in my roots and the values that drive me. This scholarship represents an investment in my potential and a testament to the transformative power of education. It empowers me to focus on my studies and leadership development without the constraints of financial stress. More importantly, it validates my commitment to giving back to my community and creating sustainable impact. The scholarship is not just financial support, it’s a vote of confidence in my ability to drive change and inspire others to reach their goals.

DANIEL Huerta

Agronomy

Child of Roberto Vargas, 35 years

I graduated in July 2024. I attended the American College of Healthcare and Technology for a year and a half with a major in Surgical Technology. At first, I was not interested in continuing to college after high school but after experiencing hardships I changed my mind set and enrolled at American College of Healthcare and Technology. I am thankful for this tremendous act of philanthropy, which has allowed me and numerous students to pursue higher education.

ELAINE Flores

Engineering, 4 years

I will graduate in 2026. I am studying Mortuary Science at Cypress College. I did not transfer from another school. I chose to go to Cypress College as they are one of the few schools in California that have the mortuary science program. I could have chosen to do my schooling online but in person education works best for me. The scholarship helps lift some of the financial burden of being able to afford school. I don’t have financial help from my family, so everything is coming out of my own pocket. Without the scholarship I’m not sure I’d have been able to commit to the program. I certainly would have been stressed so this has been a very wonderful blessing.

DANIELA Alvarez

Recreation, 2 years

I completed my 5th year of college as a graduate student. I graduated in December 2024. I attended Concordia University Irvine, and I received my master’s in healthcare administration (MHA). I did not transfer to this school. I got the opportunity to continue playing softball at Concordia (after playing four years at Providence College in Rhode Island), it was nice to continue my education and athletic career closer to home! I am incredibly appreciative of the scholarship as it alleviated financial burdens and allowed me to focus on my studies. It not only brought me closer to achieving my academic and career goals but also motivated me to continue working hard and giving back to the community.

DELANEY Harwell

Food & Beverage, 2 years

I am in my 4th year of college and will graduate in June 2025. I am attending UC Irvine, and my major is Computer Science. I did not transfer to UCI. I got offered a full-time postgrad position as a software engineer in LA! This has been my dream since 14 and it came true. I am forever grateful for this scholarship and the support of NBCC! As an out of state student, I have had to pay a hefty amount for tuition and NBCC helped lessen this so I can focus more on school. It has turned out amazing and I am now graduating with a job lined up. Thank you!

TAMARA Villalobos

Food & Beverage, 3 years

I completed an AS degree in May 2024, and I am working towards becoming a registered dietician. I am attending Orange Coast College, and I am majoring in Nutrition & Dietetics. I did not transfer to OCC; however, I am looking at Cal State Long Beach’s Nutrition Program. I have a 3.7 GPA. I love preventative nutrition which is aiding people before they are sick. I want to use my knowledge to do workshops for kids and adults. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities the scholarship program offers. As a firstgeneration Mexican American woman and the first person in my family to graduate from college, the ability to study, learn, grow, and tap into the possibilities this word has available, means so much to me.

MEMPHIS Velasco

Culinary

Child of Diego Velasco, 2 years

Currently, I am in my second semester of my 3rd year at CSU. I will graduate in May of 2026. I have attended Colorado State University since graduating High School at Rosary Academy, and I am majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Conservation and a minor in Chemistry. I did not transfer from another school as I began attending after High School graduation, in the fall of 2022. I am one of the few students at the school studying Marine Biology, although CSU has no Marine Biology major, and Colorado is a land-locked state so that makes it unique and challenging. I have had to get creative in the classes I take, the opportunities I take on, and how CSU will play a role in planning my future studies abroad and at Post Graduate School. Yet, I was originally drawn to the school for their rich Biology, Veterinary, Zoological and Equine Sciences courses. I love animals but have now focused on those residing in the sea! This scholarship means the world to me. It shows that there are people out there who believe in me and understand that I want to give back to this world and the environment with my future career. My family has always said, ‘it takes a village’ so it is so special to know that there is a larger community through my Dad’s employers that recognize that and are willing to help myself and other recipients attain their goals. Thank you, again, from the bottom of my heart.

CAMILIE Lopreiato

Food & Beverage, 4 years

I am in my fourth year and will be graduating in December 2025. I am studying Accounting & Finance at Cal State Fullerton. I transferred to CSUF in my third year from Santiago Canyon College. I am pursuing a Big 4 career with Ernst & Young, beginning with an audit internship at their Irvine office this summer! This scholarship has allowed me to pursue my academic and career goals while alleviating financial stress. I hope to one day give back to this incredible community!