Scholars
Meet our former and current scholars
Class of 2022 Scholar
Maruko Itai
Maruko attends Lane Community College and aspires to be a forensic pathologist. Her interest in a medicinal career path was inspired by her autistic brother and she wants to help people even after their passing.
Class of 2022 Scholar
Diego Rodriguez
Diego is a student at Lane Community College and wants to major in health professions. He wants to assist others in any way possible after his parents left their hometown and family behind so that he and his siblings could have a better life in the United States.
Class of 2022 Scholar
Amber Everson
Amber is pursuing a degree in radiologic science at the Oregon Institute of Technology. She wants to follow the career path of her grandma and continue her legacy, as well as become the first person in her family to achieve a college degree.
Class of 2023 Scholar
Cody Thomas
Cody is working towards his associate's degree in criminal justice at Chemeketa Community College and plans to transfer to PSU to pursue a bachelor's degree. He found the motivation to return to college ten years after receiving his high school diploma and juggles time between his wife and toddler and managing a business.
Class of 2023 Scholar
Makenna Shamion
Makenna is studying environmental science at the Oregon Institute of Technology to undertake a career in wildlife conservation. She has always had a passion for wildlife, being born on Earth Day, and is part of several environmental clubs and projects.
Class of 2023 Scholar
Nasim Jabbar
Nasim is an incoming student at Central Oregon Community College and plans to become a pilot. Immigrating to the United States when he was a child sparked his passion for flying, and he wants to eventually become an airline captain.
Class of 2024 Scholar
Francis Huynh
Francis is pursuing a BSN at the University of Portland. Inspired by the care he received as a newborn, he aims to become a nurse serving in pediatric or critical care settings. He is active in cultural student organizations and nursing clubs, and he’s passionate about bringing support and comfort to others during their most difficult moments.
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Class of 2024 Scholar
Laurel McGuigan
​Laurel is a nursing student at OHSU with a focus on geriatric and ICU care. As a hospice volunteer and peer mentor, she is committed to providing comfort to patients and guidance to fellow students. Her experiences have shaped her goal to be a compassionate, trauma-informed nurse supporting vulnerable individuals and communities at every stage of life.
Class of 2024 Scholar
Miguel Roggema
Miguel is a first-year medical student at Western University of Health Sciences. He founded the Fundamental Future Foundation to support underserved communities in Belize through education and outreach. Motivated by his experiences in global health disparities, Miguel hopes to become a doctor serving marginalized populations through both clinical care and community-led solutions.