MSJC Celebrates 225 Scholarship Recipients at Annual Scholarship Reception
12/9/2025
Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) honored 225 remarkable students at this year’s MSJC Foundation Scholarship Reception—an inspiring celebration of academic achievement, student resilience, and the transformative power of donor generosity. Hosted by the MSJC Foundation, the event brought together students, families, donors, and campus leaders to recognize opportunity in action.
Foundation Board President Patrick Ellis opened the reception with a warm welcome, and MSJC Superintendent/President Dr. Roger Schultz offered opening remarks, reflecting on the profound impact scholarships have on students’ educational journeys. “Every scholarship represents more than financial support—it represents belief,” said Dr. Schultz. “Belief in the potential of our students, belief in the power of education, and belief in the future of the communities we serve. We are grateful to every donor who makes this hope possible.”
During the program, students were presented with certificates representing a wide
range of scholarships made possible through the generosity of individuals, families,
foundations, and community partners. Each scholarship carries its own story of legacy,
resilience, compassion, and commitment to lifting others.
Highlighted scholarships included:
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Agatha J. Baxter Memorial Scholarship: Supporting underserved students of high scholastic standing, made possible through The Community Foundation Serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
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Bernard Osher Scholarship: Awarded to continuing MSJC students with financial need who have completed 24 or more units and demonstrated clear career goals.
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Lena T. Pond Nursing Scholarship: Honoring the legacy of a dedicated registered nurse by supporting MSJC nursing students with strong academic achievement and financial need.
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Molly Adams Memorial Scholarship: Created to help disabled students overcome barriers and pursue higher education, inspired by Molly’s own challenges and desire to uplift others.
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The Community Foundation Scholarship: Made possible through multiple donors committed to expanding opportunities for students across the Inland Empire.
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Southern California Edison STEM Scholarships: Supporting underrepresented students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math.
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Honors Enrichment Program Scholarship: Recognizing students who have made significant contributions to MSJC’s Honors community.
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Juntos (Together) We Rise Scholarship: Celebrating the cultural pride, heritage, and resilience of Latinx, Chicanx, and Indigenous students at MSJC.
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MSJC LGBTQ+ Scholarship: Honoring students who have made meaningful contributions to the LGBTQ+ community while pursuing their academic goals.
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PALS (Personalized Academic Learning Skills) Scholarship: Supporting students with disabilities who face additional challenges as they pursue higher education.
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Sun Lakes Country Club Charitable Trust Scholarships: Established through the leadership of Sun Lakes resident and MSJC Foundation Board Member Emeritus, Joe Formino, supporting students from Banning, Beaumont, and Cherry Valley.
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Maria Elena Lopez Memorial Scholarship: Honoring the legacy of a trailblazing MSJC professor whose extraordinary life’s work inspired generations of students.
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Assistance League of Hemacinto Scholarship: Awarding students re-entering college, supported by the League’s community-centered philanthropic initiatives.
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Finish Line Scholars Program: Funded by the Jay Pritzker Foundation to help students complete degrees, certificates, or transfer to four-year institutions.
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Prince of Peace Family Ministries Scholarship: Supporting students committed to academic excellence, service, and personal and spiritual development.
The events reflected the heart of MSJC’s mission: to uplift, empower, and prepare students to transform their lives and their communities. Many students in attendance shared how scholarships eased financial burdens, reaffirmed their sense of belonging, and gave them the confidence to persist toward their goals.
The MSJC Foundation extends sincere gratitude to all donors and partners whose investment makes these scholarships possible, and to the students who continually inspire the college community with their dedication and perseverance.
As Dr. Schultz noted, “When we invest in students, we invest in a future filled with promise. These celebrations are a testament to what happens when community and education come together.”
