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Allen Van Tran '15

Grappling with financial limitations didn’t stop Allen Van Tran from finding a way to use his education to open doors for others. He is now the youngest alumnus from the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) to establish an endowment at UC Riverside.
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Barbara Kerr '68

Barbara’s story showcases MOBILITY. As a first-generation alumna and donor, her story illustrates the opportunity a student at UCR has to find opportunity not only while on campus, but for the rest of their lives.
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Ella Loyo

Ella’s story is one of MOBILITY. Raised by a single mother, Ella’s dedication to becoming an entrepreneur is admirable and showcases an ambitious mindset.
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James Merino MBA '98

Education and opportunity go hand in hand for James Merino, MBA ’98, a data engineer who has worked at some of the biggest firms in Silicon Valley. That’s why he created the Jaime J. Merino Endowed Business Scholarship for Master of Business Administration students at UC Riverside’s School of Business in 2016.
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Rebecca Jennings

Rebecca’s story is one of MOBILITY. As a first-generation student, her personal adversities have served as motivation to pursue a career in STEM.
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Sheila Abdolmanafi

Sheila’s story is one of MOBILITY. Her determination to study at UCR as an international student displays resilience and passion to achieve her goal of working in healthcare.
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Sonia Oluoch

Sonia’s story is one of MOBILITY. As a first-generation student who seeks to create change in the justice system, her ambition to become a lawyer and advocate for underrepresented communities is inspiring.
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Thomas Howlett

Thomas Howlett’s drive and determination to balance life as a chemical engineering major and student athlete is admirable. Thanks to support from UC Riverside’s athletics and engineering department, he is making steady strides towards a career in renewable energy.
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Vera Machado Martinez M.A. '71, Ph.D. '79

A first gen UCR grad and single mom pioneered an exceptional career of firsts and is helping young Latina women do the same.