GABRIEL ADIBE ’12
Class of 2008 Scholarship
Sociology Major, Emphasis on Community, Urbanization, and Culture

Gabriel is a member of San Diego NROTC and the President of USD THINK. He recently was awarded the ROTC medal for outstanding citizenship and leadership in the realm of the betterment of the citizens of the United States. Additionally, he was recognized as one of the Alcala 100, outstanding seniors who give back to USD. In September 2012, he will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. 

“USD has made me a better leader and follower and has truly enhanced the meaning of stewardship, caring for humankind, and excelling in education. You have provided a generous scholarship for me to continue my education. Thank you all so very much!” says Gabriel.

ALEXANDRA BLECH ’13
Class of 2009 Scholarship
Sociology Major, Business Administration Minor

Alexandra is involved with Kappa Alpha Theta, the Greek Disciplinary Board, Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honors Society, and as a USD Ambassador. She held a leadership position for the undergraduate chapter of Net Impact. Her practiced philosophy makes the most out of the college experience by encompassing her interests into many avenues in order to discover her niche.

She says, “My time at USD has changed me in so many ways, and truly helped me discover my identity and what I hope to do with the rest of my life. When I graduate, I know that I will have accomplished something great - none of which would have ever been possible without the generous contributions of our incredible USD alumni.”

ALYSSA BURNS ’15
Class of 2011 Scholarship
Business Administration and Marketing Double Major

Alyssa is actively involved with the USD Microfinance Club, the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma and the Honors program. She also holds a position in the Office of the Assistant Dean of Students. After graduation, she hopes to work for a marketing firm in Southern California and give back to the USD community.

“I am constantly astounded by past and present Toreros' unyielding compassion and generosity. I cannot thank you enough for your support and belief in myself and my future,” Alyssa said.

SOPHIA CARRILLO ’13
Class of 2009 Scholarship
Sociology and Political Science Double Major, Peace and Justice Studies Minor

 Sophia has been involved with Associated Students, USD Model United Nations, USD Mock Trial, and was the co-founder of Women in Public Policy Initiative. She also participated in Founders Chapel Choir, Pi Sigma Alpha, Phi Alpha Delta, and many other organizations on campus. As a recipient of the Fulbright award to study human rights London, Sophia created a documentary Mind the Gap on minority stratification in the United Kingdom. After USD, she plan on attending law school and hope to enjoy a career prosecuting transnational criminal cases in human rights.

“I am incredibly appreciative and motivated by the USD alumni community’s support. These awards truly make a difference and are telling of the close-knit Torero community, I cannot wait to become an active alumna and give back,” Sophia says.

MICHELLE CERVANTES ’15
Class of 2011 Scholarship
Marketing Major, Supply Chain Management and Spanish Double Minor

Michelle is involved in USD’s Greek Life and community. She is an active member of Gamma Phi Beta, and the secretary of the Maher council for the Residence Hall Association at USD. Her goal is to pursue a career in business after graduation.

Thank you donors for contributing to my education in order to help me achieve all my goals throughout my college career. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the USD community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me with mine.

LUKE DALLARIVA ’13
Class of 2009 Scholarship
Biology and History Double Major, Chemistry Minor

Luke’s experience at USD has afforded him to live two dreams simultaneously. He is playing collegiate basketball and preparing for a medical career. The USD basketball program has a rich history. He hopes to be added to the list of notable alumni in basketball, in addition to applying to medical school in the fall. 

“I am humbled by the support of the USD alumni network. The school's benefactors and mentors in the alumni community are helping me to make an impact at USD and in the greater San Diego community. I am extremely grateful by alumni support,” Luke shared.

JANE HAN ’14
Class of 2010 Scholarship
Business Administration and Marketing Double Major

Jane is a marketing intern for USD athletics. She is also a regular volunteered at Junior Achievement, in addition, to being a student-athlete.  

“I wish to express my gratitude to the donors whose generosity will provide me with opportunities to further assist in achieving my education and career goals. Because of scholarship patrons like you, I look forward to helping others as you have helped me in such a generous and empathetic way,” expressed Jane. 

ALEXANDER HERMANN ’14
Class of 2010 Scholarship
Communication Studies Major, Leadership Studies Minor

Alexander is a leader. During his years at USD, he has held positions in several student organizations including Residential life, Associated Students, University Ministry, Rainbow Educators and Greek life. In addition to being a Resident Assistant, he is the Chair of the AS Committee on Inclusion & Diversity, and a tour guide for the Undergraduate Admissions office. Upon graduation, Alexander plans to pursue a career in the Entertainment Industry.

He shares, “It is truly gratifying to be recognized as leaving a lasting impact on the USD community, and it has kept my passion to be a student leader at an all-time high. I feel blessed to be studying in an environment where my passion for learning, innovation, and leadership are appreciated. Thank you for generosity.”

KUNAL KOHLI ’12
Class of 2008 Scholarship
Business Administration and Finance Double Major

Kunal is involved with USD Alpha Phi Omega Service, Management Consulting Club, USD Associated Students, USD Amnesty International, USD Microfinance Club, South Asian Student Association, and many other clubs and groups on campus. He is interested in a career in corporate finance with a focus on analysis or investor relations in the global supply chain management. Eventually, he intends to join his family’s hydropower business in India and expand it using the knowledge earned from his years at USD.

JULIA NORGAARD ’12
Class of 2008 Scholarship
Economics Major

While at USD, Julia founded the Microfinance Club to promote sustainable poverty alleviation.  Leading this student organization fueled her passion for economic development. Julia plans to pursue a doctoral degree in economics at George Washington University to become a development economist.  

Expressing her gratitude Julie said, “I have had an incredible four years here at USD and they have laid the foundation for my passions and vocation for the future.  Thank you for your commitment to USD students and your enthusiasm that helps us pursue our dreams.”

MARIA RUVALCABA ’14
Class of 2010 Scholarship
Political Science and Ethnic Studies Double Major, Latin American Studies Minor

Maria is very involved with several student organizations including the United Front Multicultural Center, the Women’s Center and Trans-Border Institute.  In addition, she also volunteers for Community Service Learning, Center for Awareness Service and Action and University Ministry.  Sustaining social justice and being an ethical leader is her top priority. She hopes USD’s work toward diversity, inclusion, and social justice will continue.

“I want to be a change maker for the brighter and better future of my alma mater…Through the generosity of alumni donors, my desire to continue to work towards diversity and inclusion at USD has been strengthened,” Maria stated.

SHANNON SCHUMACHER ’14
Class of 2010 Scholarship
International Relations and History Double Major, Spanish Minor

Shannon enjoys working in the Women’s Center on the Leadership Council and as Director of Wellness and Sustainability for Associated Students. She hopes to take the knowledge she has gained through her USD experiences and apply it in law school, with the ultimate goal of becoming engaged in international affairs with an emphasis on gender inequality and environmental protection.  

JAMIE SHEA ’13
Class of 2009 Scholarship
English and Psychology Double Major 

Jamie serves on the leadership council of the Preceptor Assistant program. She also exercises her musical talents weekly singing in Founders Chapel Choir. As part of the Founders Community Service Club, Jamie organizes monthly visits to Nazareth House, a home for the elderly in San Diego.

The generosity and involvement of donors is beyond measure. Jamie expressed her gratitude to alumni, “By staying involved, you not only provide financial support, but provide an example for me and the undergraduate population. Thank you for caring enough to help make my education possible – I am forever grateful.”

BRIANNA TRIFILETTI ’14
Class of 2010 Scholarship
International Relations and Religious Studies Double Major 

At the University of San Diego, Brianna is involved with Model United Nations in addition to her work as a tutor at the Math Center. This fall, she founded the Theology & Religious Studies Club with the aspiration of diversify and allowing for greater academic discussion in the fields. After graduation, Brianna hopes to attend graduate school and pursue a career in international conflict resolution with an emphasis on religious conflicts and components of conflicts.

She expresses her gratitude to the scholarship donors and review committee for fueling her creativity and knowledge. She said, “I am eternally grateful and hope---to pass [on] the generosity I have experienced.”