Black Alumni Network Scholarship

Laila Richards '24

Laila is a rising senior majoring in Environmental and Ocean Science with a concentration in Marine Ecology and a minor in Biology. She is the outreach chair for the Black Student Union,  the Risk manager for Women’s Club Basketball, and a guide for Outdoor Adventures. She plans on participating in a summer research program at USD in which she will study and identify important nursery habitats in Mission Bay. After she graduates, she plans to attend graduate school and pursue a Phd in Marine Biology. 

In her own words, “I want to thank the alumni and donors who made this scholarship possible. I truly admire and appreciate the passion and dedication to help USD students further their education.”

Iruka Obinelo '25

Iruka is a second year student  at the University of San Diego majoring in Psychology with a double minor in business administration and french. Currently, she is the Vice President of the African Student Union and is on the executive board for the Black Student Union. She is also a part of the Student International Business Council, she is part of a team that is currently working with a sustainable recycling company out of New Orleans to help them with marketing and next steps in their business journey. She is also part of the Toreo Ambassador network as a tour guide for the school. She has plans to join the Peace Corps after graduation to be of service to developing countries, especially the children in African countries as her cultural identity is Nigerian. After the Peace Corps, she plans to get a masters in International
Policy with a focus on public affairs in developing countries.

In her own words, "I would like to say thank you to both the USD alumni and donors who made this scholarship possible. I am truly honored and grateful to be the recipient. Scholarships like these are what allow students to continue pushing themselves to be the best versions of themselves through higher education. Allowing us to be of service to the world and leave it a better place then how we found it. Thank you again!"

Maya Enrequez '23

Maya Enrequez is a 4th-year Senior double majoring in business marketing and communications. Throughout the years, she has held positions in different organizations on campus such as treasurer for Black Student Union and a mentor for Student Support Services. Now she spends the majority of her time as an assistant at a small finance company and a marketing tutor for Student Support Services. This past summer her internship at The CW Television network, a company that aligns with her post-graduation interest in working in entertainment and helping improve diversity on the screen, solidified her career goals.

In her own words: “I am humbled and immensely grateful to express my sincere gratitude to the USD alumni and donors for supporting students reach their goals. With this scholarship, I can focus on my collegiate journey and career aspirations. Thank you.”

Mathew Barry Holloway II '23
Mathew studies Conflict Resolution at the Kroc School of Peace Studies. He focuses on historical memory, cultural narratives, and social conflict in the U.S., with an emphasis on collective memory, trauma, and healing of American life since the pandemic. His current public project “Coming HOME: Re-storying U.S.” is a digital healing campaign that speaks to the realities of Generation Z at a time when millions are struggling with how global, national, and local events have caused anxiety, hopelessness, and social isolation.  The project connects young Americans (curators) to document and dialogue through life experiences and social commentary leading up to America250. In 2026, the United States will commemorate its 250th anniversary. 

In his own words, "With your support, I piloted the “Coming HOME: Re-storying U.S.” project with nine USD undergraduates. As the project expands, I am deeply grateful to the USD alumni and donors who supported my education."

Mikaela Morris '23
Mikaela is studying Industrial and Systems Engineering and will be graduating in Spring 2024. She is currently the Secretary of the National Society of Black Engineers chapter here at USD and works in Campus Recreation, she is also a math grader. She is involved in multiple organizations as well as communities within the USD community. Among her goals she wants to be able to utilize her engineering degree to make a difference in the Black Community. She has worked with an organization that helps promote STEM education to kids in order to give them exposure to possibilities for their future. 

In her own words, "I want to sincerely thank you all for funding my Engineering education here at the University of San Diego. It is such an honor to be able to accept this award and I am extremely grateful. This scholarship helps alleviate some of my student loans and immensely helps lift a financial burden from my family. I also want to thank you all for entrusting me with this scholarship. I will be able to focus my time on bettering my education as well as promoting STEM education to the younger generations."

Janine Parchment '23
Janine Parchment is a 3L student at the University of San Diego School of Law, where she has distinguished herself as a leader and an active member of the law school community. Janine currently serves as the President of the Black Law Student Association, a 3L Representative to the Student Bar Association, and a valued member of The Dean’s Student Advisory Committee. As a first-generation law student and mother to a precocious teenager, Janine has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination throughout her academic journey. Upon completing the bar exam, Janine is set to begin her career as a litigator at Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP in San Diego, CA.

In her own words, "I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for awarding me the Black Alumni Network Scholarship. It is a great honor to be selected as a recipient of this generous gift. Receiving this scholarship will lighten my financial burden and enable me to focus on my scholastic and charitable endeavors. I hope to pay it forward one day by helping students achieve their goals, just as you have helped me. Benefactors like you fill me with pride to have chosen USD Law for my legal education. Once again, thank you for your kindness and support. I truly appreciate your investment in my future."

Tre' Watkins '23
Tre' s research agenda centers the experiences of Black undergraduate students who attend historically white institutions (HWI). More specifically, his dissertation explores the ways in which Black undergraduates build community through the Black Student Union. Currently, he serves as a Teacher's Assistant, Mentor, and Ambassador in the SOLES department. He also serves as the undergraduate chapter advisor for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. which has members at USD and SDSU. Professionally, he co-leads the Career Services team at Point Loma Nazarene University, adjunct faculty in the Sociology Department at Point Loma Nazarene University, and will begin as a Lecturer at USD this Summer in the SOLES Department. As an emerging scholar in the area of race and education, it is his goal to produce scholarship that serves the continued struggle for liberation. As an alumnus of USD, he will uphold the values of academic excellence, knowledge, community, ethical conduct, and compassionate service, dedicating his work to making a lasting impact in this community. 

In his own words, "Your contribution to the USD community has not gone unnoticed. Your willingness to invest in the future of students like myself is a testament to your commitment to academic excellence and the importance of higher education. Your dedication to making a difference in the lives of students is inspiring and has motivated me to work harder towards my academic goals. This scholarship will not only alleviate my financial burden, but it will also allow me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular activities. It is because of your kind and thoughtful donation that I can pursue my academic dreams without worrying about the financial aspect."