During an emotional pregame ceremony on May 5, Avnet and the Arizona Diamondbacks gave away a total of $250,000 in college scholarships through St. Vincent de Paul’s One at a Time scholars program. The amount will be distributed to 14 deserving students pursuing STEM careers. They also received a custom jersey, computer, headphones, backpack and a gift card for school supplies.
“It cannot be understated that some of the greatest hope is in the promise of the next generation,” said D-backs President, CEO & General Partner Derrick Hall. “Education plays a significant role in ensuring a bright future for all which is why the Arizona Diamondbacks and Avnet are teaming up with St. Vincent de Paul to make futures even brighter.”
The First Class of Avnet Scholars includes:
- William Bolanos attending Glendale Community College/Arizona State University for Construction Management
- Ximena Gonzalez attending Arizona State University for Computer Science Software Engineering
- Paola Gaxiola attending Arizona State University/Barrett, The Honors College for Forensic Psychology
- American Haro Ortega attending Phoenix College/Arizona State University for Mathematics
- Zachary Kaesberg attending Northern Arizona University for Nursing
- Letina Kiflemariam attending Phoenix College/Northern Arizona University online for Nursing
- Samantha Lopez attending Arizona State University for Conservation Ecology
- Bryan Martinez attending Arizona State University for Aerospace Engineering
- William Najera attending Arizona State University Polytechnic for Aerospace Engineering
- Deborah Palomino Lopez attending Arizona State University for Nursing
- Evelyn Rodriguez Aguilar attending Arizona State University for Animation
- Daylene Sanchez attending Phoenix College/Arizona State University for Accounting
- Debby Suarez attending Arizona State University/Barrett, The Honors College for Health Solutions/Speech Pathology
- Adrian Villegas attending Arizona State University for Engineering
“Community giving is the heart of our partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks,” said Avnet CEO Phil Gallagher. “We’re proud to be working with two of the most prominent charitable organizations in the Valley to ensure more first-generation Arizona students have access to a high-quality, STEM-focused college education.”
The D-backs Avnet Stem Scholars program is new this year and was developed to:
- expand opportunities for Arizona-college bound seniors beginning in the fall of 2023,
- support high-potential, low-income and/or first-generation Arizona students who want to pursue a college degree and a career in STEM, and
- provide mentor support with an individual mentor through St. Vincent de Paul and an on-campus mentor at the scholar’s selected school.
The program provides not only financial assistance, but also a robust support system that helps scholars overcome the unique barriers that first-generation students face which is accomplished through mentorship and resources to help guide scholars to success in their college careers.
