eNews Edition: Fall 2023
Contributed by Gina Flores
The University Library was honored and overjoyed to present thirty awards to distinguished student employees at the 8th Annual University Library Student Employee Scholarship Reception in March 2023. As one of the largest employers of student assistants on campus, the Library takes great pride in fostering valuable student work experience and creating a supportive learning environment. One of the exciting benefits students love about working here is the opportunity to earn a scholarship – and sometimes, more than one!
Take a moment with us to appreciate the many dedicated donors and their unique scholarships. These awards serve as a tribute to our donors’ commitment to the bright futures of our outstanding students, who not only excel in their academic and community pursuits, but also make a positive impact in the Library’s daily operations.
Ann & David Perkins Scholarship
Ann and David Perkins are both Emeritus Librarians from CSUN,and they established this scholarship to support the hardworking and dedicated student employees of the University Library.
2023 recipients: Melita Mehzabin, Krina Gajjar, Isabella Meza, Benjamin Nix, Agatha Santos, and Gurnoor Kaur
“This award allows me the opportunity to put forth more effort into making my goals a reality by providing the time I need to focus on my studies, rather than on finances.” -Isabella Meza
Library Employee Scholarship
This is our seventh year offering Library Employee Scholarships, which were conceived by CSUN Library employees who wanted to fund a scholarship for library student assistants through personal donations.
2023 recipients: James Richards, Isabella Meza, Matthew Martinez, and Karen Ticas
“By awarding me the Library Employees Scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden, which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school: learning.” -Karen Ticas
Dr. Bonita J. Campbell WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Scholarship
Dr. Bonnie Campbell established this scholarship to support students interested in pursuing careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields.
2023 recipients: Gurnoor Kaur and Vaishnavi Sen
“I am extremely grateful to you for recognizing my dedication and hard work and believing in me and being an amazing source of motivation.” -Vaishnavi Sen
The Edward Park Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence Scholarship
This award recognizes that excellence is not just about achieving great success, but also about pushing boundaries, taking risks, and making a difference. This scholarship is a way to celebrate those who have done just that, and to support them as they continue on their path of excellence, making their mark on the world and inspiring others to do the same.
“Your generosity has reinforced my determination to succeed and has inspired me to make a positive impact in my chosen field.” -Mohab Khalid, 2023 recipient
Gladys White Stinson Memorial Scholarship
As a loving tribute, this scholarship honors the pursuit of higher education and those who persist to achieve their goals with faith, endurance, and confidence in their ability to succeed.
“This award has been applied toward a chunk of my student loans and has alleviated me of my financial burden and allowed me to focus more on my academic and personal pursuits.” -Trinity Acklin, 2023 recipient
Virginia Elwood Scholarship
CSUN Librarian Emeritus Virginia Elwood worked as a librarian and tenured member of the library faculty for 29 years from 1972 until her retirement in 2001. She established this scholarship to assist students with much needed financial support as they work toward achieving their university degree.
“The scholarship will go a long way and will be one of the building pieces in my life that will shape me into a better me.” -Aaron Gian Madrid, 2023 recipient
Gus and Erika Manders Scholarship
The Manders gave scholarships for many years because of their belief in, and support of, higher education. Gus graduated from CSUN in 1964 with an MBA. We join the Manders family in honoring the life and legacy of Gus and Erika Manders. We will always remember the devoted Manders couple, and the genuine kindness they shared with the CSUN community and the Library over the years. In 2023, the Gus and Erika Manders Scholarship is co-sponsored and co-funded by Marianne Afifi, Greg Buesing, and Wayne Smith.
“This scholarship helps me immensely in paying off school expenses, and thanks to you I am one step closer to accomplishing my academic and career goals.” -Erika Martinez, 2023 recipient
Lois & Ralph Prator Scholarship
The University Women’s Club established this scholarship to honor past University Women’s Club President Lois Prator and founding CSUN President Ralph Prator.
2023 recipients: Meghan McMahan, Gladys Mateo, Michelle Orea-Villafana
“By receiving this scholarship, I have been inspired to help and contribute to the community just like all of you. Thank you for your very important financial assistance.” -Michelle Orea-Villafana
Friends of the Library Scholarship
The Friends of the Library is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing the resources of the University Library. Among other activities the Friends raises funds and commits to awarding an annual scholarship to a student employee each year.
“The financial assistance you provided will be of great help to me in paying my CSUN educational expenses and it will also support me during these rough times especially with the inflation.” -Naweeth Mohamed Riyaz, 2023 recipient
O2EPCM Diversity Scholarship
This award was donated by CSUN alumna Omoné Livingston, the President and CEO of O2EPCM, and also a Bonita J. Campbell Women in Science and Engineering Advisory Board Member.
“Besides providing financial support, the scholarship you have awarded me also motivates me to work harder to achieve my goals for my academics and my life.” -Vaishnavi Sen, 2023 recipient
Mary & James Cleary International Scholarship
The University Women’s Club established this international student scholarship to honor both Mary Cleary, who served as Honorary President of the University Women’s Club from 1969-1992, and past CSUN President James Cleary.
“With this scholarship, I am now able to continue my studies without worrying about the financial burden that comes with it. It is because of your generosity that I can fully focus on my studies, participate in extracurricular activities, and gain more experience that will help me achieve my future goals.” -Dev Patel, 2023 recipient
Dr. Karin J. Duran Scholarship, funded by Rick Nupoll
Rick and Karin met while they were student assistants at the University Library. He was married to Karin for 39 years, and Karin was a Librarian at the Library for 37 years and director of the Teacher Curriculum Center. Karin cared deeply about students, especially students who were the first in their family to attend college.
2023 recipients: Nataly Torres and Jenniffer Serrano
“Thank you for your support in ensuring I end the last semester of my college career stronger than ever before.” -Jennifer Serrano
Mary Flenniken Memorial Scholarship, championed by Ardis Flenniken
Ardis was a work study student herself in the Library’s Music & Media Department, and she currently works as an Editorial Analyst in CSUN’s Office of Admission and Records. It gives Ardis great pleasure, while she is still on campus, to witness someone benefiting from this gift, just as she benefited from the loving support of her mother, in whose memory this scholarship is given.
“Being selected as the recipient has been an honor and I truly appreciate your generosity. The scholarship award has eased my financial worries, and I can now focus on my academic pursuits.” -Agatha Santos, 2023 recipient
Tony Gardner Scholarship
This award is designed for a student who has worked in and supported the efforts of the Library’s Special Collections and Archives, as part of the Tony Gardner Endowment. Tony is a CSUN alumnus and Librarian Emeritus who is dearly committed to supporting the University Library’s valuable resource collection of materials printed prior to the 1820s, housed in Special Collections & Archives.
“I am going to be graduating this semester and your contribution will be helping me purchase materials I need for graduate school. Thank you for investing in my future.” -Nataly Torres, 2023 recipient
Besnilian Family Scholarship
This award honors hardworking students who diligently pursue their academic degree.
“I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the scholarship you have awarded me. Your generosity will help me achieve my academic goals and pursue my dreams in Public Health.” -Daniela Vargas, 2023 recipient
Marianne Afifi Scholarship
Marianne is a retired CSUN Librarian and past Associate Dean of the Library. Marianne established this Library scholarship some years ago, and even in retirement she is a continuing champion for the University Library and for our hardworking student employees.
“Your kindness has inspired me to eventually help students also achieve their goals by lending them a hand with their financial burdens. I hope one day I will be able to provide support just like you genuinely have shown care and concern for students.” -Stacy Villa, 2023 recipient
Feodosia (Fenia) Y. Yakovleva Scholarship
Sponsored by Robert and Maureen Gohstand, this scholarship honors the memory of Fenia’s lifetime of loving affection and support for the Gohstand family as a nanny, housekeeper and ever-loyal friend.
“With your gracious scholarship, I feel more relieved financially for this academic year. I genuinely thank you both for granting me with this immense help and support, without even entirely knowing me.” -Brenda Zepeda, 2023 recipient
Ronald C. and Elizabeth-ann Purcell IGRA Fellowship and Scholarship
Elizabeth-ann established this opportunity for a student assistant working in the International Guitar Research Archives in memory of her husband Ron Purcell, a professor on campus who established the IGRA archives.
“I can't thank you enough for this honor and opportunity.” -Naim Dehghany, 2023 IGRA Fellow
Congratulations to the 2023 Library student employee scholarship recipients on these well-deserved awards!