Student Named Oberndorf Scholar

MESA, Arizona –  Mesa Community College student Karina Aguilar is one of seven Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) National Honor Society members who have been selected as Oberndorf Scholars and awarded a total of $7,000 in scholarships. The scholars receive scholarships of $1,000 each to complete their associate degree or certificate studies.

PTK’s Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship helps members overcome unanticipated financial barriers preventing the completion of the first college credential, an associate degree or certificate, while enrolled in the two-year college. This scholarship was created through a collaborative effort between benefactors Rosemary and Lou Oberndorf, the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and the 2011-2012 International Officers.

“Every Phi Theta Kappa member, advisor, alumnus and administrator has the ability to make a difference for students struggling to complete,” said PTK Foundation CEO Dr. Nancy Rieves. “We are so grateful to all the donors who are making these dreams of college completion come true.”

Students who have completed 45 semester hours or more toward their first associate degree or certificate of college-level coursework and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA are eligible to apply.

Aguilar, who plans to attend medical school for a career in neurosurgery, said the scholarship will assist greatly with her education expenses.

 “The Oberndorf scholarship will help me succeed by letting me finish my associate's degree at MCC rather than transferring to a university without degree completion,” Aguilar said. “It's such an amazing feeling to know that there are people who believe in me so much that they are willing to pay for my educational expenses.”

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Media Contact
Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu 

About Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College provides outstanding transfer and career and technical programs, workforce development, and life-long learning opportunities to residents of the East Valley area of Phoenix, Arizona. MCC excels in teaching, learning and empowering its more than 40,000 students who attend annually to succeed in a local and global community.  Mesa Community College is one of ten colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information please visit mesacc.edu.

The Phi Theta Kappa Foundation is focused on long-term financial stability for Phi Theta Kappa. It is dependent upon the generosity of individuals, organizations, foundations and corporations to ensure its future through the support of existing and the establishment of new endowment funds. For more information on how to contribute to scholarships for Phi Theta Kappa members through the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, contact Rieves at 800.946.9995, ext. 3537.

The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Source Details

Publication Date: 
Monday, November 10, 2014