Meet Our Students

With the support of generous alumni, parents, faculty and staff, students and friends, UC San Diego can make the difference between whether a deserving student can attain a UCSD education or not. Here are real students who share how their scholarship support has made an impact on them as they are prepared to become tomorrow's leaders.

Chancellor's Research Scholar

Wint Lwin ’10
Major: Biomedical Engineering

“It was one of the happiest days of my life when I received my scholarship. It has made a huge difference, as I am a first generation college student from a low-income family. My research with outstanding UC San Diego doctors and researchers is preparing me for my goal of becoming a doctor. I want to improve the quality of life for those who do not have access to adequate healthcare.”

Pat and Bob Whalen Endowed Military Transfer Scholarship Recipient

Kenyon Ralph ’10
Major: Computer Engineering

“Scholarships are important—they allow students to attend UC San Diego without having to worry so much about finances, so that we can be more academically competitive. The scholarship has considerably reduced my reliance on student loans and has allowed me to focus more on my schoolwork.”

Jaye Haddad Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Jesse Dubler ’08
Major: Political Science, Environmental Studies

"The Haddad Scholarship certainly made life much easier for me as a first-generation student from a low-income family. It allowed me the freedom to pursue research opportunities normally available only to graduate students such as presenting at two conferences."

So Family Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

Andrew Chang ’09
Major: Economics and Visual Arts Media

“With the help of international scholarships, many students, like me, who desire to study abroad will not be discouraged by the costs of going abroad and may have an opportunity of a lifetime. My goal is to work internationally, and this experience has given me a taste of what it would be like.”

Hispanic Scholarship Council Scholar

Jessica Mendez ’10
Major: Human Biology

“I made it my goal to be the first in my family to graduate from college. Because of the generous scholarship support I’ve received, I am very close to achieving my goal. The scholarship greatly alleviated our worry of how to pay for college.”