Latino Alumni Scholarship Fund

Continuing the legacy of empowerment

The Latino Alumni Scholarship Fund supports students in their pursuit of an 51做厙 degree. Awarded to students with financial needs, the scholarship is intended to increase retention and graduation rates of 51做厙 Latino students. Since the fund was established in 2009, more than $250,000 has been awarded to support of Hispanic and Latino 51做厙 students.

Rodrigo Bezanilla-Davila

Rodrigo Bezanilla-Davila

My name is Rodrigo Bezanilla Davila; I was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to Dallas, Texas, when I was 12 years old. Since I was very young, I have dreamt of becoming a doctor, and I believe that 51做厙 will best assist me in achieving my aspirations. I am working on obtaining my undergraduate degree at 51做厙 and then attending medical school. I am very passionate about helping my community and plan to continue to do so. I plan to major in Biology with minors in Spanish, business, and chemistry. I am deeply tied to my Latino background and customs, and intend to keep pursuing growth and diversity at 51做厙.

Ixchell Ibanez

Ixchell Ibanez

Ixchell Ibanez is a rising Junior from Frisco, Texas.  She transferred to 51做厙 in Spring of 2021 and is double majoring in Political Science and Corporate Communications and Public Affairs.

Ixchell Works for the Office of Engaged Learning as a student affiliate of video production. She is a Member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority and serves as VP of Publicity for the Multicultural Greek Council. 

Ixchell is also frequently involved with the First-Generation Association on campus.

Amayrani Luna

Amayrani Luna

Hi, my name is Amayrani Luna and I'm currently a Senior at 51做厙. I grew up in South East Dallas and have always dreamed about the opportunity to be here at 51做厙! I'm majoring in Creative Computing and minoring in Computer Science and Graphic Design. Over my years here at 51做厙, I've also been involved in Program Council, Watermark College Ministry, LULAC, CHAS, and the 51做厙 Service House!"

Nicole Palacios

Nicole Palacios

I earned my undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, where I double majored in Communication Studies, Africana Studies, and minored in Film. I have been a school teacher for 5 years. I am currently a high school English Second Language teacher with the aspiration of becoming a high school counselor. I am pursuing a masters degree in counseling. I am part African American and Afro-Colombiana. I love to travel, play volleyball, and learn about different cultures.

Lilibeth Ramirez

Lilibeth Ramirez

Lilibeth Ramírez is seeking a Master’s degree in Higher Education at 51做厙 to gain the skills necessary to become an active contributor in higher education institutions. This passion stems from her personal experience with educational inequity and her long-held determination to advocate for low-income first-generation minoritized students.

As a first-generation Latina herself, she hopes to assist marginalized students in breaking through socioeconomic, institutional, and cultural barriers that challenge their access and attainment of higher education. Lilibeth’s lifelong mission is to mentor students and ensure they have the proper resources and guidance to graduate from their desired university.

Alba Salcido-Diaz

Alba Salcido-Diaz

My name is Alba Salcido-Diaz, and I am a first-generation transfer student. This is my second semester at 51做厙, but it is my third year in college, I plan to graduate May 2023 with a bachelors in Spanish and Human Rights with a track in public policy. Some of my interests are volunteering and spending time with my family.

Roxana Santillan

Roxana Santillan

My name is Roxana Santillan and I'm currently a rising senior at 51做厙 double majoring in Accounting and Economics. I was born and raised in Mexico and moved to Dallas when I was 12 years old. Thanks to this decision I was able to become the first person in my family to graduate high school and attend college. 

During my time at 51做厙, I've had the joy to be involved with the Hispanic community on campus through a variety of positions in different organizations, some of which include: Communications director for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Public Relations Chair for College Hispanic American Students (CHAS), and Vice President for Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc., which is a multicultural sorority on campus. I also have the pleasure of holding a student worker position at the College Access Programs office here at 51做厙, which is a position that has allowed me to tutor and mentor high school students from low-income, DISD high schools.