Hispanic Scholarship Fund | Wells Fargo $3.395 million grant
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) celebrated its Second Annual Leaders in Education Awards luncheon on Tuesday, May 8 at the JW Marriott Hotel at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles, where Wells Fargo announced an historic $3.395 million grant in support of the organization’s important work. The luncheon also honored Southern California students, teachers, mentors, parents and an entire school for outstanding achievement in their support of higher education.
Kicking off the event, Tim Hanlon, head of Philanthropy for Wells Fargo, took the stage to announce the new gift to HSF, the largest corporate donation the organization has ever received. The gift will enable HSF to provide scholarships for hundreds of new applicants, along with program support.
“Wells Fargo understands the importance of investing in the education of our youth,” said Hanlon. “We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality and affordable education and this grant will provide much needed scholarships to students – many of whom are the first in their families to attend college – striving to achieve their dream of higher education.”
During the ceremony, HSF President and CEO Frank Alvarez, thanked Wells Fargo for their support of HSF, the leading provider of scholarships to Hispanics across the country, and encouraged other donors to expand their contributions.
“HSF is humbled by Wells Fargo’s generous support,” said Alvarez. “We are looking forward to advancing our mission with this significant contribution, and hope that it will inspire others to increase their support and help every Latino household send at least one person to college.”
Los Angeles City Councilmember José Huizar was also on hand with a resolution from the Los Angeles City Council.
“As a former HSF scholarship recipient, I know firsthand how critical the Hispanic Scholarship Fund is in providing students the opportunity to successfully attend and graduate from college,” said Huizar. “I am proud to present the HSF with this resolution recognizing their role in providing access and resources to Latinos who are in need of a college education.”
The event was hosted by NBC4’s Emmy Award-winning reporter Kim Baldonado, and attended by HSF’s board members Jim McNamara, Panamax Films Chair, and newly appointed Chair of HSF Board of Directors; vice president, North American Financial Integration of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Anthony Salcido; actor/comedian Cheech Marin; Partner at Centinela Capital, Fidel Vargas, HSF supporters Gilbert & Jacki Cisneros; Senior VP, Corporate Communications, Wells Fargo, Diana Rodriguez; Sr. Sales VP, The Coca-Cola Company, Kevin Flood; and Region Vice President, West Anheuser-Busch, Henry Dominguez were among the distinguished guests.
HSF 2012 Leaders in Education Award Winners
Educator of the Year – Irazema Guerrero Meléndez – Presented by Jim McNamara
Student of the Year – Jonathan Chiquito-Crespo – Presented by Anthony Salcido
Parent of the Year – Eber Quezada Mori – Presented by Kevin Flood
Mentor of the Year – Dr. Suzanna Guzmán – Presented by Henry Dominguez
School of the Year – Ursula Rosin, Principal, on behalf of Woodrow Wilson High School – Presented by Diana Rodriguez
HSF Supporters
Leading HSF supporter Wells Fargo was the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s luncheon, and presented the School of the Year Award. Platinum sponsors who presented awards were HSF’s long-time partner The Coca-Cola Company presenting the Parent of the Year Award, long- time national partner Toyota presenting the Student of the Year Award and 37-year HSF partner Anheuser Busch presenting the Mentor of the Year Award.
About the Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund believes that the country prospers when all Americans have access to the opportunities a college education can afford. As the nation’s leading Hispanic higher education fund, HSF works to address the barriers that keep many Latinos from earning a college degree. To date, HSF has awarded over $360 million in scholarships and has supported a broad range of outreach and education programs to help students and their families navigate collegiate life, from gaining admission and securing financial aid to finding employment after graduation. HSF has created Generation 1st Degree, a program that envisions a future where every Latino household will have at least one college graduate, creating an enduring impact on the college outlook of Latino families nationwide, and strengthening the American economy for generations to come. For more information about the Hispanic Scholarship Fund please visit: www.HSF.net.
