A.S. and Student Affairs Seek Scholarship Funds for Men & Women of Distinction
In an effort to provide scholarship funding to 30 of the top students at Fullerton College, the Associated Students and the Office of Student Affairs are seeking support from the campus community to raise funds for the Men and Women of Distinction Awards held each spring.
“The annual banquet for Men and Women of Distinction is always one the highlights of the year and one of my favorite events at Fullerton College,” said Joe Carrithers, English professor and A.S. faculty advisor. “It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on how much these students have grown since they came to our campus and what role we might have played in their development.”
A.S. and Student Affairs incur most of the cost for hosting the exclusive banquet, however the scholarships awarded to the recipients come directly from contributions raised by A.S and the campus community. The awards are a unique achievement helping many students transition into the next step of their education or career.
“I am convinced that it was recognitions like the Men and Women of Distinction Award that helped me obtain critical aspects of my educational career, like my summer internship at Cal State Fullerton and a full scholarship to UCLA,” said Eric Russo, a 2010 award recipient.
Recipients of the Men and Women of Distinction Awards go onto some of the top schools in the country. However, the recognition is not only granted on account of good grades and high GPA’s. Students are nominated by faculty, staff, and their peers for their accomplishments serving the FC community, being a leader among their peers, and at times, overcoming obstacles or personal hardships with positivity.
“This award motivated me with its significance,” said Eva Zhang, a 2015 recipient. “Ever since I received it, I have established a high standard to regulate myself.” Zhang is junior at UC Berkeley majoring in electrical engineering and computer science.
In the past 40 years, the awards have recognized the achievements of nearly 1,200 students like Russo and Zhang. Recipients earn honorary membership in Mu Omicron Delta (men) and Alpha Gamma Eta (women) and a scholarship among other special gifts.
“Our campus community has an opportunity to support the continuing success of our students through scholarship donations to Men and Women of Distinction,” Carrithers said.
Donations to support the Men and Women of Distinction Awards are tax deductible and can be made through NOCCCD/FC payroll deduction or by cash or check. For more information, contact the Office of Student Affairs at (714) 992-7095.
