2024 Scholarship Recipients

Jasso PhotoDaniel P. Lomio Memorial Scholarship 

Recipient: Iliana Jasso

Graduation Date: Fall 2024

 

 

After completing my bachelor's degree in the Fall of 2024, I am beyond excited to share that I will be pursuing a master's degree! As a first-generation Latina, my mission is to be an example for future generations and demonstrate that anything is possible through hard work and perseverance. Balancing being an athlete for the SJSU Women’s soccer team, maintaining a healthy relationship with friends and family, working, and completing my education has been challenging, but nothing worth having comes easy. Therefore, I would like to extend my gratitude to my family and friends, professors, soccer coaches, and the Justice Studies department for their help along my journey. I would not be here, if it weren’t for the constant support and understanding from my community. I would also like to give a special thanks to Ann and Robert Anderson who sponsor the Daniel P. Lomio Memorial Scholarship. Their generosity has allowed me to take the next step in furthering my education and I couldn’t be more appreciative. I am looking forward to the day I can do the same for someone else!

Edmonds PhotoJ Edgar Hoover Foundation Leadership Scholarship

Recipient: Adriana Edmonds

Graduation Date: Fall 2025

 

I extend heartfelt appreciation to my cherished family and esteemed professors whose unwavering encouragement paved the path for me to pursue my passion in forensic science. Additionally, I am deeply grateful to the J. Edgar Hoover Foundation for their generous support, which has played a pivotal role in funding my education and empowering my journey. After graduation, my aspiration is to embark on a career as a criminalist or forensic scientist at home in the vibrant landscape of Southern California.

Throughout my tenure at SJSU, I have been profoundly inspired by the dedicated faculty of the Justice Studies program. Their mentorship has not only nurtured my academic growth but has also instilled in me the confidence and determination to strive for excellence in my chosen field. Studying under professors actively engaged in the field has been particularly motivating, reinforcing my belief that achieving my professional aspirations is within reach.

Looking ahead, my aspiration is to contribute to the forensic science field, particularly within criminal justice, by creating a pathway for aspiring students like myself who are first-generation, low-income individuals. Having broken the generational cycle, I aim to provide them with opportunities to pursue education and careers in law enforcement, offering a gateway to success rather than incarceration.

Sanchez PhotoJ Edgar Hoover Foundation Leadership Scholarship 

Willard Schmidt Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Cassandra Luis Sanchez

Graduation Date: Fall 2025

I am honored to have received the J. Edgar Hoover Foundation Leadership Scholarship and the Willard “Huck” Schmidt Memorial Scholarship. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the family and friends of Willard Schmidt and The Hoover Foundation. After graduation, my career goal is to become an FBI agent or work with at-risk juveniles. An additional goal of mine would be to go to law school and help advocate for others by becoming a criminal lawyer. With your generosity, my goals are a step closer to becoming a reality. Not only has your support lifted a burden on my education finances but it has encouraged me to pursue greater ambitions. Thank you for believing in my potential. In the future, I hope to also have the same opportunity of giving back to students by giving back to these scholarships.

Huizar PhotoJ Edgar Hoover Foundation Leadership Scholarship

Recipient: Fryda Huizar

Graduation Date: Spring 2025

 

I would like to express my deep appreciation to all my professors and loved ones that believed in me throughout my journey. I am extremely grateful to the J. Edgar Hoover Foundation for their endowment of the Leadership Scholarship. I would also like to thank all the members of the justice studies scholarship committee who supported my nomination to continue my education so that I can help my community. After I graduate with my B.S in Justice Studies, I want to become a police officer, and later work for U.S. immigration enforcement. I look forward to the day when I become a source of inspiration to others. I am truly grateful for this opportunity! 

Rodas PhotoJeffery Fontana Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Abrie Christen Rodas

Graduation Date: Spring 2027

 

 

San Jose State University has provided me with the opportunity to explore my interests and develop new passions as I work towards a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science with a concentration in Biology. After graduation, my goal is to work as a criminalist in a crime lab, where I can contribute to reducing unjust and wrongful convictions resulting from issues such as racial bias, coerced pleas, misapplication of forensic science, and other forms of misconduct. Additionally, I aspire to become a professor in the university's Justice Studies Department or to teach individuals within the juvenile justice system. I am deeply thankful for the guidance of my professors, the love and support from my family, partner, and friends both in the U.S. and back home in the Philippines, and particularly for the generosity of Mrs. Sandra and Mr. Tony Fontana, who established the scholarship that has supported me. I am committed to making a positive impact similar to that of Officer Jeffrey Fontana and I hope to one day give back to this scholarship to ensure that it can continue to assist ambitious students like myself.

Aramburo PhotoKristopher Boaz Claspill Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Priscila Aramburo 

Graduation Date: Spring 2025

 

 

I want to express my gratitude to Kristoffer Boaz Claspill's family for awarding me this wonderful scholarship, which will support my ongoing studies. I also want to express my appreciation to my family for their constant support. I am eagerly looking forward to the day when I can reflect on my journey and realize how far I have come. I will graduate in Spring 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies, with a concentration in Criminology. To deepen my understanding of the criminal justice system, I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in Criminology. Following that, my goal is to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a behavioral analyst or as a homicide detective.

Thomasson PhotoPaula Stone Hubbell Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Anthony Thomasson

Graduation Date: Spring 2025

 

 

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Paula Stone Hubbell and her family for the opportunity to receive this amazing scholarship. This is the first scholarship I have ever received, and I’m truly blessed to receive it. This scholarship helps tremendously with my tuition expenses and allows me to further pursue my educational endeavors. After completing my Global Criminology master’s degree, I intend on attending Law School obtaining a J.D. I wish to become an attorney specializing in criminal defense and litigation. My ultimate goal is to be an advocate for juveniles within our criminal justice system. I also want to have a hand within my local community addressing policies that can sufficiently support youth development, specifically juveniles. Youth are the future and it’s important to give youths the opportunities of structure and guidance. I’m looking forward to donating to our wonderful Justice Studies department and continue to help students with scholarship opportunities to alleviate financial burdens. 

Perez PhotoShelby Brewer Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Ana Perez

Graduation Date: Spring 2025

 

 

Upon completing my Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies with a concentration in Criminology, my intention is to pursue a Master’s degree and eventually become a private investigator, followed by a career as an FBI agent. I am driven by the desire to have a positive impact on individuals affected by unresolved cases, and I am committed to upholding community safety through the enforcement of policies and laws. My aim is to be instrumental in shaping a better future for generations to come. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the family of Shelby Blair Brewer for endowing this remarkable scholarship. I am also thankful to the Justice Studies Scholarship Committee for making this opportunity possible. Receiving this scholarship will enable me to pursue my dreams and further develop the skills required for my passion. Not only will it facilitate my path to success, but it will also alleviate some of my university expenses such as rent, meals, and materials, allowing me to focus on maintaining a strong academic standing. I am also incredibly grateful to my family and friends who have supported me throughout my academic journey, providing invaluable encouragement. Being nominated and becoming a part of the Justice Studies Department at San Jose State University is truly an honor. In the future, I aspire to give back by contributing to this scholarship and supporting future generations. This scholarship has not only provided me with financial assistance but has also motivated me for greater achievements.

Farias PhotoSimpson & Silva Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Briana Farias

Graduation Date: Spring 2027

 

 

I am honored to be the recipient of the Simpson and Silva Memorial Scholarship. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Officers Simpson and Silva for their unwavering support. Through their assistance, I can get closer to reaching my goals. I also want to thank my family for their continuous support. This scholarship has significantly increased my motivation to succeed, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to give back to this scholarship after my time at San Jose State University.

After graduating from San Jose State University with a degree in Justice Studies (concentration in Criminology) and a minor in Forensic Studies, I intend to pursue a master’s degree and eventually a Ph.D. I hope to attend the Federal Bureau of Investigation academy and work my way to becoming a special agent. 

Simmons PhotoTheresa Edel Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Zoee Simmons

Graduation Date: Fall 2024

 

 

I am extremely grateful that I am receiving the Theresa Edel Memorial Scholarship. I would like to thank Theresa’s mother Rose Edel and her colleague Tom Duffy for their support in my final year at SJSU. After I graduate, I plan on pursuing a career in crime scene investigation and then after getting some more experience, I aspire to become a fingerprint analyst. This scholarship will be extremely helpful in easing my financial burdens and allow me to focus on my studies. I would also like to thank my friends, family, and my partner, who have been nothing but supportive of my journey through college. I look forward to my future in forensic science and putting all I have learned into practice.

Boman PhotoMolly Marquez Spirit Award

Recipient: Samantha Boman

Graduation Date: Fall 2024

 

 

After graduation, my goal is to work as a death investigator. I am honored to be selected as the recipient of the Molly Marquez Spirit Award which memorializes one of SJSU’s very own. Paul Kalff’s generous contribution to support my education means so much. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Mark Barash and the members of the Justice Studies Scholarship Committee who supported my nomination. Achieving my academic and professional goals would not be possible without the aforementioned, as well as Dr. Shawna Bolton and Professor Mary Juno; all of whom have provided unwavering support and encouragement during my time at SJSU. In the future I hope to become a donor and support students through Justice Studies scholarships in the same way this scholarship has supported me.