Golf Classic

The First-in-Family Scholarship Fund gives first-generation college students the opportunity to advance their education at Southwestern Adventist University where faith grows and service abounds.   Since 2011, the proceeds from the Annual Homecoming Golf Classic have provided over $132,000 in funding.   Eighty-six students have received this scholarship over the past ten years, making an incredible difference in the lives of these young scholars. 

Putting a name to the numbers 

• Samuel Vega, a 2014 theology graduate and 2013-2014 recipient, pastors in South Texas. 
• Tishana McCloud, 2019 business management graduate and 2014-2015 recipient, is an admissions counselor at Oakwood University. 
• Itzel Herrera Rhodes, 2018 elementary education graduate and 2017-2018 recipient, teaches 1st graders. 
• Blanca Correa, 2015 nursing graduate and 2014-2015 recipient, is raising a family and practices as a nurse in Texas.

Coming from a low-income household and being the first in my family to go to college made me feel like all odds were against me. Thanks to the support I received from the First-in-Family Scholarship Fund, the dreams of my parents, myself, and future generations will be able to come true. I am forever grateful for the opportunity I was given to receive a Christ-centered higher education. Having graduated with degree in kinesiology this past May, I'm currently pursuing my calling to become a physical therapist. My goal is to one day operate clinics that will aid those who need treatment and can't afford it. Throughout my life, I have seen God at work helping my family, which is why I want to give back in return. The impact that generous donors have made on my life has inspired me to one day assist other students just like me. 

 - Lesly Limon De la Rosa

I am a junior majoring in biology with a biomedical emphasis. My hope is to be a pediatrician. I came to SWAU with several goals in mind: to complete a degree that I have always dreamed of, to become successful one day in the field I am pursuing, and to be able to make a change in the world by helping people in need. The First-in-Family Scholarship Fund has given me and other first-generation students the privilege to work toward our goals and be one step closer to realizing our dreams. I am grateful that the SWAU community cares for college students and am especially thankful for the donors who have supported this scholarship. 

 - Paola Macario