A record number of 50 students will receive financial support from the University Vocational Assistance (UVA) Scholarship Fund this fall/winter. The funds were handed out a recent biannual “check-day” ceremony hosted by UVA.
“The larger number is an indicator that more and more students need assistance, as fees have escalated, but family income has remained virtually the same,” says UVA’s Sue Torres. “We are thankful for the sponsors who have stepped up to fill this gap in support.”
Torres reports that one UVA student has just left for a study abroad semester in Holland and another recent graduate is now working in France.
“Over the years we have seen many special opportunities open up for our students and it has broadened their horizons and made them much more employable,” Torres says. “The University of Guadalajara is making many new options available now and our students are being proactive and taking advantage of them. The UVA program has been active at Lakeside for more than 40 years and has assisted many current professionals in the area to achieve their dreams. We try to not only provide financial assistance but help them to become community leaders. We also emphasize that giving back is very important and also reaching back to help others is necessary.”
Anyone interested in assisting UVA may contact either Torres at (376) 766-2932 or Cristina Baron at (376) 766-3574.