Supporters and beneficiaries of the University Vocational Assistance (UVA) program gathered on Saturday, December 16 at Ajijic’s Hotel Boutique Sol y Luna for a festive brunch to welcome the new board of directors and salute outgoing UVA President Sue Torres.
After 22 years as the program’s head officer, Torres is turning over the gavel to Cristina Barron. Other incoming officers are Jeane Treloar, repeating as treasurer; Martha Cervantes, secretary; plus Nancy Dardarian and Paul Pattee, members-at-large.
UVA Scholarship Fund A.C. is a non-profit organization that provides financial aid to qualified Lakeside students pursuing university and technical degree studies.
Students accepted into the program must show a minimum grade point average of 8.5, be accepted into a university or vocational institution program for a major that will allow gainful employment following graduation, demonstrate financial need, and have strong family support to achieve their goals.
Among those attending last week’s event was Lluvia Crystal Raygoza Venegas, 21, from San Nicolás de Ibarra. She is entering her seventh semester to earn a law degree at the University of Guadalajara’s Ocotlán campus, where she maintains a 9.7 GPA. She is grateful for having UVA support her for the last two years, helping cover her housing and transportation expenses that have enabled her to stay in school.
Another beneficiary on hand was Antonio Chavez Delgado, 26, from the rural village of Huejotitán near Jocotepec. He is now in his last semester at Chapala’s Instituto Tecnológico Superior for an engineering degree in computer systems.
With UVA becas earned since his first year of study, he has been able to afford tuition costs and housing expenses, keeping him on a path to a productive professional career.
UVA currently assists an average of 50 worthy students per academic term, with financial aid distributed twice a year, in February and August. The program is maintained through individual sponsorships and donations to the fund.
For further information, visit uvalakeside.org or contact Paul Pattee by phone or Whatsapp at 669-102-8919.