News from: CSUSB Palm Desert
Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus (PDC) proudly celebrated the 2025-26 class of Rogers Scholars during its annual Rogers Scholarship reception on Sept. 30.
The event, a longstanding tradition, brings together recipients of the distinguished Rogers Scholarship and members of the Rogers family, whose generosity has supported PDC students since 1994.
Adolfo Velazquez, director of community relations and philanthropy at the Palm Desert Campus, welcomed attendees and introduced the Rogers family, noting their decades-long dedication to student success.
“The Rogers Scholarship is more than a financial award—it is a promise,” said Velazquez. “It is a promise that our students’ hard work and potential will be nurtured and supported. Today we celebrate not only their accomplishments, but also the future leaders, educators and professionals they will become.”
Zachary Tucker, associate vice president for the Office of Philanthropic Giving, expressed gratitude to the Rogers family for their unwavering support and shared words of encouragement with the new scholars.
As part of the celebration, each scholar was presented with a commemorative ring and offered brief remarks of thanks to the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation and the individuals who have supported their journeys.
The 2025-26 Rogers Scholars are:
- Alexis Agbayani – Nursing
- Shekaila Alvez – Nursing
- Nicole Corona – Nursing
- Sydney Durana – Nursing and Psychology
- Stephanie Grantell – Psychology
- Duaa Jamaleddin – English Literature
- Karen Orozco – Nursing
- Andrea Pass – Nursing
- Valerie Perez – English
- Crystal Romero – Psychology and Spanish
- Nathen Velasco – Nursing
The Mary Stuart Rogers Scholarship Fund provides merit-based awards to exceptional undergraduate and graduate students at the Palm Desert Campus. Candidates are selected for their academic achievements, leadership potential and commitment to serving their peers and communities.
Since its inception, the program has distributed more than $2 million in scholarships, building a legacy of empowering students who go on to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields. This year’s scholars now join an accomplished network of past recipients who continue to embody the values of academic excellence and service.
About the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus: The CSUSB Palm Desert Campus is dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience in the Coachella Valley. With a focus on academic excellence and community engagement, the campus offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its students and the region.