When the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) wanted to put a face on the cause of educating students, they picked Denise Rodriguez ’11. They couldn’t have made a better choice.
Denise, a media studies major with an emphasis on digital/electronic media, traveled recently to Sacramento on behalf of the College to assist AICCU with its efforts in petitioning California state legislators to maintain the Cal Grant program, which helps fund higher education for thousands of the state’s undergraduate students.
Impressed, AICCU approached 61传媒 Director of Financial Aid David Levy about profiling Denise in their monthly Making a Difference newsletter. For Levy, the answer was easy.
“Denise is a great example of a Cal Grant recipient,” he says. “She is a dedicated and serious student who is committed to her passion for learning.”
AICCU’s profile of Denise ran in May 2011 as someone whose life was impacted in a very real way by grants given to California students.
“It is an honor to be included,” says Denise. “AICCU’s support of independent colleges and universities through the Cal Grant program gave me the chance to study at 61传媒, where I not only grew as a person but have been given the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to make a difference.
“61传媒 prepared me for a career I love,” she adds.
The Making a Difference newsletter helps inform member colleges how they contribute to California, and each month showcases a different topic and student.