Third Annual San Diego State Diversity Gala to Raise Money for Scholarships

The event, which will be emceed by NBC 7/39 reporter and SDSU alum Artie Ojeda, raises money to support scholarships for local, low-income, high-achieving students. As part of the evening’s festivities, there will be a dinner reception, silent auction, a presentation of the scholarship recipients and the awarding of the Decades of Diversity Award.

"The Diversity Gala has grown into an important event that represents a core value of our multicultural university: providing access and opportunity to academically prepared students lacking financial resources," said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber.

During the event, an outstanding community member is also recognized for their work with the Decades of Diversity Award. This year, the Rev. George Walker Smith, founder and president of the Catfish Club, will be honored. The Catfish Club is a local group that hosts weekly discussions of issues important to the San Diego community.

This year’s scholarship recipients (bios available upon request) include:

o Iman Autman, Castle Park High School
o Tierra Boyd, San Diego High School
o George Ching, Eastlake High School
o Jessica Juarez, San Diego High School
o Eduardo Santacruz, Hilltop High School
o Carlos Narvarro II, Castle Park High School
o Gina Navarro, Calipatria High School
o Alicia Nuno, Monte Vista High School
o Yessenia Perez, Southwest High School
o Michelle Waldron, Madison High School

The Third Annual San Diego State Diversity Gala is supported by several sponsors, including: Wells Fargo Bank, Union Bank of California, Harrah’s Rincon Casino and Resort, Barona Valley Ranch & Casino, Jack in the Box Foundation, Pepsi, Farmer’s Insurance Group, Kaiser Permanente, Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps, Qualcomm, SAIC, San Diego Gas & Electric, Scripps Health Care, USE Credit Union, Viejas Enterprises, Chevron Texaco Products, Corky McMillin Companies, Mission Federal Credit Union, Faith In Action Foundation Fund and Sharp Health Care.