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First Generation Pasadena City College Student Named Jack Kent Cooke Scholar

Published on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 | 12:36 pm
 

Ryan Liu, a Pasadena City College summa cum laude student who will be delivering the valedictory address at this Friday’s commencement ceremony, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.

A political science major and first?generation college student, Liu is one of 90 nationwide scholars selected this year to receive the award. The scholarship totals up to $40,000 annually and is intended to cover a significant share of the student’s educational expenses – including tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees – for the final two to three years necessary to achieve a bachelor’s degree.

“The scholarship will give me the opportunity to continue my education without worrying about the costs,” said Liu, who will be graduating from PCC with a 4.0 GPA and an associate degree in social and behavioral sciences. “It opens up a lot of doors. I can now choose a school without having to burden my family.”

Although still undecided on where to transfer, Liu has narrowed his decision to a pair of elite West?Coast institutions: UC Berkeley and UCLA.

“All of this wouldn’t have been possible without PCC,” said Liu, whose goal beyond academia is to become an attorney and/or a civic servant. “PCC opened the door and gave me the opportunity to have an education. I really embraced the opportunity I had here.”

While a Lancer, Liu served on the Associated Students Board as an elected school official. He was also involved in numerous campus organizations, including the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society and the Honors Scholar Program. Off campus, he is an assistant high school speech and debate coach, and helps manage an e?Commerce business he co? founded.

“This was a well?deserved honor for Ryan,” said David LeClaire, assistant director of the PCC Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. “The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation scholarship is clearly the most prestigious and competitive scholarship at the community college level.

“Federal aid and most scholarships won’t cover a majority of a student’s higher?education costs. This type of scholarship will bridge that gap,” he added.

Selection of the annual Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer scholars is achieved through a rigorous process that involves a panel of distinguished university faculty and admissions professionals. The criteria includes: achievement and academic ability, financial need, persistence, leadership, and a desire to help others.

Alumna Le Aye received the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship in 2007, the last time a PCC student won the award.

PCC’s 90th commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the college’s Jackie Robinson Stadium. More than 1,800 students will be receiving degrees and certificates. For more information, visit www.pasadena.edu.

 

 

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