The CSUSB History Department recognized a group of excellent students with scholarships and awards this spring. The department awards and scholarships are given to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in the History Department in a number of categories, most of which recognize students who are continuing their studies in the fall.

The Cheryl Riggs Endowed Student Award is given to a first-generation college attendee and/or adult re-entry student with an excellent academic record. Professor Riggs was herself a first-generation college attendee, and she returned to her education as a full-time re-entry student with children. This year, Evy Zermeno earned the Riggs Scholarship for her outstanding academic work, and also for her service to the department and to the campus, from leading the student journal, History in the Making, to collaborating with faculty and students in the CSUSB Anthropology Museum on the Afróntalo exhibit, and much more.

The J.C. Robinson Memorial Scholarship, given to students with outstanding academic records and an interest in Hispanic history and culture, was shared by Moises Leon, Carlos Alberto Camacho, and Maria Mendoza Gutierrez, who have all done excellent work in their studies in the History department.

For her stellar academic record, Stephanie Bullington earned the Margaret McGann Tarter Award, which was established to recognize the academic excellence of “women, veterans, and other students who are pursuing a degree in History in the hope that recipients will value learning, art, and service in their lives.”

The Michael Persell Memorial Scholarship was established to recognize outstanding students with an interest in European history and studying history for its own sake, and this year it was given to Levi James Loup in recognition of his strong academic work and energetic engagement in his classes. The Robert Blackey award, given to excellent students with an interest in History education, was earned by Bshara Alsheikh and Nathan Alexander Camacho. The Schofield-McAfee award, named for Professors Ward McAfee and Kent Schofield, is given to students whose efforts have shown improvement over time and who are nominated by current History faculty based on their outstanding efforts and excellent academic work. This year, Jaron Clampitt and Zackary Hoover shared this honor.

This spring term, two students graduated with Departmental Honors, Christian Sierra and Gustavo Alonso. Across the three programs/concentrations in the department, three excellent students were recognized with the highest grade point average. The students are Geoffrey Demke (Pre-Credential Program), Corie Blais (General Concentration), and Jesus Jimenez (Public History). Geoffrey Demke was also recognized as the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Outstanding Graduate, as introduced in this story.

Each year, many History students distinguish themselves through their academic excellence, their engagement in department activities, and much more. These outstanding awardees are just a few of the students who make our department shine brighter with their commitment to excellent scholarship and service.