María Rocío Magaña, a 2001 Dean’s Medalist at California State University, Fresno, has been awarded a $25,000 Rotary scholarship for study in India.
Magaña, 23, will graduate this May with a double major in anthropology and sociology, and minors in French and philosophy. Her cumulative GPA is 3.95. She will be honored at Commencement on May 26 as the top student – the Dean’s Medalist – in the College of Social Sciences.
The Rotary Foundation Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarship will allow Magaña to study at the University of Pune, India in the 2001-2002 school term. When that year is over, she will head to Chicago for graduate school.
While in India, Magaña will learn the language and independently study the culture, as well as pursue studies full-time.
Peter Klassen, director of the university’s International Programs and Rotary Scholarships adviser, said, “This award, one of the most generous scholarships available, reflects Rotary’s global perspective, and is a marvelous recognition of Rocío’s excellent academic record and strong commitment to community service. Her study in India will give her a superb opportunity to share her enthusiasm for trans-cultural involvement and academic enrichment.”
A native of Mexico, Magaña is a graduate of Merced High School. She has been a student at Fresno State for six years, including a semester as an international student in France. She has served as student body president and has been an active member of Teatro Zapata, a campus theatre group that performs for rural communities. She also co-hosted Spanish-language programs for Radio Bilingue, did civil rights work in Chiapas, Mexico and developed English-language programs for Mexican immigrants in the Valley.
After the completion of her year in India, Magaña has a five-year fellowship awaiting her at the University of Chicago, where she will complete graduate studies in anthropology.
Research and writing assistance provided by Michelle Vieira, University Relations student intern.
