Hispanic Scholarship Fund gives $12,000 to Fresno State

The Fresno Hispanic Scholarship Fund Inc. has presented $12,000 to California State University, Fresno.

The gift is part of $24,000 the organization is presenting for scholarships to benefit Central Valley Hispanic students at Fresno State and the State Center Community College District campuses.

“We are grateful to the Fresno Hispanic Scholarship Fund for the work it does in ensuring that the valley’s Hispanic students have the opportunity to obtain a college education,” said Dr. Paul Oliaro, vice president of student affairs at Fresno State.

In 2007, $11,000 was awarded to Fresno State students Maricela Gonzalez, Zoraida Martinez, Dulce Romero, Gregorio Matias, Janette Lomeli, Gladis Fernandez, Yesenia Ibarra and Maria Viana.

Scholarship funds are raised primarily at the annual Black & White Ball in November. A new spring event, Say Queso, a wine and cheese mixer, is set for May 8.

“All fundraising events promote culture, higher education and community advancement,” said Virginia Madrid-Salazar, board president and fundraising chair, who is an alumna of Fresno State. “With the support of our many sponsors and donors the financial burden will be alleviated as tuition and living expenses continue to rise.”

For more information about applying for a scholarship, call Pedro Santana at 559.261.3670. For Fresno State scholarship information, contact Ofelia Gamez at 278.4768 or the Scholarship Office at 278.6572.