2024 Rogers Scholars Blaze Trails in Education, Medicine and Media

The legacy of Mary Stuart Rogers continues to grow at Stanislaus State.

The heir of the Carnation Company dedicated her considerable inheritance to support students at several universities, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. On Thursday, Oct. 10, nine more Stan State students were awarded scholarships at the annual Mary Stuart Rogers Scholarship Luncheon.

Aspiring teachers, lawyers, and future professionals in the medical and media fields were honored as 2024 Mary Stuart Rogers Scholars.

Now in its 34th year, the program awards scholarships to upper-division students and credential candidates who excel academically, demonstrate a commitment to community service, and have overcome significant challenges to achieve success.

This year's recipients join more than 600 scholars at Stan State who have benefited from the generosity of the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation, which has donated more than $3.2 million since the scholarship program was established in 1991.

Each class of recipients is special to the Rogers family, which oversees the foundation that supports higher education.

"We're here to validate your hard work. Make no mistake about it, you've earned this scholarship," said John Rogers, one of the four children of Mary Stuart Rogers, in whom the value of education was emphasized by their mother.

He wasn't alone in his praise of Stan State students.

"To our scholars, who make us so exceptional: Your drive, dedication and pursuit of excellence have brought you here today," said President Britt Rios-Ellis. "In earning the Mary Stuart Rogers Scholarship, you represent the best of us. You're paving the way for others to follow. Every time we step forward, we need to be able to reach back, and it's clear that Rogers Scholars do just that.

"To our scholars, who make us so exceptional: Your drive, dedication and pursuit of excellence have brought you here today. In earning the Mary Stuart Rogers Scholarship, you represent the best of us. You're paving the way for others to follow. Every time we step forward, we need to be able to reach back, and it's clear that Rogers Scholars do just that."

- President Britt Rios-Ellis

"To your families: You've sacrificed, shown exceptional love and had unwavering belief in your scholars, shaping their success. We see you, and we thank you for the critical role you've played in their journey. The Rogers family and the Stan State community believe deeply in the importance of family, belonging and support that helps us all become an extended family."

The 2024 Mary Stuart Rogers Scholars:

Callum Gabbett

A transfer student from San Joaquin Delta College, where he maintained a 4.0 grade-point average, Callum Gabbett has seen injustices against people committed by the attorneys they hired.

Those experiences drive his ambition to attend law school, become a practicing lawyer, and one day open his own law firm.

"I want to be a lawyer who represents people who truly need help," Gabbett said. "There are many people with challenging cases who cannot afford or have access to an excellent lawyer who will not take advantage of them, and I want to provide that to them."

He is a Business Administration major at Stan State with an emphasis on entrepreneurship and management.

"Business Administration is a great degree to have because it can help me find a good job after I graduate and am in law school, and it teaches many applicable skills," Gabbett said.

A student-athlete from Lathrop, Gabbett has volunteered in numerous capacities at his church, Our Lady of Guadalupe, in his hometown, and he works part-time as a manager at the Give Every Child A Chance after-school program.

Danielle Morgart

Inspired by her mother, a Mexican immigrant who left behind all she knew, including her family, to move to a new country with the hope of a better life, Danielle Morgart envisions being a similarly strong, successful woman.

A senior Business Administration major from Modesto with minors in pre-law and economics, Morgart dreams of becoming a business attorney.

Her work experience is varied. She and her younger brother, also a Stan State business major, have helped in her father's small business, and she has served on the staff of State Assemblyman Juan Alanis.

Working with her father inspired her to major in business because she saw the good and bad of running a company.

"I have also been very fortunate to experience working for our local government," Morgart said. "Working for Assemblyman Alanis has been a great experience for me as I continue to learn about the impact state and local governments make. I have learned through these experiences that there are people who need help, and I believe I can best serve our community by obtaining a law degree. I want to give back to those who have inspired me by becoming a business lawyer one day."

Isabel Aguilera

If she's not in class, volunteering at the Career and Professional Development Center, or participating in another Stanislaus State activity, Isabel Aguilera may be found volunteering in a kindergarten classroom in her hometown of Atwater.

Aguilera, a senior Liberal Studies major, hopes to one day use the lessons she gains working with students in small groups in her own elementary school classroom.

"The great teachers that I have had throughout my education are my heroes and role models," Aguilera said. "They have greatly impacted my decision in choosing teaching as my career goal."

While focused on her education, posting a 3.805 grade-point average and landing on the Dean's List, Aguilera has engaged in extracurricular activities, including being a College Corps Fellow and a member of the Faculty Mentor Program. She is also a member of the newly formed Aspiring Educators.

"I always try to go above and beyond in my classes, and I can truly say that I have taken advantage of all the opportunities Stanislaus State has to offer," Aguilera said. "I hope to continue participating in different groups on campus and in my local community."

Lillyanna Azevedo

The decision to major in Biological Sciences started before Lillyanna Azevedo even fully understood what a college education was.

"I was diagnosed with leukemia as a child and was blessed to have been under the care of amazing doctors, nurses, and specialists that saved my life," Azevedo said. "Through the understanding of science, medication and treatments were created to save people like me from leukemia and other life-threatening illnesses. Without science, I wouldn't be here. Ultimately, my experience with leukemia is what led me to pursue biology and the medical pathway."

The senior from Livingston dreams of becoming a physician's assistant, specifically in pediatrics.

"With spending part of my life in the hospital with leukemia, much of my childhood was taken from me," Azevedo said. "The doctors, nurses, and specialists at the hospitals always went above and beyond to bring light to my life and allow me to still feel like a child. I hope my education and future career will lead me to bring this kind of joy to others."

She already has. Azevedo was named the 2023 Miracle Woman for Valley Children's Hospital after raising funds and awareness for the children at the hospital.

Malina Duran

A lifelong interest in art and writing has led Malina Duran to her senior year as a Creative Media major.

"My career goal is to work in magazine production as it involves multiple skills that I have been fostering through my academics, jobs, and personal interests," said Duran, a product of Los Banos. "These include graphic design, journalism, photography, videography, and storytelling."

Ultimately, she sees herself as an art director.

The road to her career has been arduous at times. Getting to Merced College's Los Banos campus required carpooling with classmates and family members. During her last year at the community college, she spent two hours traveling by bus to reach Merced. The payoff for her determination was graduating with a 4.0 grade-point average.

She offset her dedication to her schoolwork by writing for her community's newspaper, The Westside Express, and volunteering in numerous activities, including outreach to those in need and leading tours of the Los Banos Campus for prospective Merced College students.

Just as she did at Merced College, Duran has immersed herself in Stan State's community. She lives on campus, has written for The Signal, the campus newspaper, and held jobs at the University, currently in the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing.

Jennifer Rodrigues

Although she graduated with a degree in psychology from UC Merced, it was working as a substitute teacher in Ripon that forged Jennifer Rodrigues' career path.

Now enrolled in Stanislaus State's multi-subject credential program, Rodrigues wants to teach elementary school.

"My ultimate career goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my students by inspiring a love for learning, nurturing their curiosity, and providing them with the confidence to reach their full potential," Rodrigues said.

The Modesto resident realizes she was impacted in a similar way.

"Education is not just about learning new skills and new information," she said. "It also is about inspiring others to reach their potential and become lifelong learners. I remember having teachers throughout my school years who inspired me and encouraged me to be successful. My favorite elementary school teacher left a lasting impact on me. He did not only provide us with education, but he also believed in us and our abilities. This teacher inspired me to want to become an elementary school teacher myself. Being able to contribute to the educational development and growth of future generations fuels me to continue pursuing a teaching career."

Jose Rojas

As an art student at UC Santa Cruz, Jose Rojas earned prestigious scholarships to pursue his creative and academic interests.

Now, the student in Stan State's single-subject credential program wants to afford future students similar opportunities.

Rojas, a first-generation college graduate and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, has already found ways to give back to youth in Delhi, having started free sculpture workshops through the Delhi Unified School District and a mobile library, outfitting a van to carry books to elementary schools during the summer.

"These efforts are part of a broader commitment to nurturing a culture of learning, creativity and community support," he said.

The new father credits his parents and his community with helping him achieve his own educational success.

"My ultimate goal is to earn a teaching credential to become an educator in the community that raised me," Rojas said. "For me, teaching is far more than a career choice; it is an opportunity to contribute to a brighter future for the next generation, to extend the same guidance and mentorship that was so crucial to my development and to make a positive impact on the lives of those in my community."

Melissa Stephens

Pregnant at 15 and now a single mother of two daughters, Melissa Stephens persevered for 10 years to complete her bachelor's degree and now is enrolled in Stanislaus State's single-subject credential program with a dream of teaching high school English. She'd also like to serve as advisor of the yearbook staff and coach soccer.

"I have had many failures throughout my journey but none of them has ever caused me to give up," Stephens said. "I started perceiving my failures as opportunities that I had in order to grow into the strong individual I am today."

She works two jobs to support her family and volunteer work includes coaching recreation soccer.

"Despite my traumas in life, I stopped making excuses for myself," she said.

She lost weight, began saving money and worked to be a better mother.

"I became the woman that I needed in my youth," Stephens said. "I wanted to be a role model and a mentor so that I could share my traumas and experiences with my students someday."

Monica Mackinnon

Monica Mackinnon doesn't just want to teach. She wants to teach those facing some of the most difficult challenges.

Pursuing an extensive support needs credential, Mackinnon dreams of working with children with special needs.

"My journey into the field of special education has been marked by a genuine passion for inclusivity and a belief in the transformative power of education," Mackinnon said. "Throughout my academic and professional experiences, I have witnessed the unique challenges faced by students with special needs and the immense potential they possess when provided with the right support and resources."

Mackinnon always loved school and understood the transformative power of education.

Making sure special needs students are properly supported and that they have an informed advocate drives her.

"My goal is to be a beacon of encouragement for my students, inspiring them to embrace their unique abilities and reach their full potential," Mackinnon said.

"Ultimately, I envision myself as an advocate for inclusive education policies and practices by actively participating in professional networks, engaging with policymakers and sharing my experiences. I am driven by the belief that all students, regardless of their abilities, have the right to an education that empowers them to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives."

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