Presidential Scholarships Awarded to CEIS Students
Two students in the College of Education and Integrative Studies have been named Presidential Scholars, the highest form of recognition a student can receive at Cal Poly Pomona.
Every year, 25 students are selected to receive the President’s Scholarship based on their academic achievement, co-curricular activities, performance during the interview process, letters of recommendation and quality of the application essay. Each winner receives a $3,500 scholarship.
Cynthia Magin, an early childhood studies (ECS) major, is dedicated to providing young children a critical foundation for lifelong success that will ultimately benefit the communities they serve. Her focus is promoting cognitive, socio-emotional, literacy and physical development among young children.
She is an intern at Pomona Unified School District, where she volunteers virtually in a preschool class. She also dedicates her time to Bright Prospect, a non-profit organization located in Pomona that seeks to increase college-going rates among low-income and first-generation students. Magin’s goal is to become a childcare center director.
“Cynthia is one of those students that professors really love teaching! Being high achieving in her grades goes without saying, but it is her enthusiasm and enjoyment of learning that makes Cynthia a true standout student,” said Associate Chair Eden Haywood-Bird, ECS department. “Cynthia really cares; she cares about children, she cares about our community, and she cares about the profession of early childhood, and she demonstrates this caring by taking her coursework very much to heart.”
Damiane Riggs, a graduate student in the Education Specialist Credential Program, aspires to become a special education teacher and work with students who have disabilities. She is currently substitute teaching in Bonita and Glendora school districts. Her volunteer experience includes working in a homeless shelter and donating fabric to produce face masks for essential workers.
“I was delighted to find out that Damiane received this award as she has been an outstanding student in the Education Specialist program,” said Associate Professor Joanne Van Boxtel, coordinator of the Education Specialist Credential Program. “I am continually struck by her passion and commitment to students with disabilities as well as her enthusiasm for learning how to teach and support them. I have no doubt that Damiane is going to be a positive force in the field and in the community. She is already an exemplary advocate for inclusive education and we are so proud of her!”
The President’s Scholarship program accepts applications annually in spring and holds its annual recognition program in the fall. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s recognition program was held through Zoom. The scholarships are made possible through generous donations. Magin’s award was sponsored by the Friends and Family of Gwen Evans La Bounty and Riggs’s award was sponsored by Dorothy and Kent Roberts. For more information about the program, visit www.cpp.edu/president/honoring-exellence/presidents-scholars.