2023-24 President's Scholars

Gina Lalli

Dr. Andrew G. Chong President's Scholar

Major: Biology

College of Science

Activities: CPP Equestrian Team; SEES, Arches and EOP member; Kellogg Honors College; McNair Scholars Program; Assistant Trainer at Bellaventage Farms

One Word to Describe CPP: “Accessible. This school cares that we succeed.”

Gina has had a lifelong interest in science, imagining herself as a future equine veterinarian or researcher before being sidelined by mental health issues and addiction. Realizing her dreams became such a large hurdle that she gave up and compromised her goals before embracing sobriety and therapy. Since returning to college, Gina is committed to helping others and changing the world through following her passions for scientific research. Maintaining a 3.9 GPA at Cal Poly Pomona, she has participated in the McNair Scholars program, researching stem cells under the guidance of Biology Professor Yuanxiang Zhao. Gina’s interest in horses has been rekindled through the CPP Equestrian Team where she serves as the Horse Show Manager and competes in English and western riding. “I hope to serve as an inspiration to others who feel so buried by their circumstances that they have stopped allowing themselves to dream. I want to show them that anything is possible, at any age: you are never too old to give up on your dreams.”