New scholarship honors a commitment to education

As an honor to their parents, Carlton and Audrey Yoshioka established the Yoshioka Hossbach Maroon and Gold Scholarship at Arizona State University.

Both first-generation college graduates, the couple says that their parents were always advocates for education.

“Our parents were very hard-working and valued education. Our fathers both went to work immediately, so they didn’t have a chance to finish high school or pursue college themselves,” said Carlton (Carl) Yoshioka. “But they always encouraged us to do so, and this scholarship honors them.”

The Yoshiokas have dedicated themselves to education. Carl is a professor in the School of Community Resources and Development, part of the College of Public Service and Community Solutions, and graduate director for the master of nonprofit studies degree and graduate certificate programs. Audrey is a kindergarten teacher at Kyrene de las Brisas in Chandler, Arizona.

“This scholarship supports students in the nonprofit leadership and management program,” said Carl. “I am passionate about this field – and this is a way to help support someone who will be giving back.”

“Carl has demonstrated his commitment to our students many times over throughout his long career at ASU,” said Kathleen Andereck, director and professor, School of Community Resources and Development. “The scholarship that he and Audrey are endowing is a way to make that commitment endure for years to come.”

“Students come to our college with a vision of the change they would like to see in the world. Professors like Carl Yoshioka have helped them turn those visions into solutions to our shared challenges. Now, through their generosity, Audrey and Carl are doing even more to help our students achieve these dreams and better our communities,” says Jonathan Koppell, dean of the College of Public Service and Community Solutions

“Both of our fathers went to work right away to support our families, and I know every little bit can be helpful for students pursuing a college education,” Carl said.

He says that they had planned to do this after retirement, but the Maroon and Gold Scholars program presented an opportunity – a match from ASU and five years to create the endowment.

Jade Robinson, the first recipient of the Yoshioka Hossbach Maroon and Gold Scholarship, graduated in December with a bachelor’s degree.

“What better way to honor our parents and help students to achieve their goal of a career in community service,” Carl said.