A Transformative Legacy: Laura Rendón Scholarship Celebrates 25 Years of Impact
Two decades of impact and investing into the future: Laura Rendón, Patty Santillanes-Soto, Miranda Flores (Rendon Scholar), and Roman Nieto gather at scholarship breakfast.
This year marks a special milestone at Arizona State University: the 25th anniversary of the Laura I. Rendón Scholarship, a program that has transformed lives and built bridges of opportunity for Chicano/Latino students for more than two decades.
Established by ASU’s Chicano/Latino Faculty and Staff Association (CLFSA) in 1999 in honor of nationally recognized educator and former ASU professor Laura Rendón, the scholarship has awarded 107 scholarships to 69 students since 2008.
But as any recipient will tell you, the true value of the scholarship can’t be measured in dollars.
“It wasn’t just a scholarship—it was a message that said, ‘We see you. We believe in you,” said Martine Garcia, president of CLFSA. “For first-generation college students, that kind of support affirms these learners’ growth potential.”
“The scholarship not only helps alleviate a financial burden,” said Garcia, “but it also helps students connect with others who understand the unique journey of being a first-generation college student. By leveraging the immense talent and wisdom of our CLFSA community through mentoring for our scholars, we see students grow not only academically but socially and professionally.”
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CLFSA board members and advisors at the Rendón Scholars Breakfast included Christina Hernandez, Ramon Nieto, Patty Santillanes-Soto, Rachel Fernandez, Vanessa Fonseca-Chavez, Alexis McCann, Martine Garcia, Jesus Chavez, Jo Ann Martinez, and Regina Matos (CLFSA advisor).
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Antonio Duran, Associate Professor at Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, asks Laura Rendón, Professor Emerita at the University of Texas-San Antonio, to reflect on establishing her scholarship at ASU.
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Former and current recipients gather: Dwayne Martin-Gomez (former Rendón Scholar), Fatima Lopez Gutierrez (Rendón Scholar), Miranda Flores (Rendón Scholar), Jackie Amezcua (Rendón Scholar), Laura Rendón, Evelyn Cruz (former Rendón Scholar), and Katerine Ortega Gonzalez (Rendón Scholar).
Marisol Arviso
The scholarship honors the legacy of Rendón, who at once served as the President of the CLFSA (Formerly the Chicano Faculty and Staff Association or CFSA) during her nearly ten years teaching graduate courses at ASU. She was also a research faculty member at ASU’s Hispanic Research Center and a passionate advocate for underrepresented students.
To mark the scholarship’s 25th anniversary, CLFSA hosted two commemorative events: a fireside chat with Rendón and a scholarship breakfast recognizing current recipients and reflecting on the program’s lasting impact. Jo Ann Martinez, CLFSA’s Development Chair and organizer of the 25th Anniversary celebration, reflected on Dr. Rendón’s legacy. “CLFSA was honored to celebrate Dr. Rendón’s enduring legacy and the impact she made on higher education and on the lives of so many students.”
“It’s incredibly humbling to see the scholarship continue to grow,” Rendón said. “When we invest in students from our communities, we invest in a future that’s more vibrant and more inclusive.”
Each year, five students are selected for the award, receiving between $2,500 and $5,000 based on financial need. But beyond financial relief, the scholarship provides mentorship, community, and a support network rooted in shared experiences.
Support that invests in futures
Over the past 25 years, the scholarship has become a beacon of resilience, unity, and empowerment for the Chicano/Latino community at ASU. Many former scholars share stories of transformation, personal growth, and a deepened sense of identity and purpose.
One of those students is Evelyn Cruz, who graduated in 2019 with a degree in transborder Chicana/o & Latina/o Studies and a minor in philosophy.
“Without [the Rendón Scholarship], my opportunities and chances for success would have been nonexistent, “ Cruz said. “What this scholarship has done for me is more than just provide financial support. It has helped me build a network and a community of individuals who share my background, my struggles, and, most importantly, my drive to overcome them. Together, we’re not just surviving, we’re thriving.”
Cruz sees the scholarship as both a symbol of resilience and a call to action, especially among former Rendón Scholars like herself who were transformed by the education they received and who can use this opportunity to push forward and advocate for further educational opportunities. “We are all committed to making sure that education remains the path to progress for our community,” she said.
Looking Ahead
As CLFSA reflects on 25 years of impact, the focus remains on the future. Applications for the next academic year are currently open, with students encouraged to complete both the scholarship application and a FAFSA by January 1 to be considered.
For CLFSA, the anniversary is not just a celebration of the past—it’s a recommitment to the mission Rendón championed.
“Dr. Rendón didn’t just teach—we watched her live her values every day,” said Martinez. “This scholarship is a living tribute to her legacy. It’s about lifting up those who will go on to lift others.”
As the Laura Rendón Scholarship moves into its next 25 years, it continues to serve as a powerful reminder: investing in students means investing in the future of our communities.
How to apply:
Students interested in applying for the Laura Rendón Scholarship can visit clfsa.asu.edu/rendon-scholarship.