Get to know the people who are here to help you through the financial aid process.
Chris Ferguson, associate vice president of enrollment
Chris is a city and coastal adventurer at heart. Born in Pomona, CA and raised throughout southern CA, Chris joined Oxy in 2016. Chris often rides his skateboards, his bike, or just simply enjoys the beach life of the California coast. He previously served as dean of admission at Drexel University in Philadelphia and oversaw the enrollment functions at The New School in New York City. After spending many years on the east coast, he is thrilled to be back in the west connecting students and families to Oxy. Chris earned his EdD in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania, his MSW from University of Denver, and his BA in behavioral sciences from Wilmington College.
Gina Becerril, director of financial aid
Gina earned her master's degree from Stanford and is a 1999 graduate of UCLA. She came to Oxy from the Fulfillment Fund, where she served as the scholarship program coordinator and worked with economically disadvantaged students, helping them with the transition from high school to college. Gina’s responsibilities include counseling families and community outreach. Gina is available to speak to families in Spanish.
Craig Organek, associate director of financial aid
Craig joined the Oxy Financial Aid team in 2012. He earned his master's in educational administration from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2006. Originally from upstate New York, he earned his undergraduate degree from SUNY Albany and has been actively working in Financial Aid for over 17 years. Craig's responsibilities include providing technical support for the office, compiling survey data for national publications, counseling families, administering the Federal Pell Grant program, and serving as the liaison for student athletes and veterans.
Emily Valk, assistant director of financial aid
Emily graduated from UCSB in 2010 with a B.A. in Global Studies. She joined the Financial Aid Office in 2015 as the receptionist. Now in her role as the assistant director, she is responsible for managing Federal Direct, institutional and private loans, coordinating office communications and outreach, and establishing financial literacy training on campus.
Julia Nukaya, receptionist
Julia earned her bachelor's in Languages from UC Riverside. She has resided in Eagle Rock for 15 years and has spent that time volunteering and working in the customer service field. Julia is primarily responsible for greeting families, answering phones, answering emails and providing warm customer service.
Maggie Rocha, senior financial aid counselor
Maggie joined the Oxy Financial Aid team in 2018. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she has been actively working in financial aid for over 10 years. Maggie serves as the first point of contact for students and families. Her responsibilites include counseling students, coordinating outside scholarships, Cal Grants, and the work-study program. She also oversees the office social media accounts.
Josie Muschetto, financial aid coordinator
Shelby Cooper '21, Student Intern Shelby is a second-year student from South Euclid, Ohio. Shelby is currently undeclared.
Ryley Goulet '20, Student Intern Ryley is a third-year student from Parker, Colorado. Ryley is majoring in sociology.
Andres Sobalvarro '20, Student Intern Andres is a third-year student from San Francisco, CA. Andres is currently undeclared.