For first-generation college students Alyssa Zatarain ’29 and Sunny Tuazon ’29, current-year scholarship support opened the doors to an Oxy education
It was luck of the room draw that brought first-years Sunny Tuazon of San Jose and Alyssa Zatarain of Inglewood together in Chilcott Hall this fall. But they quickly found that they had much in common. Both are first-generation college students, both have pretty much settled on a major, and both are in Eagle Rock thanks in part to the generosity of current-year scholarship support that is making the Oxy experience more accessible.
Two $1 million gifts from anonymous donors will create 20 current-year scholarship gifts of $25,000 per year for members of the Class of 2029. “Without real financial support, many talented students can’t afford to attend or graduate without crippling debt,” says one donor, who hopes their gift will inspire others with the capacity to support Oxy. “Scholarships ensure diversity, equity, and a richer academic and residential experience for everyone.”
For a second donor couple—one of whom attended Occidental as a “scholarship kid”—they see their contribution as a way to help students step into a world that can be formative, eye-opening, and potentially life-changing. “Giving back means helping someone else have the experience that changed my life,” they say. “It feels meaningful to share those opportunities with others.”
In looking at colleges, Tuazon believed she would benefit from the liberal arts experience. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that Occidental has given me,” she says. “I felt like I needed that smaller class size to better connect with my peers and faculty, as well as a diverse, creative, and collaborative environment where I could be my authentic self.” Oxy checked those boxes, she says, and one other non-negotiable: “The website said they meet 100 percent financial need—and coming from a low-income family, I couldn’t afford to settle for less.”
In speaking with her professors at office hours, “I feel supported both emotionally and academically,” she adds. Her first English class—Shakespeare and Film, taught by Associate Professor Ross Lerner—has been such an “awesome” experience that’s she already declared her major: “I’m excited to see what the rest of the department has to offer.”
Outside the classroom, Tuazon is working for Project SAFE, a prevention education and advocacy support program dedicated to ending sexual violence on campus. “The work we do is important,” she says, “and I love seeing people show up to our events.”
When Zatarain was visiting prospective colleges, she was looking for “a supportive community, strong resources, and students who were genuinely excited about what they were learning. I loved how Oxy combines a tight-knit community with the creativity and diversity of Los Angeles,” she says. “It felt like the perfect balance for me.”
She’s eyeing a major in media arts and culture: “I’ve always been fascinated by how the media shapes the way we see the world and how it can be used to promote different causes and tell meaningful stories. I’m also excited to explore film production and see if that’s a path I want to pursue further.”
As an active member of the Latine Student Union at Oxy, “I always look forward to our meetings and events because they give me a chance to connect with other Latino students and celebrate our shared culture,” Zatarain says. “The group has really helped me find a sense of belonging on campus because it’s a space where I feel understood and supported.”
Reflecting the feelings of many first-generation college students, she adds, “It’s not always easy to imagine myself at a place where I can fully explore my passions and learn new things about myself and the world around me. But thanks to this generous scholarship and the people who believed in my potential, I feel even more motivated and inspired to make the most of my time here. I am truly grateful for this opportunity.”
Above photo: Alyssa Zatarain ’29, left, and Sunny Tuazon ’29.
