La Sierra gives record $1.1 million in scholarships during annual ceremony

The 2026 Endowed Scholarships and Awards Ceremony was held at the La Sierra University Church where scholarship donors and university administration, deans and faculty distributed awards to students. In all, 147 donor-based and institutional scholarship funds provided essential monies to current students who met scholarship criteria and who are returning next year to the Seventh-day Adventist university.

The program began with remarks from university President Christon Arthur and a brief message from President Emeritus Larry Geraty on what it means to be a give to others. Enoch Hwang, chair of computer science and Madelyn Vega-Ortiz, criminal justice associate professor served as emcees.

"Because of our amazing donors, the total amount of awards is $1.1 million," Arthur said. "At La Sierra University we do everything to help ensure that you succeed," he said to students while thanking donors and families for their support.

Geraty, who along with his wife, Gillian, has been a regular donor to the university, described his motivation as rooted in his personal experiences and upbringing that included a family tradition of tithing. His career as an archaeologist, educator and higher education administrator has included a deep dedication to fundraising to support educational endeavors and archaeological projects.

Geraty, who recently retired from 19 years as executive director of the university foundation board which he established, noted key philanthropists and fundraisers who influenced and supported him over the years as well as significant fundraising he spearheaded that resulted in significant projects such as a new dining commons building at the former Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts which he led before arriving to lead La Sierra University in 1993; the development of La Sierra's science park and Price Science Complex, Zapara School of Business, the redevelopment of university property into the Riverwalk Parkway developments and campus entrance, as well as the Center for Near Eastern Archaeology that now bears his name and that of his colleague and former center director, Doug Clark.

"Cheerful givers are the ones God prizes," Geraty said. "God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more so that there will not only be enough for your own needs, but plenty left over to give joyfully to others. That certainly has been true in my life and I hope it will be for you too."

Provost Leslie Martin wrapped up the event by reflecting on the transcendent nature of the ceremony that moved beyond mere recognition to celebrating the generosity of donors who invest in transformative education and students' futures.

A short video concluded the celebration featuring three current students thanking donors for the financial lifeline given them. The video can be accessed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S68nc_RA3ls

"This award means a lot to me because any kind of support for my education is really important." - Morgan Ramsey, biomedical sciences major

Following the ceremony, students and attendees commented on the significance of scholarships to a student's life and goals.

Morgan Ramsey, a freshman biomedical sciences student posed with classmates in front of a backdrop during a post-ceremony reception. She was among recipients of the biology department's Victor and Alina Tolan Annual Science Scholarship. "This award means a lot to me because any kind of support for my education is really important to me. I would like to go into the medical field one day," she said.

Pre-dentistry major Jacob Fernandez received three scholarships. His grandparents and aunt attended the ceremony to support and celebrate his achievements.

"I'm really happy just because I know it's hard for my parents to work so hard to support me," he said following the event. "It lets me be more involved, like be in the dorms without worrying about having to pay for room and board and all that stuff."

"It's amazing what they've [donors] done to help other students continue with their dreams." - Ester Cabrez, aunt of student Jacob Fernandez

His grandfather, Jesse Fernandez who attended along with his wife and Jacob's grandmother Elvira Fernandez, noted the family's pride in Jacob's achievements "He has earned his scholarships and we wish him well and hopefully someday will be his patients when he becomes a dentist," Jesse said, citing Jacob's standing as the ninth of 12 grandchildren.

Jacob's aunt, Ester Cabrez, said she attended in representation of Jacob's mother and other relatives. "We're so very proud and honored to be here today, and so thankful for all the donors," she said. "It's amazing what they've done to help other students continue with their dreams. It's a big help."

To access photos from the 2026 Endowed Scholarships and Awards Ceremony, visit https://lasierra.edu/offices/philanthropy/scholarships/

For further information about La Sierra University scholarships, including the university's highest award, the Presidential Service Award, please visit https://lasierra.edu/sfs/scholarships/