Four students from Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico—Valeria Cruz Iturralde, Lucero Cordova Arellanes, Kaylene Loretto, and Selina Fernandez—will be attending Southwestern University this fall on full scholarships as recipients of the Davis New Mexico Scholarship. Each first-generation student recipient will receive support for all four years of college — including tuition, room and board, books, and travel.

The students were selected because they are exemplary learners who have a strong desire to succeed and are among the first in their families to attend college and/or from low-income families. A total of 18 first-generation college students will attend one of five partner universities. This is the first year for Southwestern to participate.  

“After a visit to our campus, in which representatives from the Davis foundation met with faculty, staff and students, they determined that we had both an excellent liberal arts education and a community that would be welcoming to first generation students and working with them on a successful transition and completion,” says Southwestern’s Dean of Admission and Enrollment Services, Christine Bowman, M.Ed.

The Southwestern student recipients say this is a life-changing opportunity.   

“This is like winning the lottery,” says Iturralde. “Going to college is my dream, so I guess you could say it’s like a dream come true. I can get a good education, new experiences. It’s just an honor, honestly. I couldn’t be happier.”

Iturralde will graduate from Monte Del Sol Charter School, and plans to major in business with a minor in psychology.

“This opportunity is the gateway to pursue my education,” says Cordova Arellanes, a Senior at Monte Del Sol Charter School. “I will be able to get a better job and give back to my family for everything they’ve done for me. I will be the first in my extended family to break the norm and prove that background and financial status is only a barrier, but can be overcome if one really wants it. Nothing will stop me from achieving my goal.”

Cordova Arellanes plans on majoring in political science and psychology, with hopes of pursuing a career in immigration law.

Kayelene Loretto will graduate from Santa Fe High School, and chose Southwestern because of the university’s tight-knit community and opportunities for civic engagement.

“This opportunity will change my life by further enabling me to pursue what I wish to do in life, which is helping people in underrepresented communities – especially my native people,” says Loretto. “I want to focus on promoting college readiness and help students go on to a higher education. By receiving the Davis Scholarship, I can now receive an education that will provide the skills and tools needed to pursue my aspirations in life.”

Loretto plans to major in sociology and race and ethnicity studies, with a focus on social justice.

Selina Fernandez, a student at Capital High School in Santa Fe says the scholarship is an honor.

“The Davis Scholarship is something that not every college student gets. It’s a great thing for my future because I don’t have to worry about having student loans or debt.”

Fernandez says after hearing Southwestern’s presentation, she was knew the university was right for her. She has not decided on a major, but is interested in teaching, social justice, and art.

“Southwestern is excited to welcome these excellent students to our community this fall,” says Bowman. “They have been amazing students and members of the Santa Fe and Albuquerque community and I know they will continue to grow as members of our community. “

The Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund raises the annual $5 million contribution, which is considered to be the largest private scholarship for students in New Mexico. The scholarship program plans to expand its giving to support 100 scholarships, and students statewide are encouraged to participate in college access programs and apply.

Southwestern University

Southwestern is a selective, nationally recognized undergraduate liberal arts and sciences university located in Georgetown, Texas. Established in 1840, it is the first  institution of higher learning in Texas. Southwestern’s residential campus offers a true liberal arts education with small classes and numerous collaborative undergraduate research opportunities. Its academic offerings include Paideia, an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to study, and close faculty-student collaboration. Students volunteer in the community at more than twice the national average and our scholar-athletes compete on one of 20 NCAA Division III varsity teams. For more information, visit www.southwestern.edu.