Jessica Quiroz
Jessica Quiroz of Chandler, Arizona, has been named the recipient of the Safety Scholarship. She currently works as a safety technician with Southland Industries and is a first-generation college student.
“I am a first-generation American and the first in my family to pursue a college degree,” she said. “As someone forging a new path in my family, this scholarship would not only support my education, but it would represent an important investment in our shared future.”
With this scholarship, Quiroz plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health.
“I never expected to find my passion in construction safety, but working alongside Southland Industries’ safety team completely changed my outlook,” she explained. “Watching this team work tirelessly, fighting for funding, staying late after incidents and constantly adapting to changing site needs, was incredibly inspiring. Their dedication made me realize that safety is more than compliance; it’s care in action.”
Kevin Brown
Kevin Brown of Newnan, Georgia, has been awarded the Community College Transfer Scholarship. He is currently a police officer in his local community and is the owner of a martial arts school.
“Seeing the difference martial arts made in my life and the lives of the people I trained with, I wanted to instill the same values in my community after I moved away from my home martial arts school,” he said. “For this reason, I opened my own martial arts school and began training my community.”
With this scholarship, Brown plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
“My parents enrolled me in karate when I was 4 years old,” he said. “In addition to the physical benefits of martial arts, there are also many mental benefits. My instructors spoke of discipline, focus, respect and a positive attitude. They instilled values that made me successful in school growing up, successful as a husband and father, successful in my community and successful in my career in law enforcement.”
Sarah Hansen
Sarah Hansen of Coos Bay, Oregon, has been named the recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa Community College Transfer Scholarship. She is currently a safety professional with Roseburg Forest Products and the mother of three.
“I strive to show my three daughters every day that anything is possible if you work hard and challenge yourself,” she said. “I hope to be a role model, not only for my children but for other women in my workplace and in my community.”
With this scholarship, Hansen plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health.
“I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health from Columbia Southern University so that I can grow in my field and make a difference for the team members that I’ve come to know as family,” she said. “I believe change happens with daily effort toward the goal by individuals who truly care, and that is what I intend to be for my colleagues.”
Madison Sablan
Madison Sablan of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, has been awarded the Community College Transfer Scholarship. She hopes to one day become a successful business owner to better her community.
“Beyond simply covering the costs of school, this scholarship represents the opportunity to invest in my future goals,” she said. “I aspire to continue my education, grow as a leader and ultimately give back to my island community.”
With this scholarship, Sablan plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
“My dream is to contribute to sustainable practices, create opportunities for others and inspire change in how we approach natural resource management and environmental conservation,” she said. “With this financial support, I will be able to stay focused on these long-term goals and put my energy into not just completing my education, but using it to build a positive future for both my family and my island.”
For more information about Columbia Southern University’s scholarships, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Scholarships.
Disclaimer: These testimonials may not reflect the experience of all CSU students.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes.
CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
