Rogelio Barsallo Blades
Rogelio Barsallo Blades of Pearland, Texas, has been named the recipient of the Knight Scholarship. He and his family are in the process of immigrating to the U.S. to seek more opportunities for a better future.
“The year 2025 will be a change for us, and any help we can get with our transition into the U.S. comes immensely appreciated,” he said. “The Knight Scholarship is an example of the type of aid we need; the reduced tuition cost means we would have more money available to cover legal expenses, travel costs, education for my other two brothers and any of the other costs of moving into a new place.”
With this scholarship, Blades plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
“I am sure that by completing my business degree at CSU, I will be able to better manage my resources, as well as having an accredited title that will surely aid in securing employment,” he said. “My knowledge of finance will also give me the ability to help my family and friends in finding the best ways to manage their economy.”
Monica Smithee
Monica Smithee of Ogden, Utah, has been awarded the Fire Scholarship. She is currently a full-time firefighter, EMT and fire instructor for new recruits with her local fire department.
“I have fallen in love with teaching firefighting, and I know this degree would make me a stronger instructor, which is why I feel prepared for a CSU program,” she said.
With this scholarship, Smithee plans to pursue an associate degree in fire science.
“This scholarship would not only help me financially, but it would also help me feel less stressed about my life responsibilities as I study and excel in school for the first time in too long,” she said. “Education is a real priority for me.”
Steven Longo
Steven Longo of Fallston, Maryland, has been named the recipient of the FBI National Academy Associates Scholarship. He is currently the employment commander for his agency and police captain with the Baltimore County Police Department.
“As far back as I can remember, police work has been my career goal,” he said. “I knew that I was meant to work where I was giving back to my community.”
With this scholarship, Longo intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration.
“This scholarship will provide me with the opportunity to finish my degree, which in turn benefits the agency and the community that I serve,” he said.
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.
