Besnilian Leadership Scholarship
Scholar: Madeleine Hoeks
Year Awarded: 2019
Working towards degree: Master of Science Human Nutrition
About Scholarship Recipient: Madeleine grew up in the Glendale area and attended Glendale Community College. It was there where she took her first nutrition class and knew that becoming a registered dietitian was the career she wanted to pursue. She then enrolled at CSUN and completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Option Nutrition and Dietetics, and then her dietetic internship. Madeleine is now in the process of completing the Master of Science in Human Nutrition. At CSUN, she has served as a volunteer and a student leader at the Marilyn Magaram Center (MMC) and has worked on various projects, including health fairs, wellness workshops, gardening programs and the Summer Culinary Camp for Kids. Additionally, she has been inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, has served as the vice-president of the Food Recovery Network and the co-secretary of the Student Dietetics and Food Science Association. Madeleine's last steps in becoming a registered dietitian include registering for the necessary exams and completing the master's degree. Obtaining the scholarship was very encouraging for her and she is truly grateful to Dr. Besnilian for making the opportunity possible.
About the Scholarship: For over 27 years, Dr. Annette Besnilian has considered CSUN a second home for her and her family. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), from the Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science program in 1994. She is currently the Executive Director of the Marilyn Magaram Center for Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics and a faculty member in the Nutrition and Dietetics program in the FCS Department. This scholarship will be given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in the FCS Department and will support and provide leadership opportunities for those students who intend to apply to local or national conferences and/or annual professional symposia to present their research.
Pastor Herrera Jr. Scholarship
Scholar: Divjot Kaur
Year Awarded: 2019
Working towards degree: Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences, Consumer Affairs and Family Studies
About Scholarship Recipient: Divjot grew up in a tiny village in India and immigrated to the United States at a young age. She graduated from CSUN (Cum Laude) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Consumer Affairs option, and double minor in Management and Marketing. She was the recipient of the Family and Consumer Sciences Outstanding Graduating Senior Award in 2018. She was also awarded the President’s volunteer Service Award by the Corporation for National and Community. She enjoys giving back to the community, accumulating over 400 service hours at different hospitals and non-profit organizations. Divjot has also been an intern at the US Federal Trade Commission, in the Los Angeles Regional Office, where she worked on consumer protection investigations. She is grateful to Pastor Herrera for his generous support and she hopes to one day be able to provide future students with similar opportunities to lighten their financial burden while pursuing an education. After graduation, she would like to earn a job at Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs. Her goal is to provide all consumers, regardless of their occupation, adequate education about their rights and bring awareness to avoid unsafe services. She also hopes to become a figure students can look up to for her dedication, devotion to education, desire to succeed and passion to help families and consumers.
About the Scholarship: Pastor Herrera, Jr. has been an adjunct professor at CSUN since 2011. He has also served on the California State License Board and held multiple positions at the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs for over 19 years. His most recent position at the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs was serving as the Director for the Consumer and Business Affairs Department. Pastor understands the importance of giving back and felt that supporting scholarships would make the greatest impact and help students with their finances as they work their way through the family and consumer sciences programs.
Rosalie Hilger Achievement Scholarship
Scholar: Rosario Felix
Year Awarded: 2019
Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences; Option in Interior Design
About Scholarship Recipient: Rosario and her twin sister are the youngest of six sisters. Both of her parents are from Guerrero, Mexico and raised their family in South Central Los Angeles, an area where gang violence is the norm. She credits her family for keeping her on the right path and teaching her life lessons, morals, and unconditional love and support. She chose CSUN because of the affordability and closeness to home. Rosario said her major remained undecided when she started, but she knew she wanted to be in a creative field. The interior design option happened naturally for her and she feels she was destined for the field. She said that interior design has helped shape her into who she is, and that the program is not only about decorating houses, it is also about the health and well-being of individuals occupying a space and creating a feasible environment for people to grow old in. At CSUN, Rosario has worked on a literature review project that focuses on the impact of nature on health and well-being from the interior environmental design perspective. She has also been involved in the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), serving as the president of the campus center at CSUN. Through the association she has participated in the LA Student Design Expo and Panel Discussion hosted by the IIDA of Southern California. Rosario is thankful to Ernie Hilger for the generous support to her and previous students who have received the scholarship. She said it means the world to her and her family as it will help them alleviate some financial expenses.
Scholar: Divjot Kaur
Year Awarded: 2019
Working towards degree: Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences, Consumer Affairs and Family Studies
About Scholarship Recipient: Divjot grew up in a tiny village in India and immigrated to the United States at a young age. She graduated from CSUN (Cum Laude) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Consumer Affairs option, and double minor in Management and Marketing. She was the recipient of the Family and Consumer Sciences Outstanding Graduating Senior Award in 2018. She was also awarded the President’s volunteer Service Award by the Corporation for National and Community. She enjoys giving back to the community, accumulating over 400 service hours at different hospitals and non-profit organizations. Divjot has also been an intern at the US Federal Trade Commission, in the Los Angeles Regional Office, where she worked on consumer protection investigations. She is thankful to Ernie Hilger for his generous support and she hopes to one day be able to provide future students with similar opportunities to lighten their financial burden while pursuing an education. After graduation, she would like to earn a job at Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs. Her goal is to provide all consumers, regardless of their occupation, adequate education about their rights and bring awareness to avoid unsafe services. She also hopes to become a figure students can look up to for her dedication, devotion to education, desire to succeed and passion to help families and consumers.
About the Scholarship: This scholarship was made possible by a generous gift from Ernest Hilger, on behalf of the Hilger Family Trust, and in honor of Ernest’s most beloved wife, Rosalie Hilger. Ernest established this scholarship to carry on Rosalie’s legacy, her caring and gentle spirit, and to benefit future generations of students, something that Rosalie was passionate about.
Rosalie Hilger was an alumna of CSUN’s Family and Consumer Sciences program and served as an adjunct professor at East Los Angeles Community College and Los Angeles Mission College. This scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated a positive life path for themselves and their family and who utilize their own positive energy and education as a way to help them succeed in their chosen profession.
The Christine H. Smith Scholarship
Scholar: Marie Gabrielle Eamiguel
Year Awarded: 2019
Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences; Option in Nutrition and Dietetics
About Scholarship Recipient: Marie was born in Cebu, Philippines and attended elementary school there. In middle school, her family moved to Camarillo, California after her father's passing. She chose to study nutrition and dietetics because she would like to use food as medical therapy. She has a passion for helping people with illness and her goal is all about preventative care by living a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition. While in high school, she volunteered in care-giving facilities by preparing food for elderly patients. At CSUN, Marie is an intern at the Marilyn Magaram Center (MMC) and has worked on several projects that include creating child nutrition for the CSUN Family and Child Studies Center, the lactation program and the MMC’s lecture series. Marie said she is grateful and honored to receive this scholarship and will continue to work hard in her future classes. Her goal is to become a registered dietitian with a focus on oncology or renal care and to work in a clinical or outpatient setting.
Scholar: Allison Kramer
Year Awarded: 2019
Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences; Option in Food Science
About Scholarship Recipient: Allison was born in Bismarck, North Dakota and she and her family moved to California when she was just three months old. She chose to study nutrition and dietetics because her father graduated from the same major. At the CSUN Bull Ring, a competition put on by the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, Allison and a classmate developed a line of meal replacements in the form of nutrition bars and drink powders to help food insecure students. In the future, she would like to work for a food manufacturing company and make products that will help the community. She wants to make the best quality food for those who, circumstantially, cannot normally obtain it. If Allison had the chance to speak with Christine Smith, she would tell her how important the scholarship is to her and thank her for donating to such a good cause.
Scholar: Tatum Vedder
Year Awarded: 2019
Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences; Option in Nutrition and Dietetics
About Scholarship Recipient: Tatum was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California. After attending the University of Hawaii for two years, she wanted a program that was more prestigious and rigorous and found the Dietetics program at CSUN. In the program, Tatum has served as the chief communications officer for the Student Dietetics and Food Science Association and the treasurer of the CSUN Women’s Club Volleyball team. After completing her degree, Tatum plans to complete a dietetic internship while working on a master’s degree in public health or human nutrition. She believes anyone from any socioeconomic background deserves the right to knowledge of nutrition and wellbeing and is interested in improving people’s health through community-based programs. She strives to work with as many populations as she can; including athletes, eating disordered patients, and those with gastrointestinal disorders. Tatum said that Christine Smith’s generosity is an enormous help towards her future as a dietitian and the scholarship is not only benefiting her, but all of the patients she will assist in the future.
About the Scholarship: The late Dr.Christine “Chris” Smith was a beloved professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department for almost 30 years. She was a co-advisor for the department’s Student Dietetic and Food Science Association for over 20 years and served as the director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Chris was instrumental in guiding students into becoming registered dietitians and she remained a large part of the DPD program after her retirement. Chris and her husband, Owen ’65 (Theatre), M.A. ’67 (Drama) met at CSUN, had a fairytale romance, and both were influential members of the CSUN community. In 2013, they passed away just 81 days apart — Owen after battling cancer and Chris after an accident at her home. Prior to their passing, the Smiths decided to leave a gift from their estate to CSUN, their second home. In their will, the Smiths directed funds in the form of a planned gift to five different areas at CSUN, including this endowed scholarship for a student in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science.
The Nancy J. and Joseph N. Owens Kappa Omicron Nu Scholarship
Scholar: Bertha Flores
Year Awarded: 2019
Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences; Option in Interior Design
About Scholarship Recipient: Bertha was born and raised in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico. She is a first-generation student and mother of two children. She is a diligent student with the determination to undertake any circumstance to accomplish her dream of becoming a professional interior designer and to prove to her children that if she can follow her dreams, so can they. Bertha said that being a Matador is an opportunity to become a better and stronger version of herself. Receiving the scholarship will allow her to cope with economic obstacles in the journey to her career. She is very grateful to Nancy and Joseph Owens for giving her the honor to be the recipient of this award and she promises to keep working hard.
Scholar: Brian Mitchell
Year Awarded: 2019
Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences; Option in Nutrition and Dietetics
About Scholarship Recipient: Brian grew up in rural Montana on a farm that he helped operate with his parents and three brothers. He was actively involved in community service through 4-H and other programs. He also studied classical music, piano, voice, and played several instruments, as well as, competed in speech, debate and drama clubs all around the state of Montana. Brian moved to Los Angeles, after completing his Associate’s Degree in Music Production, to take an internship at a talent management company. In 2010, he was asked be part of a team that opened four successful restaurants in Los Angeles. In 2015, he moved to the Northridge area and decided to return to school to study nutrition and dietetics. Brian wanted to complete his bachelor’s degree in a field that reflected the knowledge he had gained while working in food and hospitality. After losing 70 pounds in high school by integrating nutrition basics into his diet, he found a love for the science of nutrition. At CSUN, he is the culinary lead for the CSUN Pop-Up Food Pantry and has acted as the secretary for the Student Dietetics and Food Science Association. He also participates in the LAPD Youth Nutrition Program through the Marilyn Magaram Center’s professional experience program and is a peer educator for JADE (Joint Advocated for Disordered Eating). He is interested in providing compassionate counsel to patients struggling with low body image and finding a healthy lifestyle. Initially, Brian planned to become a clinical dietitian, but after working in a hospital, he has realized he would enjoy a larger scope of practice as a nurse practitioner. His degree in nutrition and dietetics will serve as a wonderful foundation in his pathway to a career as a nurse practitioner. Brian is grateful to Nancy and Joseph Owens for their generosity and for the educational opportunities that this scholarship will allow him to take advantage of and the extra time he will have to dedicate to his education.
About the Scholarship: Nancy Owens taught in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences for 36 years, specializing in apparel design and merchandising. She was highly involved at CSUN and has continued volunteering at the university since her retirement. Nancy served as the university’s chapter advisor for Kappa Omicron Nu, the leading honor society for students in the human sciences. Nancy and her husband Joe have continued to support the society by creating this scholarship for an undergraduate and/or graduate student in the department who meets the academic requirements for membership in Kappa Omicron Nu.
The Nancy J. and Joseph N. Owens Scholarship in Apparel Design and Merchandising
Scholar: Kelly Townsend
Year Awarded: 2019
Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences; Option in Apparel Design and Production
About Scholarship Recipient: Kelly grew up in Southern California by her mother who raised her on her own, and in the process, became her best friend. At a young age, Kelly fell in love with sewing; however, she did not pursue the craft until she was 18. She chose CSUN because of the affordability and ranking of the fashion program. After a year in the program, she has had an amazing experience and already feels confident to take on the industry. Kelly is thankful to Nancy and Joseph Owens for this scholarship. As a full-time student and employee, the scholarship means the world to her by providing financial relief to her and her mother and allowing more time to focus on her studies. In the future, she plans to take part in the production side of the fashion industry. She hopes to become a pattern maker and produce sustainable fashion. Kelly said her aspirations are endless and hopes to one day move up in the industry; whether by owning her own brand or working for one of her favorite companies. In the photo accompanying this bio, she is wearing a piece that she created herself.
About the Scholarship: Nancy Owens taught in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences for 36 years, specializing in apparel design and merchandising. She was highly involved at CSUN and has continued volunteering at the university since her retirement. Nancy and her husband Joe continue to support the university through their scholarship endowments that help students achieve their academic and career goals. This scholarship provides support to a student in the apparel design and merchandising program.
The Tom Chen Scholarship
Scholar: Jennifer White
Year Awarded: 2019
Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences; Option in Nutrition and Dietetics
About Scholarship Recipient: Jennifer was born and raised in Northern California, but she always wanted to live in SoCal. She has lived in Southern California for over a decade now and is a non-traditional student. She returned to college after being the primary caregiver for her mother while she dealt with end-stage renal disease, diabetes, and digestive heart failure. At CSUN, Jennifer has been involved in the BUILD PODER program, a National Institute of Health funded undergraduate research program, by working alongside with Dr. Elizabeth Sussman. Together, they have been studying the effects of protein supplementation within dialysis patient populations. She is also a scholar in the Northridge Scholarship Program, a merit-based award that encourages recipients to perform scholarly activities and explore academic interests. She was the secretary of the Student Dietetic and Food Science Association and will now be the vice-president. She has also been a legislative ambassador for the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, providing nutrition information to a California State Senator. Jennifer's plan after graduation includes applying to graduate school and has been accepted as a California Pre-Doctoral Scholar, which is a program that provides support for the graduate school application process and provides a summer research opportunity post-graduation. Her goal is to attend a doctorate program to one-day become a higher education professor and well-rounded professional in the field of nutrition. Jennifer said that without the generosity of donors, she would depend solely on student loans. Receiving the scholarship will help to reduce her financial burden as she continues her education. She is grateful for this scholarship and the support it gives her on her path to completing her degree.
About the Scholarship: Dr. Tungshan “Tom” Chen was a professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department and the founding director of the Marilyn Magaram Center for Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics. Marilyn Magaram met Dr. Chen while she was a master’s student and considered him a great mentor and friend. Unfortunately, Marilyn’s life was cut too short. As a tribute to her, Philip Magaram, Marilyn’s husband, and his family dedicated the Center as an honor to her memory. Tom was a large influence in seeing the Center transform from a concept to a reality after it opened in 1991. This scholarship is awarded to a full-time student and member of the Student Dietetic and Food Science Association (SDFSA) who is actively involved in programs and services hosted by the Center.
