Scholar: Thompson Pang
Year Awarded: 2021
Working towards degree: Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and, Recreation Management (Recreational Sport Management)
About Scholarship Recipient: Thompson grew up in Southern California and transferred to CSUN from College of the Canyons. He discovered the Recreation and Tourism Management Department at CSUN after researching and talking to faculty members who gave him a better understanding of the major. Thompson graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Tourism, Hospitality, and Recreation Management in 2018. Thompson
After Thompson graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Tourism, Hospitality, and Recreation Management in 2018. He moved to various states and worked for professional ice hockey teams in the different community relations and game operations departments. Thompson loves the game of ice hockey and played for CSUN’s team from 2016-2018. He also loves giving back to communities and teaching children about the game because the sport has taught him many life lessons. After working in the sports industry for some time, Thompson decided to move back to Southern California at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic because he thought it presented the perfect opportunity to pursue his Master of Science degree in Tourism, Hospitality, and Recreation Management and specialize in Recreational Sport Management.
Thompson says that the scholarship means a lot to him and helps his future in academics and his career. He hopes to get back into the sports world and reach his career dream of working in a collegiate athletic department with an ice hockey program after he completes his master’s degree.
About this Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to a graduate student in the Department of Recreation and Tourism Management who can show evidence of involvement in activities of professional concern. The student must possess academic areas of achievement and be involved in professional and/or community service organizations. The student must also have worked either in a paid or voluntary role in the profession of recreation.
Scholar: Isabel Ayala
Year Awarded: 2021
Working towards degree: Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and, Recreation Management (Recreational Sport Management)
About Scholarship Recipient: Isabel was born in Oxnard, California and grew up playing soccer, swimming, and traveling. After graduating as a second-generation student at CSUN, she pursued her career in sports and recreation at the Student Recreation Center and Associated Student’s Camp Matador on campus. Inspired by colleagues, mentors, and family, she decided to pursue a master’s degree through the Recreation and Tourism Department.
Isabel moved back to her hometown during her studies and reconnected with her roots by hiking, cycling, skate boarding, and surfing while also applying her ingenuity and resourcefulness at Ventura County Special Olympics. She also applied her creative spirit through social media to kick start a community environmental justice group called Coastal Keepers with childhood sports friends. She currently continues her passion for sports as a Street Team member for Angel City Football Club, the newest women’s professional soccer team in Southern California. Through her love for music, the outdoors, and staying active Isabel hopes to inspire and motivate others to do the same.
About the Scholarship: Dr. Lola Sadlo was a founding faculty member in the Recreation and Tourism Management Department who was interested in crafts and dance. She wanted students to get creatively involved in the community and have high academic standards in academics. This award is given to one student for proven creativity in a RTM program and/or project, on or off the CSUN campus.
Scholar: Brenda Galvan
Year Awarded: 2021
Working towards degree: Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and, Recreation Management
About Scholarship Recipient: Brenda grew up in West Covina and is working to complete her undergraduate degree in tourism, hospitality, and recreation management (RTM). She said finding the program was not easy for her at first, as she went through different majors before she found RTM. When she found the program she knew it was for her because it allowed her to share her people skills and work with others who shared similar values that include the importance of recreation.
Brenda said that receiving this award showed her that her dream career had real importance and it gave her the reassurance she needed to proceed. Her goal includes working with Disney's Youth Education Series, more specifically, the leadership series. She understands that many under-resourced schools lack the privileges of being involved in such a series, and that is something she hopes to change and build out in her future.
About the Scholarship: This award is dedicated to the late professor of leisure studies and recreation, Dr. John "Jack" Foley. Dr. Foley graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a degree in Recreation Administration and later earned a doctorate from Brigham Young University. He worked for the City of Culver City and later became a professor at CSUN where he worked for over two decades. He was a beloved mentor to students and a devoted contributor to the CSUN baseball team. He had a tremendous desire to give back to his community. He led the charge for a renovated Matador field and some of his hard work paid off when the Matador clubhouse was constructed in 2002. More recently, a significant donation was made to help bring Dr. Foley's vision for a redesigned Matador Field to fruition. The gift supports the renovating of the entrance and is the first of multiple projects. The Jack Foley Award is given to a student in the Department of Recreation and Tourism Management in honor of Dr. Foley's dedication to CSUN.
Scholar: Rhianna Orton
Year awarded: 2021
Working towards degree: Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and, Recreation Management (Recreational Sport Management)
About scholarship recipient: Rhianna is from Corona, California and has been rock climbing since she was 8 years old, which made her quite the outdoor enthusiast. She competed a lot in her youth and developed a climbing club with friends while at Cal Poly Pomona for undergrad. The time spent at Cal Poly Pomona inspired her to pursue a master’s degree at CSUN in recreational sport management. She chose CSUN’s program because of the many hands-on experiences. The scholarship is significant to Rhianna because it will aid in financing her aspirations to make a career in outdoor recreation. Such a career aligns with her passion to bring more people into the folds of the great outdoors. She also looks forward to a potential career in campus recreation where she can dedicate time to lowering entry barriers so more individuals can enjoy outdoor sports.
About the Scholarship: Tal Morash was a faculty member in the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department for many years (now Recreation and Tourism Management). He also founded the Outdoor Adventures program in the department. This scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student who can show evidence of involvement in activities of professional concern in outdoor recreation. The student must also have volunteered or worked in the field and can show evidence of involvement with community service organizations.
