This year has been one of exciting growth and meaningful impact! We proudly opened the new Jessica P. Sarowitz Center for Guardian Scholars and hosted our largest Thanksgiving Celebration yet—reuniting with Guardian Scholars founders, the Smith family. This spring, we celebrated 31 scholar graduates, awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, and provided $255,000 in basic needs support.
Student engagement has soared, thanks to expanded programming, a stronger sense of community, and a deepened culture of care. These milestones would not be possible without you—our dedicated donors.
With federal support declining and housing costs on the rise, your steadfast generosity is vital and appreciated. Student engagement is growing, and with your continued support, we can ensure every scholar has the resources to thrive.
With gratitude,
Shareka White, M.A. Director
Ofce of Educational Opportunity Programs, Outreach and Success
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward
Alex Smith Foundation Fund for Guardian Scholars
The San Diego State University Guardian Scholars Program had the opportunity to reconnect with our founding donors, whose generosity is providing additional support for housing, programming, operations, and stafng as the program continues to grow and positively impact more Guardian Scholars at SDSU.
Guardian Scholars Housing Award
We have been able to provide housing support for 100 of our Guardian Scholars through the Guardian Scholars Housing Award, helping to alleviate housing and food insecurities. This vital assistance allows our students to focus on their studies, mental and physical wellness, and ultimately graduate from SDSU.
Gary Bezer and Lise Fleury PATH Academy Endowment
Launching in fall 2025, PATH to Professionalism, supported by the Gary Bezer and Lise Fleury PATH Academy Endowment, is a comprehensive career readiness initiative through the Fowler College of Business that helps prepare Project Rebound and Guardian Scholar business students to successfully transition from student to professional.
Through structured workshops, events, and skill-building activities tailored to each academic year, students gain practical career competencies and grow in confdence.
The Smiths, Guardian Scholars founding donors, pose for a picture with our Guardian Scholar, Elyssa Mclendon, during the Annual GS Thanksgiving Celebration.
Thriving in the Aztec Experience
Michael Rincon-Bonillas Jr., Class of 2025
Class Level: Dual Degree
College: Fowler College of Business
Major: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting + a Master of Science in Accountancy
As a frst-generation Native American college student, I faced many challenges and had every excuse to give up, but I kept pushing forward.
The Guardian Scholars Program played a huge role in my success by providing scholarships and on-campus housing, which helped me more than I ever expected. That support allowed me to stay focused on my education without constantly worrying about fnances.
The wellness coaching was also a big help—my coach, Tri, supported me in working through past stresses and learning how to take care of my well-being while staying on track.
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The Guardian Scholars program played a huge role in my success by providing scholarships and on-campus housing, which helped me more than I ever expected.
Chasley Schoettle, Class of 2025 Class Level: Undergraduate Student
College: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts & College of Health and Human Services
Major: Dance and Kinesiology
Guardian Scholars (GS) has provided a true and strong community where we are encouraged to reach out for help, knowing that people who genuinely care about our well-being and future are there to support us.
Because of this support, I am honored to have been selected as the 2025 SDSU Quest for the Best recipient and the President’s Award recipient at the 2024 Research Symposium for “Dancing Beyond Boundaries,” which honored me with frst place for performing arts across the entire California State University system.
As I prepare for graduation, my heart is full of appreciation. I know that creating the Jessica P. Sarowitz Center for Guardian Scholars takes a village, and I want to thank each and every person who has been part of this dream team— bringing this vision to life.
Many GS students have faced homelessness, insecurity, and abuse, but this center provides a space where students can truly feel safe, supported, and valued.
Thank you for believing in us and making our dreams possible.
Guardian Scholars (GS) has provided a true and strong community where we are encouraged to reach out for help, knowing that people who genuinely care about our well-being and future are there to support us.
Celebrating Shared Success
Statistics of Interest
SDSU’s Guardian Scholars Program maintains a unique public–private partnership, leveraging United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds via San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) to provide stable, year-round housing and dramatically reduce student debt for underrepresented students. It stands out as one of the frst initiatives in the U.S. where a public housing authority and university collaborate extensively to support former foster and homeless youth, with SDSU being the only institution with a public-private partnership to provide housing for students.
The Guardian Scholars (GS) welcomed 44 new students and celebrated its largest graduating class, with 32 students earning bachelor’s degrees—including one student who earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree simultaneously. The program continues to demonstrate that with the right support from university leadership, faculty, staf, donors, and peers, Guardian Scholars can thrive and succeed despite the challenges they face as one of the most vulnerable student populations at a four-year university. Continued fnancial, academic, and personal support is essential to sustaining the program’s growing success.
Recent Highlights
Jessica P. Sarowitz Center for Guardian Scholars
In November 2024, the SDSU Guardian Scholars Program held a ribbon cutting ceremony in conjunction with the Guardian Scholars Thanksgiving Celebration Dinner for the new Jessica P. Sarowitz Center for Guardian Scholars. The center has been renovated to serve as a communal space for all SDSU Guardian Scholars and allies, which also includes room for studying, hosting workshops and events, and ofces for GS staf and wellness coaches. The program outgrew its original space with over 160 GS students, and we are excited to have the opportunity to create an environment specifcally designed to nurture and build a community of family with and for our GS students.
GS Graduate Appreciation Luncheon
In an efort to collect feedback from GS graduates and provide an intimate space for celebration and community, Guardian Scholars introduced the GS Graduating Senior Appreciation Luncheon. This event provided the students an opportunity to refect on their journey at SDSU and their time with the Guardian Scholars Program and its staf. Students provided feedback on the program and recommendations for improvement for future GS students.
Impactful Partnership
SDSU’s Guardian Scholars partners with public housing to provide stable housing and support, reducing debt and helping vulnerable students graduate in record numbers and thrive.
Koko Nishi, Psy.D.
Title: Counseling and Psychological Services Therapist and GS Wellness Coach
College: Counseling and Psychological Services
Achievement: Dr. Koko Nishi is the 2025 faculty honoree of Quest for the Best awardee Chasley Schoettle.
Dr. Nishi has served Guardian Scholars since the collaboration between Guardian Scholars (GS) and Counseling and Psychological Services began in 2016.
Dr. Nishi supports many of our Guardian Scholars through one-on-one check-ins and in our GS seminar courses during the fall and spring semesters.
She reminds students to strive to be the best version of themselves as a way to encourage students to fnd growth by utilizing GS staf and resources, as well as in other areas of support within SDSU.
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Dr.
Koko Nishi, 2025 Faculty Honoree of Quest for the Best— dedicated to empowering Guardian Scholars to grow and be their best selves every step of the way!
