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Marymount Scholars Program

Marymount Scholars Program

Our Scholarships

The Marymount Scholars Program, a charitable program within the Marymount Education Foundation, will carry on MCU’s mission of transforming lives through education by awarding college scholarships and a supportive community to freshman and transfer students.

The Marymount Scholars Program will partner with colleges and universities that align with MCU’s tradition and values that are rooted in Catholic higher education, including: a commitment to educating the whole person; a personal, communal, and ethics-based approach to learning; recognition of the harmony of faith and reason; openness to all backgrounds and faiths; importance of integrative knowledge; commitment to the dignity of the individual; and concern for wider issues of justice in society.

The Marymount Scholars program will seek to assist students from lower socio-economic backgrounds in the 2.7-3.3 GPA range by offering financial support, personal attention, and professional mentorship. The mission of the Marymount Scholars program will be to realize higher academic success and graduation rates than the national average for this population of students. Our belief is that academic success for these students can be attained with proper financial, academic, and community support.

Marymount Education Foundation is proud to partner with Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA; La Sierra University in Riverside, CA; Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles, CA;  and St. Mary's College in Moraga, CA to offer the Marymount Scholars Program on their campuses.
La Sierra University logo
Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles
Saint Mary's College of California

At a Glance

Freshmen
30 %
Transfer
20 %
In-coming GPA
0
Avg. Annual Scholarship
$ 0

Our Brochure

Marymount Scholars 2024

Marymount Scholar Dina Abuqubo

Dina Abuqubo

Dina Abuqubo is a Transfer student from El Camino College and will attend Mount Saint Mary’s University in fall 2024. Dina plans to major in nursing at MSMU and become a nurse.

Marymount Scholar Brooke Etter

Brooke Etter

Brook Etter is a recent graduate of Santa Margarita Catholic High School and will be a Freshman at St. Mary’s College in fall 2024. She is involved in several community service activities and plans to major in Kinesiology.

Marymount Scholar Kayli Gragas

Kayli Gragas

Kayli Gragas is a Transfer student from Cal State Long Beach. Kayli will attend the nursing program at Mount Saint Mary’s University and serve her community as a nurse.

Marymount Scholar Dominic Henriquez

Dominic Henriquez

Dominic Henriquez is Freshman who recently graduated from Verbum Dei Jesuit High School where he was the President of Latino Student Union Club. He plans to major in Kinesiology at St. Mary’s College.

Marymount scholar Emily Ouimette

Emily Ouimette

Emily Ouimette graduated from Fusion Academy and will begin Mount Saint Mary’s University as a Freshman in fall 2024. Emily is interested in majoring in either Political Science or Neuroscience.

Marymount Scholar Isabella Vargas

Isabella Vargas

Isabella Vargas is a Freshman who graduated from Bishop Montgomery High School. Isabella plans to major in Media and Communications at Mount Saint Mary’s University and is looking forward to being involved in campus activities.

Marymount Scholars 2023

Marymount Scholar Katherine Bonilla

Katherine Bonilla

Katherine Bonilla is a Transfer Student from Compton College and El Camino College, where she was involved in student government and served as the Vice President. As a first-generation Latina college student, she is excited to continue her involvement in student government at MSMU.

Marymount Scholar Ximena Donato

Ximena Donato

Ximena Donato is a Freshman who recently graduated from Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto High School. She is a first-generation Latina college student and plans to become a Special Education teacher.

Marymount Scholar Michelle Leoncio

Michelle Leoncio

Michelle Leoncio is a Freshman who recently graduated from St. Genevieve High School. She plans to major in nursing at MSMU and become a nurse.

Marymount Scholar Audrey Vargas

Audrey Vargas

Audrey Vargas is a Transfer Student from L.A. Harbor College, where she majored in Criminal Justice with a minor in Pre-Law and interned with the Los Angeles District Courts. She would like to participate in pre-law activities at MSMU and be involved in the Equity, Diversity, and Justice Program. Her goal is to become an attorney and represent communities without access to quality representation.

Scholar Feedback

“When I got the news that I had been selected for the Marymount Scholars Program Scholarship, I could not believe it. I was in tears because I would have never thought I would be capable of an amazing opportunity like this one, so getting this scholarship has helped me grow not only professionally but personally by believing in myself and being more confident in myself. I was so happy, since getting such a prestigious scholarship would set an example for both my family and community. I am extremely grateful to the Marymount Education Foundation for this opportunity and for supporting my education, which is one of the most important things in my life. With this scholarship, I hope to continue to be motivated and accomplish my educational goals which include getting a B.S. in Sociology and then going to graduate school and pursue a master’s degree to be able to work in higher education to help students just like myself reach their goals.”
Marymount Scholar Katherine Bonilla
Kathrine Bonilla2023 Scholarship Recipient
“I was very surprised, honored, and proud to have received this amazing opportunity! My abuelita was with me when I received the call and she never had the chance to finish school so we both cried tears of joy. Knowing that I am taking full advantage of the sacrifices that my parents and grandparents made when coming to this country means the absolute world to me.”
Marymount Scholar Ximena Donato
Ximena Donato2023 Recipient
"I couldn't believe it! It's usually just not my luck to receive these type of things. To say I’m beyond blessed and grateful is truly an understatement. With this scholarship, I am hoping to not only take off the financial burden on my parents but to also pursue my dream career and give back to my community who has so graciously helped me throughout the years."
Marymount Scholar Michelle Leoncio
Michelle Leoncio2023 Recipient
“The day I found out that I was selected as one of the four Marymount Scholars I was filled with so many emotions. I was in disbelief and shocked to say the least. Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to attend the University of my dreams debt and worry free. I can now go on to be the first in my family to obtain my bachelor's degree and attend law school soon after. I am very thankful for the opportunity that the Marymount Scholarship Education Foundation has given me!”
Marymount Scholar Audrey Vargas
Audrey Vargas2023 Recipient
Sue Soldoff, Ph.D.
Sue Soldoff has a long career in the travel industry as president of S&S Safaris. She actively works to support local charities, including Palos Verdes Performing Arts, Las Candalistas and The Lundquist Institute. She has served on Marymount California University’s Board of Trustees for many years. Sue holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from UC-Berkeley and has taught at various colleges.
Lynn Marsh, CPA
Lynn Marsh served on Marymount California University’s faculty, where she developed and taught the Accounting curriculum and mentored students interested in business and accounting careers. Lynn has held consulting positions with mid-size and start-up businesses to develop business strategies, improve operational efficiency, develop internal control policies and procedures, manage monthly close and financial reporting, provide forensic accounting services, and oversee audit preparation and tax filing services as necessary. Lynn Marsh is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in California.
Marie-Baurier
Sr. Antoine- Marie Baurier, RSHM, Ph.D.
Sister Antoine is a Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) and served for fifty years on Marymount California University’s faculty. In addition to teaching French and Spanish, she has served on the university’s Board of Trustees and worked as Mission Coordinator and as an Academic Advisor. Sister holds a Ph.D. in French Literature from UCLA.
Ryan-E-Alcantara
Ryan E. Alcantara, Ph.D.
Ryan Alcantara is a dynamic, student-centered leader with twenty-five years of experience in higher education. Most recently the vice president of student affairs at Marymount California University, he oversaw a comprehensive Student Affairs portfolio. Alcantara previously worked at Irvine Valley College, UC-Riverside, and CSU-Fullerton, and serves as an adjunct faculty at the University of Southern California in public policy and education. He earned his Ph.D. in Public Administration (USC).
Ariane-Schauer
Ariane Schauer, Ph.D.
Ariane Schauer served as Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Marymount California University for thirteen years, leading the institution’s academic transformation from a two-year college to a university with bachelor and graduate programs. She brings deep experience and expertise in higher education leadership, accreditation, program development, curriculum, instruction, assessment, advising, learning support, governance and faculty development. She regularly chairs regional accreditation review teams. Dr. Schauer earned a Ph.D. in Economics from UCLA with focus on money and banking, finance and economic development.
Caroline-Sayers
Caroline A. Sayers, J.D.
Carolyn Sayers is an experienced attorney who represents businesses and non-profit entities in developing legal strategies to support business operations, mitigate risks, and avoid and navigate complex litigation. Her practice also includes counseling and advising clients in connection with a wide variety of corporate and real estate transactions so as to avoid litigation and minimize exposure to risk. Caroline Sayers is an alumna of Marymount College and Georgetown University, and has been a long-standing member of Marymount California University’s Board of Trustees. Sayers holds a J.D. from Loyola Law School.
Brian-Marcotte
Brian W.G. Marcotte
An experienced executive, Marcotte retired as CEO of Titan Oil Recovery, Inc. and previously was a corporate vice president of public policy, health environment and safety at Unocal Corp., a multi-national energy resources company. He also served as subsidiary president of international energy operations for the Netherlands, Indonesia and Thailand. He served as chairman of the Unocal Foundation. In 2018, Brian Marcotte became the eighth president of Marymount California University. He has also served as president of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics California Pacific Conference.
Father Mark Villano
Fr. Mark A

Father Mark Villano is the Associate Director of the University Catholic Center at UCLA. Prior to that, he served as Marymount California University’s Chaplain and Chief Mission Officer. He has also served as a member of Marymount California University’s Board of Trustees. He has taught courses in religion, philosophy, art history, and popular culture, and maintains a strong interest in film and media studies. Fr. Mark holds a Master of Divinity from Catholic University of America and a Master of Fine Arts from the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California.

Dave
David L. Tomblin
Dave Tomblin is a founding partner and served as President/Chief Executive Officer of Tomblin Asset Management Group Inc., a real estate investment and management firm. He has invested in, managed, re-developed, developed, repositioned, re-habilitated, and managed assets and investments of over $1.1 Billion. Dave Tomblin served on Marymount California University’s business faculty for eight years, where he mentored students in their career preparation. His volunteer work has included serving as an elected member of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District; President and member of the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles Area Council, Boy Scouts of America; Founder and member of the USC Caruso Catholic Center Student Mentor Program; and member of the Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Los Angeles.
Rick-Edler
Richard Edler
Rick Edler is the CEO of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, where he provides the framework and direction for the company’s growth and success as a leader in the South Bay luxury real estate market. He has served on Premier Business Bank’s Board of Advisors and as Vice Chair of Marymount California University’s Board of Trustees. He is co-founder of Agent Bridge, the world’s largest network of elite agents, a member of the National Association of Realtors, and has served as President of the Palos Verdes Board of Realtors. Edler holds a B.S. in Entrepreneurship from USC.