Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Fund
Hello, friends of CSUB-HESF!
We Had Another Successful Event!
42nd Annual CSUB-HESF Scholarship Awards Program
Friday, September 26, 2025
CSUB Student Union
6pm: Social Hour
6:30pm: Program
Since its establishment in 1984 by now CSU President Emeritus, Dr. Tomas Arciniega (CSUB 1983-2004), HESF has built a "tradition of excellence," having supported nearly 1,900 outstanding students from our community with scholarships totaling $3.2 million.
According to Mr. Ed Herrera, HESF Community Advisory Board President, in fall 2025, HESF plans to recognize 30 academically excellent, financially deserving students, regardless of race or ethnicity, with awards totaling $60,000.
In September 2025, sponsors, students, families and the public will be invited to help celebrate and recognize our students' academic achievement.
Now is the time to BECOME A SPONSOR!
Thank you to our 2025-2026 Keynote Speaker
Ms. Emily Duran, CEO, Kern Health Systems
- Inductee, 2023 CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame
- Former CSUB-HESF Scholarship Recipient
Special Recognition
Dr. Tomas Arciniega, CSU President Emeritus
CSUB President 1983-2004
Dr. Arciniega was named president of California State College, Bakersfield, in 1983. He was its longest serving president, providing 21 years of transformational leadership. At the time of his appointment, he was one of only seven people of Latino origin to ever have served as a university president in the U.S. Born near the Mexican border in El Paso, Texas, he was a life-long advocate for underrepresented and first-generation students. He played college football at New Mexico State University and was a minor league baseball player before earning his doctorate at the University of New Mexico in educational administration in 1965. He entered academia as a professor at the University of Texas, El Paso. He served as a dean at both UTEP and CSU, San Diego, and was later the VP & Provost at CSU Fresno.
During Dr. Arciniega’s tenure, CSUB’s student population more than doubled and the campus formally earned university standing. He led CSUB to become a comprehensive regional university. Many programs and policies that encouraged underrepresented students to attend CSUB were instituted. HESF is one of those. As a result, CSUB’s Latino student population grew from 11 percent in 1983 to 68 percent today. Latinas alone now comprise 40 percent of the student population. Dr. Arciniega retired in 2004.
Become a Family, Memorial or Corporate Scholarship Sponsor
Support one or more students in your name. Per a 1:1 CSUB Presidential Matching Program, your contributions are doubled. Each $1,000 donation becomes a $2,000 student scholarship. Contact us for details.
To become a corporate sponsor or an individual or family donor, contact tmartinez@csub.edu or visit our Become a Sponsor page.
Thank you to our 2025-26 Scholarship Sponsors
The Honorable Robert S. Tafoya and Chancellor Emerita Sandra V. Serrano
Thank you for your positive impact on students and our community.
Mrs. Nema and the late Mr. Joseph Traynor
Thank you, you are our perpetual angel; without you we could not assist students year after year.
Dr. Yvonne Ortiz-Bush and The Honorable Micheal G. Bush (retired)
Thank you for your longtime support of CSUB students.
Mr. and Mrs. Dean and Pearl Daley
Congratulations to the incoming CSUB students. Good luck on your new ventures! Go `Runners!
Other Generous Supporters
- Dr. Alicia E. Rodriquez
2025-26 HESF Scholarship Application - Apply Now!
The 2025-2026 Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Fund (HESF) scholarship application is now open on the CSUB Financial Aid website for students who are accepted and planning to attend CSUB in fall 2025.
- Application deadline: May 30, 2025
- Fall 2025 goal: 30 scholarships at $2,000 each
- Eligibility (any student, regardless of race or ethnicity):
- High school seniors / incoming CSUB freshmen
- Community college transfers
Become a Sponsor
HESF Scholarship Sponsors
Per a 1:1 Matching Program, your $1,000 sponsorship is doubled! In other words, each $1,000 is matched and becomes a $2,000 scholarship! Sponsor one or more students, or contribute any amount.
HESF Family or Memorial Scholarship Sponsors
Ask about establishing a “Family” or “Memorial Scholarship Fund,” allowing you to honor a loved one. Build your legacy of supporting outstanding students.
Dedicate Your Donation
In memory of Mr. Jose Arredondo (1958-2019)
- Local businessman
- Long-time supporter of HESF students
- Learn more about Jose (PDF)
This year, the family is sponsoring five student scholarships.
IN MEMORY OF DR. AUGUSTINE “GUS” GARCIA (1939-2022)
- Long-time CSUB educator and advocate for children
- Professor of Education, 1972-1975 and 1987-2014
- 2018 CSUB Faculty Hall of Fame Inductee
Help support an annual student scholarship in memory.
Announcing the Annual Torres, Torres Stallings Pre-Law Scholarships
Torres, Torres Stallings Pre-Law Scholarships
- Mr. David Torres is a prominent attorney and long-time supporter of HESF students
- He was perhaps the first HESF scholarship recipient circa 1980 when Dr. Arciniega established HESF while at CSU Fresno.
Contact Us
Would you like to be a CSUB-HESF Community Advisory Board Member? Contact us to discuss.
Dr. Thomas R. Martinez
HESF Coordinator
tmartinez@csub.edu
(661) 549-5923 (cell)