History – Scholarships
The mission of UFC includes fundraising initiatives that support an endowed scholarship at UC Merced. When UFC was founded, then Chancellor Steve Kang and his wife, Mia, provided the initial funding, establishing the University Friends Circle Scholarship Fund. This fund has continued to grow from generous individual gifts, fundraising events, and the support of our recent Giving Tuesday campaigns. From its inception through 2024, $115,000 in scholarships has been provided to 50 recipients.
Each spring, eligible UC Merced students are invited to apply for the scholarship and recipients are chosen by a volunteer committee of UFC members. Because the endowment has grown significantly, UFC is able to offer an increasing number of scholarships in both quantity and value. Recipients are recognized at the annual Scholarship and Awards Reception each May.
Awards
In addition to the individual scholarships, the University Friends Circle honors campus student organizations with the Community Service Award to a student organization on campus. Student clubs that engage in significant community service projects are encouraged to apply for the annual $1,000 award. These awards are announced at the UC Merced Student Leadership Awards Ceremony and the group’s leadership is invited to attend the UFC Annual Scholarship and Awards Reception in the spring. Over the last 15 years, $22,000 has been provided in awards to 22 student organizations that have had an impact.
If you are a UC Merced student, you will find award information HERE.
2024 Award Winners
Community Service Organization Award:
- La Familia
- Bobcat Community Builders
Distinguished Volunteer Scholarship – 6 Recipients:
- Vanessa Alvarez
- Marisol Anzurez
- Oeiskie Louis-Cleveland
- Oliver Htway
- Omar Duenaz Ferreyra
- Sulmar Ibarra Diaz
Process
Each spring, the UFC Scholarship and Awards Committee partners with UC Merced staff to solicit applications, select recipients, and disperse the awards.
The Committee carefully sets criteria, evaluates applications, conducts interviews, and selects recipients for both the Scholarship and the Award. Recipients selected exhibit leadership skills to organize meaningful service to others, demonstrate an active and ongoing commitment to the Merced Community, and have had a significant impact in the community as a result of a key project.
Get Involved
If you are a student who wishes to apply, you'll find a link here in early spring each year.
If you are interested in serving on the Scholarship and Awards Committee in the 2024-25 academic year, and are a current UFC member (or plan to become one!), please complete this form to share your interest.
Make a contribution to the UFC Endowed Scholarship Fund
Make a contribution to the Student Impact Fund
Prior Scholarship and Award Recipients
Since 2009, University Friends Circle has recognized the following UC Merced students and organizations:
2023
Community Service Organization Award:
- La Familia
- Latinx Student Union
- RadioBio
Distinguished Volunteer Scholarship – 4 Recipients:
- Delaney Nunes
- Kyle Chun
- Kimberly Barillas
- Avreen Bal
2022
Community Service Organization Award:
- Student Alumni Association
- RadioBio
Distinguished Volunteer Scholarship – 6 Recipients:
- Avreen Bal
- Kimberly Barillas
- Hunter Prout
- Cesy Ixcoy
- Kyle Chun
- Anayelli Ascencio
2021
Community Service Organization Award:
- Phi Delta Epsilon
- RadioBio
Distinguished Volunteer Scholarship – 6 Recipients:
- Gehad Elhanafy
- Andrew King
- Joshua Jones
- Adrian Bultron Boada
- Nickolas Morales Guillen
- Emily Lichlyter
2020
Community Service Organization Award:
- Quantitative Project
- RadioBio
Distinguished Volunteer Scholarship – 6 Recipients:
- Bridget Rosales-Ortiz
- Eddie Phosalath
- Julisa Arreola Renteria
- Karla Leon-Aguilar
- Holly Auyeung
- Genesis Flores Renteria
2019
Community Service Organization Award:
- Microfinance Club
- RadioBio
Distinguished Volunteer Scholarship – 5 Recipients:
- Valerie Moss
- Cruzangel Nava
- Maria Ocegueda
- Brenda Castaneda-Castaneda
- Nataly Rios Martinez
2018
Community Service Organization Award: RadioBio
Distinguished Volunteer Scholarship – 7 Recipients:
- Gagandip Singh
- Gurbinder Singh
- Brenda Castaneda-Castaneda
- Dannavie Faye Abenojar
- Zhane’ Mejino
- Tamunotubo George
- Jessica Lopez Lara
2017
Community Service Organization Award: Society of Women Engineers
Distinguished Volunteer Scholarship – 4 Recipients:
- Alexus Garcia
- Andrea Gurrola
- Asmaa Mohamed
- Monica Perales
2016
Community Service Organization Award: Ingenieros Unidos
Distinguished Volunteer Scholarship: Marqose Saephan
2015
Community Service Organization Award: Ingenieros Unidos
Distinguished Volunteer Scholarship: Dalton Rogers
2014
Community Service Organization Award: Science Alliance
Community Volunteer Leadership Scholarship: Merlyn Perez
2013
Community Service Organization Award: Energy Conservation Corps
Community Volunteer Leadership Scholarship: Noel Justin Lee Gomez
2012
Community Service Organization Award: Rho Omicron Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity
Community Volunteer Leadership Scholarship: Gabriel Rodriguez
2011
Community Service Organization Award: Alpha Phi Omega
Community Volunteer Leadership Scholarship: Shane Kavanaugh
2010
Community Service Organization Award: Rotaract
