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CSUB’s Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Dinner Sept. 20

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The Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Fund at California State University, Bakersfield will host its 25th annual awards dinner 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, at The DoubleTree Hotel.

The HESF was established at the university in 1984 by CSU President Emeritus Tomás Arciniega to increase access to a college education for academically outstanding, financially needy, local students who demonstrate strong leadership potential. In its first year, nine students were awarded scholarships; since then, the program has grown and provided more than $2 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 students.

Thomas Martínez, chair of the public administration department, said the scholarship program has been very successful.

“This year, 80 students will be awarded scholarship totaling $130,000. Most importantly, at the awards dinner, the hard work and academic excellence of financially needy local students will be recognized,” he said.

The HESF Advisory Board is comprised of local business, education, and community leaders. Supporters of this event include State Farm Insurance, Bright House Networks, Univision and Chevron.

Arciniega will be the keynote speaker for this year’s event. Tickets for the dinner are $60. To purchase tickets or to obtain sponsorship information, visit:  www.csub.edu/hesf or call  654-3406.