With the end of the spring 2026 term, in addition to congratulating our graduating students, we also recognize the excellence of those who have earned departmental scholarships and awards. The department awards and scholarships are given to outstanding students in the History Department in a number of categories.

 

The J.C. Robinson Memorial Scholarship, given to students with outstanding academic records and an interest in Hispanic history and culture, was shared by Alexandra Reyes and Jose Esparza, who have  done excellent work in their studies in the History department. For their stellar academic record, Andrew Hernandez and Jayden Garcia earned the Margaret McGann Tarter Award, which was established to recognize the academic excellence of students in a number of categories, including veterans, and students who value learning, art, and service. The Cheryl Riggs Endowed Student Award is generally given to a first-generation college attendee and/or adult re-entry student with an excellent academic record. Professor Riggs was herself a first-generation college attendee, and she returned to her education as a full-time re-entry student with children. This year Amor Toland earned this award.

 

The Michael Persell Memorial Scholarship was established to recognize outstanding students with an interest in European history and studying history for its own sake, and this year it was given to Trinity Willemse in recognition of her academic excellence. The Robert Blackey award, given to excellent students with an interest in History education, was earned by Luis Angel Correa Villalobos and Jesse Rincon. The Schofield-McAfee award, named for Professors Ward McAfee and Kent Schofield, is given to students whose efforts have shown improvement over time and who are nominated by current History faculty based on their outstanding efforts and excellent academic work. This year, Sami Guichard and Aidan Carver shared this honor.

 

A new scholarship was added this year for students with a record of academic excellence: The Zoumbos Family Scholarship is funded by the estate of Nickolas and Arelene Zoumbos. Arlene Zoumbos earned a degree in Political Science from CSUSB and worked as a stockbroker until retirement. Nickolas Zoumbos was a professor at San Bernardino Valley College for 45 years and was an Army veteran of the Korean War. This year the two winners of this new award are Cody Dean and Farah Hobbs.

 

These outstanding awardees are just a few of the many students who make our department shine brighter with their commitment to excellent scholarship and service to their department.