CSUSB’s University Honors College welcomed 30 outstanding high school seniors to campus for the Presidential Academic Excellence Scholarship Dinner, an event designed to celebrate academic achievement and showcase the opportunities available through one of the university’s most competitive programs.

Through the CSUSB Presidential Academic Excellence Scholarship (PAES) program, the university supports 20 incoming first-year students annually with four years of comprehensive financial and leadership development support, including coverage of tuition and mandatory fees, an annual scholarship for educational expenses, internship funding and first-year housing in the Honors Residential Scholars community.

The event, held on March 6, offered the 30 presidential scholarship finalists and their families an opportunity to learn more about the program and University Honors College while connecting with the campus community. Earlier in the day, the students participated in interviews, engaged in a Q&A session with current presidential scholars, and took part in a campus tour. The day culminated with dinner in the Santos Manuel Student Union South Fourplex, bringing together faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and community leaders to engage with the prospective scholars and their families.

The event concluded with a dinner that brought together members of the campus community and prospective scholars and their families.
The event concluded with a dinner that brought together members of the campus community and prospective scholars and their families.

The high school seniors represent the top scholars among admitted students. At the dinner, Jacob Jones, faculty director of the University Honors College, shared with attendees that out of 13,000 high school students admitted to CSUSB, 4,000 were welcomed into the University Honors College, 200 applied for the presidential scholarships, and 30 were selected as finalists to interview for PAES. Ultimately, 20 students will receive the scholarships.

During his remarks, Rafik Mohamed, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, emphasized the prestige of the program and highlighted its regional significance. 

“PAES is the most competitive program here at CSUSB,” said Mohamed. “The PAES program isn’t just about supporting the educational opportunities for our region’s best and brightest students. It is a direct investment in the long-term vitality of the Inland Empire.”

The evening also featured keynote remarks from alumna Natalia Hale, a former presidential scholar who earned her bachelor’s degree in political science at CSUSB before completing law school and becoming chief legal officer at Optima Family Services. 

Additionally, Hale will receive the 2026 Coyote Spirit Award in recognition of her dedication to advancing the mission of CSUSB as a committed volunteer. She will be honored at the university’s Alumni Hall of Fame Awards in April.

CSUSB alumna Natalia Hale, a former presidential scholar, provided the keynote remarks at the dinner, where she shared the positive impact PAES had on her life.
CSUSB alumna Natalia Hale, a former presidential scholar, provided the keynote remarks at the dinner, where she shared the positive impact PAES had on her life.

Reflecting on her journey, Hale described PAES as a life-changing opportunity, calling it “a lifeline.” She explained that the presidential scholarship eased the financial burden on both herself and her family, allowing her to focus fully on her education.

“There was no other way I would have been able to attend a university if it were not for the presidential scholarship,” said Hale. 

She also emphasized the broader impact of the program, describing it as “an incredibly innovative, forward-thinking approach to ensure that the best and brightest … from right here in San Bernardino County have the opportunity to stay in San Bernardino County, get their education here, and contribute back to their own community.”

Hale encouraged students to take advantage of campus experiences and all Cal State San Bernardino has to offer. 

“CSUSB wasn’t just a school, it really was a welcoming environment, and it was a community that embraced me from day one,” she said. “The professors and faculty here are very accessible to you … They are deeply invested in your success.”

Caroline Vickers, dean of the University Honors College, greeted prospective scholars and their families before the dinner. 
Caroline Vickers, dean of the University Honors College, greeted presidential scholarship finalists and their families prior to the dinner.