Investing in tomorrow's leaders
The Richard and Virginia Hunsaker Scholarship Prize is awarded annually to a select number of exceptional incoming students from diverse backgrounds.
Scholars will also engage in leadership and professional development opportunities. Hunsaker Scholars will receive continuous, hands-on support from the Office of Career & Professional Development (OCPD) with the goal of attaining an internship by the end of their sophomore year or the start of their junior year.
Each year, our admissions committee identifies students during the application review process who exhibit outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and contribution to their schools and communities. Candidates are then invited to campus to compete for the award, interviewing with a panel of faculty and alumni leaders.
Alumni couple Richard and Virginia Hunsaker, class of 1952, established the Hunsaker Scholarship Prize in 2014 with their transformational gift of $35 million to the University of Redlands. The scholarship program aims to fund a Redlands education for students who will not only become leaders in society, but also will follow the Hunsakers’ example by giving back to their communities and the University.
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2025-2026 Hunsaker Scholars
Madeline Aliah, ‘29
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
High School: Cypress Charter High School
Madeline Aliah started writing as a boy in first grade, and her poetry was published for the first time in fourth grade in a local literary journal. That was around the time she began suffering from gender dysphoria, a distress that followed her through her life until she came out as a trans woman at the age of fifteen by reading poetry under her new name at the re-raising of a previously vandalized pride flag. She was interviewed at this event, and her new name ended up on the local news. From there she began regularly reading her political poetry and prose at public speaking events, speaking regularly on panels educating parents and teachers on how to support genderqueer children. When she was sixteen, she became a recipient of the Santa Cruz Spotlight Award, and had her writing framed on the wall of the local government building. At the age of seventeen she got approved for a book deal, and her book, This is My Body: Poems by a Teen Trans Fem is now available on Amazon. This was shortly followed by her being selected to perform a ten-minute speech for TedX Santa Cruz, that is available on YouTube or their official website. She has been a two-time emcee for the Queer Youth Leadership Awards, one-time Queer Youth Leadership Awardee, and one-time Queer Youth Leadership Judge. She is using the Hunsaker Prize scholarship to get a creative writing degree at Redlands that she intends to use as a college level writing teacher, so she can further involve herself in her community and educate the next generation of youths trying to make a difference and connect with their local support systems.
Chris Almazan Razo, ‘29
Hometown: East Palo Alto, CA
High School: Sacred Heart Preparatory, Atherton
Chris is a first-generation Latino leader whose work spans equity, advocacy, and STEM. Raised by a single mother whose resilience shaped his drive, he has built and led campus and community initiatives that expand access and representation. In high school he served as Communications Chair and leader of Mi Gente (Latinx Affinity), core leader for Social Unity Rooted in Justice (SURJ), and Vice President of the Association of Student Diversity Leaders, roles in which he partnered with administrators to launch programs addressing social exclusion and to organize school-wide cultural events.
A committed advocate and communicator, he helped pilot an AP Women’s History course and co-presented on Chicana Feminism at the College Board AP Conference in Las Vegas. He co-created a short film on Latinx mental health, winning 1st Place in California’s Directing Change Competition, and presented at the OYE Conference, highlighting mental health stigma in Latinx communities. Nationally, he represented his school at NAIS leadership conferences and completed immersive service experiences with the Kino Border Initiative and Dolores Mission Church.
As a former captain of his community’s first-ever and only FIRST Robotics Competition team, based in his historically marginalized hometown, he led outreach, fundraising, and mentorship efforts that brought the team to the FIRST World Championships. He’s also led tutoring and teaching fellowships, regional Latinx coalition work, and media and outreach campaigns.
As a Hunsaker Scholar at the University of Redlands, he will continue to combine leadership, innovation, and advocacy to create pathways for underrepresented students and strengthen community impact.
Mollia Bassett, ‘29
Hometown: Portland, OR
High School: Southridge High School
Meet Mollia Marie Bassett — a relentless force in the pursuit of excellence and a shining example of dedication, leadership, and hard work. Throughout all four years of high school, Mollia served as Student Body President, leaving a lasting impact on her school and community. A powerful example of her commitment: she gave up her only free period to create and lead an adaptive PE class for students with special needs — a testament to her selflessness and drive to make a difference.
Academically, Mollia matched her leadership with equally impressive achievement. She maintained a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.45 weighted GPA while completing the rigorous International Baccalaureate Career Pathway in Sports Medicine. She plans to continue her studies at the University of Redlands, majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Spanish. Her long-term goal is to run a bilingual outreach program through a physical therapy clinic — aiming to educate people from all backgrounds on how lifestyle changes can help prevent injury and illness.
Mollia’s leadership extends far beyond the classroom and campus. A team captain on both her high school and club softball teams, she thrived in competitive environments — but it’s her role as the eldest sister of six siblings, all more than a decade younger than her, that she considers her most meaningful leadership position. This experience has shaped her into a person of integrity and quiet strength, someone who leads not just with words, but by example — qualities that will continue to carry her far into a bright and impactful future.
Lily Houston, ‘29
Hometown: Reno, NV
High School: Reno High School
Lily Houston is driven by a deep commitment to service and healing. She aspires to attend medical school, a goal shaped by her own journey through a serious knee injury at age 12 that required over 18 months of intensive physical therapy.
A graduate of Reno High School with an unweighted 4.0 GPA and 36 college credits earned through Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses, Lily was not only a top athletic and academic performer but also a passionate advocate for youth mental health. She served as a peer mentor to freshmen students, providing both academic and personal support. She was also a founding leader of the “You Are Not Alone” Club, a mental health and wellness club established as a space of connection and care for students struggling in silence after the tragic loss of two classmates.
Lily’s dedication to service extended beyond her high school. She regularly volunteered at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry to support food-insecure individuals in her local community. She also served at the KT Grace Foundation and the Upward Bound College Preparatory program. Further, she worked as an Assistant Coach at the Northern Nevada Juniors Volleyball Club, mentoring younger players and giving back to the sport that helped shape her own character and resilience.
In addition to being named a Harvard Prize Book Award recipient, a Scholastic Art Award Honorable Mention for Photography, a Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association All-State Team member for three years, Northern Nevada 4A Regional First-Team (2024), and Honorable Mention (2023), Lily participated in both the Graphic Design and Sports Medicine Career & Technical Education programs at Reno High, earning certifications and skills that further reflect her intellectual range and compassion.
At the University of Redlands, Lily is competing as a member of the Bulldog volleyball team and majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She aspires to attend medical school after graduation. Whether through science, sport, or service, Lily brings a clear sense of purpose to everything she does and is committed to using her experiences, education, and empathy to build a life dedicated to the well-being of others.
Julia Osburn, ‘29
Hometown: Big Bear, CA
High School: Big Bear High School
Julia Osburn is a compassionate, ambitious, and grounded young woman with a deep commitment to serving others. Known for her extensive involvement in her community, she consistently dedicates herself wholeheartedly to every endeavor.
As a first-generation student, Julia demonstrates unwavering determination and diligence in her pursuit of academic excellence. Beyond her studies, she was actively engaged on campus, holding leadership positions in clubs and student government, as well as captaining both of her athletic teams. These experiences have cultivated her intuitive, adaptable, and dependable leadership style, always focused on serving others.
Driven by a profound passion for assisting those in need, Julia has dedicated her time to impactful causes, including serving at a home for victims of sex trafficking, Cambodian provinces, and volunteering at her local domestic violence shelter. Her advocacy has solidified her aspiration to pursue a career in social work, where she hopes to make a difference.
At Redlands, Julia intends to pursue a double major in psychology and sociology, furthering her path towards a career in social work. Beyond academics, she aims to remain deeply engaged in her campus and local community, continuing to embody the empathetic, bubbly, and genuine spirit that defines her as both a person and an athlete.
Alejandro Mejia, ‘29
Hometown: Guadalupe, CA
High School: Central Coast New Tech High School
Previous Hunsaker Scholars
Giselle Alonso, ‘28
Hometown: Hawthorne, CA
High School: Da Vinci Science High School
Giselle Alonso is a dedicated leader who is always trying to lend a helping hand. Inspired by her parents' values of hard work and persistence, she has spent years volunteering at an elementary school, tutoring in math and helping students overcome language barriers. She seeks to empower others to lead and inspire. Her love for STEM blossomed during her sophomore year at Da Vinci Science when she joined a robotics team, building a robot through engineering. By her junior year, she became the hardware lead, directing a team of 100 students in the robot's production.
Eager to share these experiences, Giselle led volunteer events at elementary and middle schools, hosted summer camps, and introduced students to the engineering process to spark their interest in STEM. At Redlands, she plans to continue her engineering journey while inspiring younger students through tutoring and mentorship.
At Redlands, Giselle plans to continue her engineering journey while inspiring younger students through tutoring and mentorship. Giselle believes every day is an opportunity to learn and share knowledge, and she is committed to creating opportunities for others to discover their potential in STEM and beyond.
Aya Celine Angeles, ‘28
Hometown: Ontario, CA
High School: Walnut High School
Aya Celine Angeles is a passionate and empathetic individual committed to learning, self-improvement, and community service. As team captain at Discovery Cube Orange County, she managed volunteer assignments, led activities, and inspired young minds through interactive science exhibits. Aya raised awareness about global humanitarian issues and supported local communities by organizing food drives, distributing meals, and volunteering at health fairs through her school’s UNICEF club and Isaiah’s Rock Fellowship.
As President of DreamCatchers, Aya coordinated events at senior centers, fostering intergenerational connections through music and handmade gifts. Her love for performing arts shines through her involvement in chamber choir, theater, and dance, earning her a spot in the California All-State Honor Choir. Aya also excelled as a starter on her school’s varsity tennis team.
At Redlands, Aya plans to double major in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Music, aspiring to become a speech pathologist. She hopes to study abroad, embrace diverse cultures, and merge her passions for speech and music to promote neurodiversity and inclusivity. Aya aims to empower others to express themselves authentically and bridge communication through the artistry of music.
Hiro Boyás Homma, ‘28
Hometown: Cuernavaca, Mexico
High School: Colegio Suiza de Mexico
Hiro Boyas is driven by a passion for community service and innovative solutions to help others. In his senior year, he conducted research on the biomechanics of ballet dancers, specifically addressing the issue of sickling through the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors. His work reached over 20 dance schools and companies across the state of Morelos, offering a promising alternative to enhance the performance and safety of both amateur and professional dancers in Mexico. During high school, Hiro also became a certified paramedic, gaining firsthand experience in healthcare by having the opportunity to serve his community through local paramedic services and hospitals.
At the University of Redlands, Hiro is eager to integrate his passion for community service with his pursuit of an engineering degree, and hopes to contribute with his background in kinesiology and healthcare to research focused on improving athletic performance and well-being.
Eduardo Corona, ‘28
Hometown: Moreno Valley, CA
High School: Canyon Springs High School
Eduardo Corona is a passionate advocate for education reform and a dedicated leader in his community. As the first-ever student board member on his district’s Board of Education, he championed education equity and served on the state superintendent’s youth advisory council. Eduardo continues his advocacy as a board member of the Moreno Valley Education Foundation and as a research fellow with the Institute for Youth in Policy, where he has published papers on education reform and critical pedagogy.
Beyond his advocacy, Eduardo has participated in prestigious choral ensembles, singing with the California State Honor Choir, performing at the Kennedy Center for Memorial Day celebrations, and joining the National Honor Choir in Hawaii. These experiences have shaped him into a skilled and open-minded leader within his diverse community.
At the University of Redlands, Eduardo is part of the Johnston program, where he plans to study Education Development and Social Transformation to prepare for a career as a state legislator. He also aims to earn a teaching credential in high school history and a master’s in teaching and learning to inspire the next generation of changemakers in his community. Eduardo is involved in Outdoor Programs, Chapel Singers Choir, and Jazz Choir.
Liam Gore, ‘28
Hometown: Glendora, CA
High School: Damien High School
Liam Gore is a driven individual guided by the motto "Nil Satis Nisi Optimum," meaning "Nothing but the best is good enough." His experiences in competitive sports have shaped his character, teaching discipline, resilience, and the value of giving his all. Rigorous training and the thrill of competition have pushed Liam to constantly strive for improvement, both as an athlete and as a person. He has learned that success is not merely measured by the scoreboard but also by the effort, resilience, and character displayed along the way.
This pursuit of excellence extends into Liam’s academics and community involvement. Whether in the classroom or in service to his community, Liam is dedicated to applying his skills and knowledge to uplift those around him. His involvement in multiple leadership roles has provided him with impactful opportunities to inspire and mentor others, thus reinforcing his belief in the power of collaboration and teamwork.
At the University of Redlands, Liam is honored to be a Hunsaker Scholar, committed to personal growth and fostering an environment where others can thrive. He values leadership as a way to serve and empower others, striving to be a change-maker in both his academic and athletic pursuits.
Derek Hagewen, ‘28
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
High School: College of Southern Nevada High School
Derek Hagewen is a passionate learner with interests spanning political science, public policy, sociology, philosophy, and human-animal studies. Homeschooled by his two moms until junior year, Derek's unique academic background fostered a love for exploring societal issues beyond traditional grade-focused learning.
He has been published in The Nevada Independent and presented research on employment solutions for individuals with disabilities at the Pacific Sociological Association annual meeting, a project he plans to continue at Redlands. An advocate for animal rights, social justice, and civic engagement, Derek proudly identifies as a vegan and embraces his Peruvian and U.S. heritage.
Derek has interned with Civic Influencers and Vote Nevada and serves as an ambassador for Project Dot, a nonprofit providing feminine hygiene kits to students. His love for sports includes playing flag football and soccer, as well as organizing and coaching teams. He also mentors younger kids, using sports as a way to act as a role model and positive influence.
At Redlands, Derek aims to combine his academic passions with his commitment to advocacy, civic engagement, and mentorship, striving to make a meaningful impact on his community.
Joseph Madigan, ‘28
Hometown: Arlington, VA
High School: Arlington Tech
Joseph Madigan is a dynamic leader and innovative thinker with a passion for building connections and fostering community. As an Eagle Scout, swimmer, water polo athlete, and camp leader, Joey has consistently demonstrated his problem-solving skills and ability to inspire those around him. At his summer camp, he was elected as one of two captains, leading 100 campers and creating an environment of excitement and camaraderie.
Diagnosed with ADHD in high school, Joey embraced journaling as a tool to better understand his learning style, improve his academic performance, and enhance his athletic pursuits. Currently, he is working with a startup, Bow Ball, to develop a reflective journal tailored for rowers.
Joey’s diverse high school experiences, including classes in environmental science, EMT, quantitative analysis, and drone technology, inspired him to explore the intersections of technology and community engagement. Attending the ESRI Federal User Conference in Washington, DC, solidified his interest in leveraging these skills to solve real-world problems.
At Redlands, Joey looks forward to continuing his journey as a creative and thoughtful leader, using his unique experiences to connect with others and drive meaningful change.
Alejandro Uribe, ‘28
Hometown: San Bernardino, CA
High School: San Bernardino High School
Alejandro Uribe, salutatorian of his high school class, is a passionate Public Policy major with a strong commitment to civic engagement and community service. A third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, Alejandro has trained since age five and now serves as an instructor for young students and teens. In high school, he led as president of the National Honor Society, fostering academic excellence and community involvement.
Alejandro’s passion for politics is evident through his service in the inaugural class of the San Bernardino Youth Council, where he represented the city’s youth in local government. Additionally, he worked as a juror for his school district’s Restorative Youth Court, helping develop restorative plans for his peers.
As a first-year student at Redlands, Alejandro has already begun interning for a State Senate political campaign and working as an AVID tutor at his middle school. These experiences reflect his dedication to uplifting others and driving change.
After graduation, Alejandro plans to attend law school and pursue a career in politics, aspiring to make a lasting impact through public service and advocacy.
Jorge (Isaac) Aguilar, ‘27
Hometown: Zapopan, Mexico
High School: American School Foundation of Guadalajara
Elliana Bowers, ‘27
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
High School: Summit High School
Annabelle Frank, ‘27
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
High School: University School of Nashville
Noah Koksha, ‘27
Hometown: Yucaipa, California
High School: Yucaipa High School
Patrick Lang , ‘27
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
High School: Saint Mary’s Hall
Juan Lepe, ‘27
Hometown: San Jose, California
High School: Bellarmine College Preparatory
Isai Morales, ‘27
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
High School: Oakwood School
Marcelle Edenlord, ‘26
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
High School: Roosevelt High School
Elisabeth Eichinger, ‘26
Hometown: Yucaipa, California
High School: Yucaipa Senior High School
Anika Tabassum, ‘26
Hometown: Shailkupa, Bangladesh
High School: Government Keshab Chandra College
Chloe Bullock, ‘25
Hometown: Hood River, Oregon
High School: Hood River Valley High School
Liberty Chesney, ‘25
Hometown: West Alexandria, Ohio
High School: Twin Valley South High School
Kayla Coria Dominguez, ‘25
Hometown: San Bernardino, California
High School: Arroyo Valley High School
Angelina Murane, ‘25
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
High School: Saint Mary’s Academy and Denver South High School
Madalyn Schonauer, ‘25
Hometown: Bakersfield, California
High School: Stockdale High School