April 24, 2020
Mesa College’s Hanan Dirirsa Awarded Prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
By Office of Communications
San Diego, CA. — Today, San Diego Mesa College announced that Hanan Dirirsa is one
of 50 recipients of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s prestigious Undergraduate Transfer
Scholarship. The highly competitive national scholarship will provide Ms. Dirisa with
up to $40,000 a year to complete her bachelor’s degree. Hanan is a human biology major
with a 4.0 grade point average who serves as a senator with Mesa College’s Associated
Students and is the student representative on the Mesa College Foundation’s Board
of Directors.
"We are extremely proud that Hanan has been awarded with this Scholarship," stated
President Pamela T. Luster. "Hanan is a dedicated student who is very involved on
campus at multiple levels. She truly exemplifies the Olympian Spirit, and we know
she will succeed wherever she goes."
In addition to financial support, new Cooke Transfer Scholars will receive comprehensive
educational advising from the Foundation to guide them through the process of transitioning
to a four-year college and preparing for their careers. Scholars will additionally
receive opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school funding,
as well as connection to a thriving network of over 2,700 fellow Cooke Scholars and
alumni.
“We know this is a very uncertain time for many students and their families. We remain
deeply committed to supporting high-achieving community college students to ensure
they have the resources to reach their full academic potential,” said Seppy Basili,
Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “We are excited to welcome this
new class of Cooke Transfer Scholars to our community and looking forward to seeing
the many amazing things they do as they continue on their transfer journey.”
Nearly 1,500 students from 311 community colleges applied for the 2020 Cooke Undergraduate
Transfer Scholarship. The Foundation evaluated each submission based on students’
academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, leadership, and service
to others. The recipients selected represent 17 different states and plan to enroll
at the nation’s most selective colleges.
A list of the 2020 Cooke Transfer Scholars, including the community colleges and states
they represent, can be found here.
Tags: Scholarships, Hanan Dirisa, Jack Kent Cooke
