Thanks to a transformational $1-million gift from philanthropist Roger Frey, the San Diego Community College District is ensuring students completing healthcare degree and certificate programs can start their careers immediately.
Connie Renda, MA, RHIA, CHDA, Program Director and Assistant Professor for Health Information Technology and Management, was recognized by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) with the prestigious Leadership Award.
We are excited to share the members of Generation Hope's California Presidents Circle, the first in a new national initiative designed to equip higher education executives with tools, data, and peer support to truly champion parenting students and their families.
May 28, 2026
From Adversity to Aerospace: Mesa College Student Stephen Hidalgo Transfers to SDSU
From Adversity to Aerospace: Mesa College Student Stephen Hidalgo Transfers to SDSU
For Stephen Hidalgo, the path to higher education was anything but straightforward. Born in Chicago and raised in Mexico during the first years of his life, Hidalgo returned to Chicago where he faced years of hardship, trauma, and isolation growing up as a gay student. At 25, he and his mother made a life changing decision to move to San Diego in search of safety, stability, and a new beginning.
That fresh start eventually led him to San Diego Mesa College.
Today, Hidalgo is preparing for his next chapter after being accepted into San Diego State University’s Aerospace Engineering program, where he will begin in Fall 2026.
“My academic journey has been uneven, lengthy, and full of mistakes and self-sabotage,” Hidalgo shared. “But over the last few years, I have grown tremendously as a student.”
Like many students balancing work, finances, and personal challenges, Hidalgo’s college journey included pauses and setbacks. Financial hardship, depression, and undiagnosed ADHD made consistency difficult during his early years in college. But after seeking treatment and support, he found renewed focus and confidence in himself as both a student and a person.
At Mesa, Hidalgo discovered a passion for aerospace engineering fueled by a lifelong fascination with rockets and design. His interests expanded even further after participating in a UC San Diego internship through DERConnect, where he explored renewable energy systems, microgrids, and optimization.
“That experience changed everything for me,” Hidalgo said. “It was one of the most validating and rewarding experiences of my life.”
Hidalgo credits Mesa faculty and staff for helping him persevere during difficult moments. He specifically highlighted professors Dr. Irena Stojimirovic, Dr. Candace Katungi, Dr. Phuong Truong, Professor Becky Stephens, and Professor J. Saikali for their mentorship and encouragement throughout his academic journey.
He also found a strong sense of belonging through the Pride Scholars program and the Mesa College Pride Center.
“If it wasn’t for San Diego Mesa College, I would not be able to continue my education,” Hidalgo said. “They made me feel safe and helped me believe in what I was capable of.”
As he prepares to transfer, Hidalgo hopes to one day contribute to the future of space exploration through innovative energy systems for rockets and spacecraft. He is also considering becoming a professor so he can help inspire future generations of students.
Beyond his career goals, Hidalgo hopes to use his education to support underserved communities through expanded access to quality education and sustainable energy systems.
For Hidalgo, success is no longer defined by perfection. Instead, it is measured by growth, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward.
“I am most proud of my mental health journey,” he said. “Now, I can continue my path unfettered.”
Looking back, he wishes he could tell his younger self one simple thing:
“You are doing just fine.”
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Anabell Pulido
Public Information Officer
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(619) 388-2759
For Stephen Hidalgo, the path to higher education was anything but straightforward. Born in Chicago and raised in Mexico during the first years of his life, Hidalgo returned to Chicago where he faced years of hardship, trauma, and isolation growing up as a gay student. At 25, he and his mother made a life changing decision to move to San Diego in search of safety, stability, and a new beginning.
From Stepping Outside Her Comfort Zone to Center Stage: Meet Mesa College’s 2026 Commencement Speaker, Alina Vasilenko
San Diego, CA — San Diego Mesa College will honor its 2026 scholarship recipients during the 33rd Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 recognizing the academic excellence, resilience, and aspirations of its students. This year, the college will award nearly $250,000 across 114 scholarship opportunities, resulting in 281 individual awards to 202 students. Sixty students will receive multiple scholarships, underscoring both their accomplishments and the Mesa College community’s continued commitment to student success.
