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At ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Saint Mary's University, 98% of traditional undergraduate students receive need-based financial aid, making scholarships central to ensuring talented students can pursue their academic and professional goals regardless of financial circumstance.

That commitment to access and opportunity was celebrated on February 26 as more than 200 students, alumnae, benefactors and university leaders gathered at the Michael A. Enright Wellness Pavilion for the annual President’s Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon.

The event brings together scholarship donors and the students whose lives are shaped by their support to celebrate a shared belief: investing in education transforms families, communities and futures.

½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Saint Mary’s President Ann McElaney-Johnson thanked attendees for helping make that mission a reality. This academic year alone, the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï awarded $7.4 million in scholarship support and now stewards 319 scholarship funds, including 17 newly established funds since last year’s event.

“Those numbers mean opportunity. They mean access,” McElaney-Johnson said. “They mean students being able to say yes to a ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï education and continue on their path with confidence. Together we are creating opportunities that will shape lives for years to come.”

She also shared updates on several initiatives shaping the university’s future, including the launch of (M)POWER, a new comprehensive four-year student success program designed to prepare graduates with professional skills, career readiness and strong professional networks.

2026 Unstoppable Awards

A highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the 2026 Unstoppable Awards.

Each year, the luncheon recognizes members of the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï community whose contributions have made a significant impact on student success through scholarship support. This year’s Unstoppable Supporter Award was presented to alumna Paula Bazar-Sandling ’67 and the Betty Bazar Foundation. Through their generosity and longstanding dedication to the university, they have helped create pathways to education for generations of ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï students.

Their philanthropic impact came to life through the story of Unstoppable Scholar Lady Jones ’26.

A nursing student raised in Inglewood and the first in her family to pursue a healthcare career, Lady arrived at the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï determined to serve women and children. Scholarship support, including the Paula Bazar-Sandling Scholarship, allowed her to focus on rigorous clinical training, leadership opportunities and her long-term goals.

“This recognition makes me feel very proud about everything I have accomplished at the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï and how much I have grown here,” Lady said. “When donors give, they are giving students the chance to stay focused on becoming who they are meant to be.”

After graduation, Lady plans to pass the nursing licensure exam (NCLEX) and begin working in labor and delivery while completing practicum hours to become a lactation consultant. Her long-term goal is to earn a master’s degree as a nurse-midwife and open a birthing center dedicated to improving outcomes for mothers and babies.

Students share their experiences

The program also featured a student panel highlighting the impact of campus programs that support wellness, leadership and community engagement.

Moderated by Director of Sports, Recreation and Wellness Amelia Mathis, the panel included student leaders who help shape programming in the Wellness Pavilion and across campus.

Panelists included:

• Dayanara Cameras, a third-year Health Care Policy major and manager of recreation programmers for intramural sports
• Eilah Noemi Najera Perez, a senior Criminology major and manager of the Lotus Initiative
• Sierra Limbrick, a graduate student in the Counseling Psychology (MFT) program and Peer Wellness Advocate

Each student shared how their involvement in wellness initiatives, peer advocacy and campus programming has strengthened their leadership skills while helping create supportive spaces for fellow students.