The Pedrozzi Foundation recently awarded $437,000 in scholarships to 114 local students. The 2016 Pedrozzi Scholars include community college, vocational school, undergraduate and graduate students, twenty-one percent of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Included in the group are students transferring from Las Positas College to universities to complete their bachelor degrees. In the fall, these motivated and well-rounded students will be studying throughout California and across the country.
Additional scholarships were awarded this year due to the generosity of Livermore community members who funded scholarships, many in honor of peers, family members, and friends.
Through substantial donation, a retired Livermore resident established the new Promise Scholarships, enabling Brandon Self and Diamond Wesley to continue and pursue their college dreams, respectively. Having researched national scholarship foundations and then realizing that the Pedrozzi Foundation could facilitate the goal of funding scholarships for targeted hometown students, the donor was simply overjoyed. Wishing to remain anonymous, this generous community member stated in a note passed along to Diamond, “I am grateful for the opportunity to help you along your way,” and “Be all that you can be.”
To reach a broader group of eligible applicants, the Rotary Club of Livermore decided to fund its Ed Rundstrom Vocational Scholarship through the Pedrozzi Foundation. Since 2005, the Club’s annual scholarship has been named in honor of educator and community leader Edwin Rundstrom. Rotary club members are proud to support students pursuing career training, such as this year’s recipient, Austin Carte, whose studies will lead to an in-demand career as a diesel mechanic.
Scholarships were also awarded in honor of Paula Orrell, Beth Trutner, Walter Bauer and Ernest and Verla Hannick.
Since 2008, the Pedrozzi Foundation has awarded $3.2 million to 880 Livermore students. Pedrozzi Scholars are not only motivated students, but are also well rounded individuals, who perform community service, participate in extra-curricular school activities, and gain valuable work experience. In addition to reducing the financial burden for students, these scholarships encourage students to dream big.
The Pedrozzi Scholarship Foundation was established in 2004 by Mario Pedrozzi, a Livermore businessman, who left his estate as a gift to the community. In addition to supporting Livermore students, Mr. Pedrozzi also chose to fund scholarships for selected students at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, and two seminarians, Mac Lingo and Anhvu Nguyen, were eligible recipients this year.
Click here to view the list of 2016 Pedrozzi Scholars.
Click here to view the 2016 Recognition Event photos and video.
