New scholarship partnership celebrates six Roanoke students

Six students were honored with scholarships from the Mexican Institute of Education as part of a new partnership between the Mexican Consulate, Roanoke College and community nonprofit Casa Latina.

The scholarships recognize outstanding students of Mexican descent who are furthering their education and contributing to the betterment of their communities. Roanoke students were nominated for the distinction by faculty members.

Each student’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination and communities that uplift young people, said Associate Professor José Bañuelos-Montes, who volunteers as president of Casa Latina.

“You’re here because someone believed in you and inspired you. Now, you’ll go on and inspire others,” Bañuelos-Montes said at a reception held on campus. “You are that role model for the next generation, and that’s a powerful thing.”

Scholarship winners were: Christhian Allende Omino '27, Bianca Garza ’28, Diana Ibarra ’26, Juan Pablo Lopez ’26, Sandra Salinas Flores ’27 and Alan Zúñiga-Marban ’26.

Diana Ibarra, a business administration major, said she felt surprised and grateful when the scholarship awards were announced. Her time at Roanoke has afforded her countless opportunities to grow as a leader and person, she said. To be recognized by her professors in this way was unexpected, but also perfectly reflected the type of mentorship and support she’s received on campus.

“More than anything, Roanoke College is about community,” said Ibarra, who’s active as a student events staffer, R House leader and study broad ambassador. "Everyone here helps and uplifts each other, and I’ve truly loved that. I can walk around campus and end up saying hi to half the college because I’ve gotten to know so many people.”

The Mexican Institute of Education provided a total of $5,000 in scholarships for Roanoke students. That support is part of a partnership spearheaded by Casa Latina, a local organization that offers classes and resources for households with native Spanish speakers.

This is the first year for the scholarship partnership, but organizers hope to build on it in the years to come. The campus reception included remarks from a representative of the Mexican Consulate, who joined the proceedings remotely.

Roanoke College President Frank Shushok Jr. also joined the students to celebrate their achievement. “We are so glad you’re Maroons,” he told them. “You add so much to our community. We are better because you’re here.”