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Three siblings’ success at Irvine Valley College (IVC) is a testament to their hard work, their family’s belief in the power of higher education, and the help of key faculty members who encouraged them along the way.

Monica, Caleb, and Melissa Perez all grew up in Irvine, attending University High School. “I always knew that I would go to college and get a bachelor’s degree since education is important in my family,” Monica says. “Education as a value was instilled at a very early age.”

IVC students DeAngelo Hunter and Rosio Rodrigues are recipients of the 2021 Lt. Col. Thomas U. Wall Scholarship. Each year, the Greater Irvine Chamber grants scholarships to students enrolled at IVC in memory of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas U. Wall.

Hunter, who is studying administration of justice, is a United States Army veteran. He was recently elected President of the Associated Students of Irvine Valley College (ASIVC). He is also a member of the IVC Online Education Task Force.

Some people discover their true passion early in life. For others, like Raissa Lee, it takes a little longer. She happened on her love of early childhood education a decade ago, after being laid off from her job in the finance industry. Irvine Valley College helped her along her journey, giving her the knowledge needed to grow in her new role as a home-based preschool owner and director.

When Iris Saint Jean enrolled at Irvine Valley College, she was new to the United States. She needed to learn English, and though she had already earned college degrees in other countries, she wanted to learn practical skills that could be applied in any job she landed.

It wasn’t her first time having to acclimate to a new country. She had moved to Germany prior to coming to the U.S., and she learned that taking classes not only resulted in new knowledge, but it helped build relationships within the community.

Full of drive – that’s the best way to describe Irvine Valley College (IVC) student Wilfredo Perez. The 22-year-old Perez chases after his goals with enthusiasm and a laser focus. It’s that kind of effort that went into researching his community college options. He wanted a college where he could take courses that meet the general educational requirements for a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of California, Irvine (UCI).

Perez recalls what initially stood out about IVC was the staff’s attentiveness.

Irvine Valley College student Alexis Nguyen has been named a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar and will receive a $1,250 scholarship.