Diego Victoria, President of the Associated Students of Irvine Valley College (ASIVC) and active member of the IVC’s Honors Program, has achieved a remarkable milestone in his academic journey. Recently named one of the 60 community college recipients of the esteemed Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, Diego stands out among 459 semifinalists selected from a competitive pool of over 1,700 applicants across 380 community colleges nationwide. 

Diego’s commitment to academic excellence is evident through his flawless 4.0 GPA at IVC. During his tenure as ASIVC President in 2023-2024 and as a Senator in 2022-2023, he tirelessly advocated for student rights and strived to make higher education more accessible for all. Diego's leadership extended beyond student government, as he co-founded the student success committee, aimed at providing internships, networking opportunities, and job interview preparation for college students. He also served on various college committees, including the sustainability committee, budget committee, and College Council, showcasing his dedication to fostering a supportive campus environment. 

In addition to his campus involvement, Diego has demonstrated a commitment to public service through internships with the Republican Party of Orange County, the Office of State Assemblyman Phillip Chen, and Congresswoman Young Kim. 

Diego is preparing to embark on his next chapter at Yale University, where he will pursue his undergraduate degree with the support of the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This prestigious award, providing up to $55,000 annually in last-dollar funding, will enable Diego to graduate with minimal debt and access comprehensive educational advising, internship opportunities, and a network of Cooke Scholars and Alumni. He was also accepted at Berkeley, UCLA, Amherst, Rice University, UCI, and UCSD. 

In addition, Diego was one of only 20 college students named to the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa 2024 All-USA Academic Team receiving a $5,000 scholarship. He was selected from more than 2,000 students and recognized for his academic achievements, campus and community engagement, as well as his overall leadership. 

"In Diego Victoria, we see the embodiment of leadership, perseverance, and academic excellence. IVC wishes him the best of luck in his endeavors. His impact on our campus community has been profound, and I have no doubt he will continue to inspire others with his passion and dedication,” said Dr. John Hernandez, President of Irvine Valley College.

In the halls of Irvine Valley College (IVC), Kass Malcor's journey is one of exploration, determination, and advocacy. Graduating with an AA-T in History, Kass's passion for American history is not just academic but deeply personal, driven by a desire to illuminate the often-overlooked narratives of queer Americans.

Having graduated from University High School in 2018, Kass embarked on their college journey at IVC in the fall of 2019. Although the path wasn't always clear, Kass's resilience and dedication led them to discover their calling in American history. Their next step? Transferring to California State University, Long Beach to pursue a BA in History, with dreams of eventually earning a Ph.D. Their ultimate goal? To become a community college professor, sharing their passion for history and fostering inclusive learning spaces.

Kass's academic excellence goes beyond an impressive GPA. Kass has been deeply involved in extracurricular activities at IVC. As Vice President of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Club, they have championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on campus. Their involvement in student panels, Project Specialist role with Pride Scholars, and groundbreaking presentation on queer allyship during faculty/staff Flex Week underscore their commitment to advocacy and education.

Outside of academia, Kass's passion for teaching and community service shines through their 10-year tenure as a volunteer and educator at the Orange County Bird of Prey Center. An artist and photographer, Kass's multifaceted interests enrich their academic journey, adding depth and perspective to their pursuits.

Reflecting on their time at IVC, Kass offers advice to future students: “At times school can feel incredibly isolating. It can feel like you are all alone in the world and you don't belong. But who you are adds value to space. Your perspective is uniquely your own, and what you can bring to the world is invaluable. There will always be people that make that feel hard to believe, but the other side of that coin is there are people who will make you believe in your own worth. Be one of them. For yourself and others. Who you are is important, and you have a whole world in front of you to explore. You will find your path. It may not take turns you expect, but that's what will make it a compelling story when you tell it later. This is your story, and you are capable of far more than you might believe. “