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. “

Diego Valencia, a driven and ambitious student from Irvine High School, is a Computer Science major at Irvine Valley College, with aspirations to become a software engineer and entrepreneur. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, he aspires to be a software engineer who plans to start a software services company and eventually mentor first-generation students on how to break into the tech industry.

Diego's journey at IVC has been marked by perseverance and dedication. Despite facing challenges in math throughout his academic career, Diego's commitment to success led him to utilize IVC's Math Center and put in the hard work necessary to conquer his calculus coursework, gaining the confidence needed for academic excellence.

Beyond academics, Diego's passion for music shines through as he enjoys DJing and playing the guitar in his free time. His involvement in extracurricular activities at IVC, including the EOPS program, has provided him with invaluable academic and professional development opportunities. Notably, Diego was selected to advocate for Hispanic Serving Institutions in Washington D.C., where he addressed the needs of Hispanic/Latinx students with congressional representatives and members of the president's cabinet.

The IVC Honors Program has played a pivotal role in Diego's academic journey, offering him scholarships, career-building workshops, and challenging classes that have cultivated a strong work ethic. Through the Transfer Admission Program (TAP), Diego is poised to fulfill his dream of transferring to UCLA.

Diego had this to add about his IVC experience, “Coming from the city of Guadalajara in Mexico three years ago has not been easy as I didn’t know how the higher education system worked in California. Nevertheless, with the unconditional support of my loved ones, I have persevered through the obstacles in college and proved to myself that I can find success no matter where I come from. This being said, I am a proud Jaliscience by heart and I came to Irvine representing my country in hopes of inspiring the future Mexican engineers around the world.”

Introducing Sara Fox, a tenacious and determined student at Irvine Valley College. A graduate of Parma High School in Parma, Idaho, Sara's academic pursuits have taken her through various paths, reflecting her resilience and adaptability. After initially focusing on wildlife resources in college, she answered the call to serve her country, joining the United States Air Force. Commissioned as an officer in May 2007, Sara served with distinction as an aircrew member specializing in navigation and electronic warfare aboard the RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft.

Sara's journey faced an unexpected twist when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, leading to her medical retirement after over six years of dedicated service. Undeterred by this challenge, Sara continues to demonstrate her unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. As a disabled vet, she continued working different contracting jobs with the Air Force while starting a family and supporting her husband's continuing active-duty career. She has three children ages 10, 5, and 3 as well as two cats at home with her husband of 17 years. She is currently working full time as a Radar Technician on March Air Reserve Base with the MQ-9 Training Squadron where her husband is stationed.

Sara is pursuing degrees in both Real Estate and Accounting and is working towards her ultimate goal of obtaining a master’s in accounting from UC Irvine.

She offers this about her experiences, “I would say that having a goal and practicing good time management are important for success. Life can get busy, my household is crazy at times and for me personally juggling full-time work, full-time school, and helping raise the kids, it takes focus and flexibility to do the best you can with what you have. Take care of yourself, do your best work possible, and don't stress...things will work out.”

Meet Seira Homma, a distinguished graduate of Irvine Valley College whose academic journey was defined by her outstanding leadership and commitment to mental health advocacy. As an IVC Student Ambassador and President of the Active Minds Club, Seira demonstrated exemplary dedication to raising awareness and supporting mental health initiatives. Her involvement extended to key roles within the Associated Students of IVC, where she served as Vice President of External Affairs and Senator.

 This fall, Seira's journey continues as she pursues her passion for psychology at UCLA, with aspirations of becoming a psychologist. Her advice to future college students reflects her own resilient spirit: "Don't fear failure. Failure builds the endurance to keep going." Through her leadership, Seira has not only left a lasting impact on her college community but also inspired others to strive for excellence and persevere in the face of challenges. She is a shining example of determination, compassion, and the transformative power of education.

Diego Moreno, a passionate student at Irvine Valley College (IVC), is on a journey fueled by his love for history. After graduating from Northwood High School, Diego's academic path has been guided by his unwavering enthusiasm for the subject, which he cultivated during high school.

As a history major at IVC, Diego delved deep into his studies, driven by his innate curiosity and passion for the subject matter. His commitment to academia led him to excel in his classes, earning him recognition and respect among his peers and professors.

Diego's aspirations extend beyond the classroom as he sets his sights on transferring to California State Fullerton to pursue a bachelor's degree in history. With a steadfast determination to make a difference in the field of education, Diego plans to enroll in the Fullerton Teaching Credential Program in secondary education, aspiring to teach history at the high school level.

During his time at IVC, Diego actively participated in Model United Nations (MUN), where his dedication and talent earned him a prestigious position paper award at the National MUN DC conference. Additionally, he was involved in various campus activities, including the Associated Students of Irvine Valley College and Dance.

Diego's advice to fellow students echoes his own transformative experience: "Explore the various classes offered here at IVC, because you'll never know what you can find." 

From taking dance for credit to becoming part of the dance show after just one semester, Diego's journey exemplifies the limitless possibilities that await those who embrace curiosity and seize every opportunity for growth.

Meet Olivia Jin, a dynamic student at Irvine Valley College (IVC) with a clear vision for her future in business and entrepreneurship. Olivia is pursuing a major in Business Administration with a concentration in Strategy Consulting, driven by her passion to empower small businesses in the competitive marketplace through strategic business development and marketing.

A graduate of Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine, Olivia has set her sights on attending UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, where she aims to further hone her skills and knowledge in business management.

With aspirations to become a venture capitalist and entrepreneur, Olivia has already made significant strides in her journey. As a semi-finalist in the mixed media category for Orange County Artists of the Year in 2022, Olivia's artistic talent has been recognized and published in prestigious magazines such as Ear Magazine and UReCa Literature Magazine.

Despite facing challenges, such as initially struggling to secure an internship during her first year at IVC, Olivia's perseverance and resilience led her to success. Through her persistence, she secured an internship at Del Taco, an experience that inspired her to advocate for equal job opportunities for community college students. Olivia's proactive approach and leadership skills led her to collaborate with student government leaders to propose the first internship project for IVC students, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Olivia's transformative experience at IVC has prepared her extensively for her future endeavors. From enriching honors classes to taking on various leadership roles, Olivia has gained invaluable knowledge, skills, and networks that have bolstered her confidence to pursue her passions and contribute meaningfully to any community she joins. With her drive, ambition, and dedication, Olivia is poised to make a significant impact in the world of business and beyond.

She adds, “My experience at IVC prepared me tremendously for my future career! I love the enriching honors classes on macroeconomics and managerial accounting. It allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to tangible real-life projects by analyzing companies' financial issues.” 

Alexander Belzer isn't just another promising student at Irvine Valley College (IVC) – he's carving out his own niche in the music scene one note (and one scholarship) at a time.

A third-year student on the cusp of transferring to Chapman University as a Composition Major come fall, Alex has known since he first took up piano that he wanted to pursue music for a living. On the other hand, he also knows how tough it can be to make a livable wage working strictly as a composer, conductor or musician. At IVC, Alex was able to pursue a double major in Business and Music, with the idea that if music didn’t pan out, an associate’s degree in business could be his backup plan.

It turns out Alex didn’t have to look far for funds to fuel his musical dreams: Both Chapman University and the prestigious European American Music Alliance (EAMA) have offered Alex scholarships to attend a month-long EAMA composition program in Paris this summer, where he will study with professors from the Juilliard School and other major music academies. Alex says he’s excited about the opportunity because not only will he be studying with professors trained by esteemed French orchestra conductor and teacher Nadia Boulanger, “It’s great for composers because we get immediate live personal feedback.”

Reflecting on his time at IVC and how it laid the path for his current successes, Alex underscores the important role of the college's faculty in nurturing his musical prowess. "The teachers at IVC, especially the music faculty, are exceptionally bright," he remarks. "I’ll be talking with my fellow music majors and peers about them, and we're always shocked that they’re not at some type of big music conservatory. It’s really a blessing.”

Among these mentors, IVC Prof. Daniel Luzko stands out as a guiding force in Alex's quest to become a composer. "In the past two years, I have grown so much from his teaching, his skills and mainly because he comes from a different background,” Alex says of Prof. Luzko. “He grew up in Paraguay, and has a different musical style than I do, and really helped me grow as a composer.”

Central to the music program at IVC is a rigorous curriculum designed to sculpt well-rounded musicians. The program includes four semesters of harmony as well as sight-singing and chord analysis, plus weekly private lessons and a corresponding performance workshop in front of all the other music majors. Students are also required to enroll in at least one performance ensemble, with Alex choosing both piano ensembles and a symphony orchestra, where he is a percussionist.

Although his love for music has never faltered, Alex says he chose to attend community college out of high school because he wasn’t particularly sure what he wanted to major in. 

“Going to IVC gave me that time to figure out what I wanted to do while completing valid college courses, and also it was a cost savings,” he explains. “There can be a lot of stress going into a performance or an exam, but I look back and I think ‘I've overcome all of these challenges: I’ve  accomplished performances, I’ve learned different instruments.’ I do reflect quite a bit on how far I've come both in the past two years and even in the last semester.”

With ambitions ranging from conducting a major orchestra to composing music for video games, Alex says his education at IVC has been instrumental in honing his skills and broadening his horizons. He also encourages those who have never taken up an instrument that “it’s never too late” and recommends piano as a good place to start. 

“Almost everything in music is explained through the piano, from music theory to learning how to tune,” he says. “And we have beginning piano classes at IVC that will teach you, step by step.”

With a focus on Political Science and a forthcoming minor in Labor Studies, Summer Sanchez-Cornejo's academic pursuits at Irvine Valley College (IVC) have focused on her desire to combat injustices prevalent in her community. She states, “After seeing the way my loved ones and many in my community have been taken advantage of by employers, discriminated against by individuals, and persecuted by immigration and customs enforcement (I.C.E.), I want to work for change.” 

Transitioning to the University of California, Riverside, post-IVC, Summer plans to deepen her understanding of political dynamics while engaging in internships to hone her skills and broaden her perspectives. Fortified with aspirations to pursue law school and specialize in immigration law, Summer envisions a future where she advocates tirelessly for marginalized communities, drawing inspiration from organizations like Borderangels and Raices. 

Summer's educational journey began at El Toro High School in Lake Forest. At IVC, she received prestigious scholarships such as the Puente Statewide Office and Regents Scholarship from UC Riverside. She served as a student ambassador for the Puente Program and Secretary of the Latinx Student Association, underscoring her commitment to community engagement and empowerment. 

Guided by her experiences as a first-generation student and the proud daughter of migrant parents, Summer imparts invaluable advice to future students, “My advice for a future student is to seek programs and resources like the Puente Program, EOPS, and Promise. As a first-generation student coming into community college, I was completely unaware of this system but with these programs I have been able to succeed in many aspects of my life whether it is academically or in my personal life. I have been able to connect with many faculty, counselors, professors, and staff at Irvine Valley College. With this immense support system I have been provided with resources and opportunities that would change and shape the entirety of my life. It is so important to have a village that can provide you with so much support, especially as a first-generation student. Through these programs I have been taught many skills, knowledge of my culture and the importance of advocating for myself and my community. So, I also stress to never stop advocating for yourself, your community and make sure you connect with different individuals.