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.