Rwanda genocide survivor, nine other college students receive scholarships from USA Properties Fund in Roseville

ROSEVILLE, CA – Ten students in Northern California are attending college this spring because of their commitment to education and continued hard work – and with the financial help from the J.B. Brown Scholarship Fund.

The 10 students – nine from the Sacramento region and another from Santa Rosa – will use the scholarships for their education, from University of California campuses to a vocational school.

“We’re so glad to be able to help these young people pursue their educational and professional dreams,” USA Properties Fund Inc. President Geoff Brown said.

The students were eligible for the J.B. Brown Scholarship Fund as residents of USA Properties Fund communities. The fund issued $24,500 in scholarships to the 10 students, and has distributed $51,500 since the program started in August 2011.

“We build communities, not just apartment complexes,” Mr. Brown said. “And when our residents succeed, we all do. It’s a great feeling to hear the success stories and what they have accomplished.”

Beth Southorn, executive director of LifeSTEPS, an affiliated nonprofit that helps residents in USA Properties Fund communities and a partner in the annual scholarship program, knows how important an education is to these students.

“These students have extraordinary stories and have overcome many obstacles,” said Southorn, who applauds USA Properties employees who contribute to the scholarship program. “We just wanted to make achieving their goals a little easier.”

The scholarship recipients are committed to turning their education and hard work into a life-changing experience for themselves and a model for others.

“I want to go against all odds … and let the world know that I’m more than just a product of my environment,” said Cedric Anderson, who grew up in Sacramento and attends Butte College.

The scholarships will benefit the students, but also their families, neighborhoods and communities.

“I promised my son, my family and myself to give my all every day to every individual that entered my life,” said Dario Bobadilla, who is studying respiratory therapy at San Joaquin Valley College. “I have chosen to focus all my energy, motivation and desire to spend each day learning all I possibly can, so I can be the best at what I do for others.”

The 10 scholarship recipients are:

      Cedric Anderson – Anderson attends Butte College. Anderson, a star athlete in high school and who played football at Sacramento City College, wants to earn a degree in kinesiology and work in sports medicine. He would like to mentor boys and young men, encouraging them to make positive changes in their lives.

      Dario Bobadilla – Bobadilla’s life changed two years ago when his son, Noah, was born with a number of serious health issues, including Down syndrome. Bobadilla made a commitment to his family when Noah was born to help others. He will complete the respiratory therapy program at San Joaquin Valley College in August. Then, he would like to earn his bachelor’s at University of California, Davis, and eventually receive a graduate degree.   

      Angelique Boyi – Born in Rwanda, Boyi knows firsthand the value of education – and the pain of tragic loss. Her father, a physician, promised his daughter a college education, but her father and many family members were murdered during the Rwandan Genocide in 1994. Boyi and her sisters escaped to the United States. Now, she is married and has two children. She is studying health science occupational therapy at Sacramento State University and wants to continue in the health care profession, like her father. 

      Brandi Bright – Bright, a single mother with a young son, attends Sacramento State University with the goal of earning a degree in social work – and possibly a master’s degree in the profession. She would like to eventually open and operate a shelter for women and displaced children.

      Dashei Briley – Briley, a repeat scholarship recipient, is attending the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she is studying psychology. Briley, who wants to be a physical therapist, was selected as one of the finalists for the Stanford Medical Youth Science Program in 2011.

      Daniel Cardona – Cardona’s family was concerned about the drug wars in South America and moved from their native Colombia to the United States when he was 11. The decision greatly affected Cardona, who excelled in his new country and became the first in his family to graduate from high school. Cardona is studying electrical engineering at Sacramento State University and plans to create technology that “will improve the way we live. My main purpose is to give third-world countries the tools needed for self-advancement and progression for a better way of living.”    

      Guadalupe Dominguez – Dominguez, the first one in her family to attend college, is majoring in biology/pre-med at California State University, San Bernardino. She would like to attend University of California, Los Angeles, for her graduate work and eventually become a pediatrician, with the dream of providing medical care to children living in poverty.

      Theresa Espinoza – Espinoza is an active parent at her two daughters’ elementary schools at least three days per week and has decided to become a teacher. “I will provide a nurturing, caring, learning environment and provide every tool they need for their success in school,” said Espinoza, who is attending Sacramento State University.  

      Saba Imtiaz – After graduating from high school with a 4.0 grade-point average, Imtiaz enrolled at American River College with the hope of becoming a pharmacist. However, her father died suddenly and unexpectedly during her first semester in college, an emotional blow to the oldest of five children. Imtiaz, who likes to help others improve their health, only missed one class that semester, further evidence of her commitment to her father, her family and her lifelong goals.

      Jeremy Lessnau – Lessnau, who graduated in the top 20 of his class at Rancho Cotate High School in Sonoma County, is now majoring in creative writing with a minor in electronic music at University of California, Santa Cruz. He would like to write screenplays and compose movie scores.

LifeSTEPS – a Fair Oaks-based nonprofit that provides educational and support services to empower residents with the skills, resources and support they may need to maintain stable housing and break the cycle of poverty – is a partner in the annual scholarship program with USA Properties Fund.

The J.B. Brown Scholarship Fund is named after USA Properties Fund founder J.B. Brown. USA Properties Fund community residents are eligible to apply for the scholarship, which helps provide tuition assistance to qualified high school graduates and adult learners to attend a two- or four-year colleges or university. The fund raised $83,663  in 2011/2012.

ABOUT USA PROPERTIES FUND INC.

USA Properties Fund Inc. (USA), a California corporation, is a privately owned real estate development organization specializing in the creation of outstanding senior and family communities. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Roseville, USA Properties Fund provides a full range of capabilities for community development, including financing, development, construction services, rehabilitation and property management. Our values, leadership and team structure reflect our success with the development/construction and acquisition/rehabilitation of over of more than 12,000 units of family and senior apartment in more than 82 communities throughout California and Nevada. For more information, please visit www.usapropfund.com.