11 CSUSB Palm Desert Students Named Rogers Scholars For 2026-27 Academic Year

PALM DESERT, CA — Eleven students at California State University, San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus have been named Rogers Scholars for the 2026–27 academic year, university officials announced Tuesday.

The recipients, selected for their academic achievements, leadership, and community service, will receive financial support through the Mary Stuart Rogers Scholarship Fund. Since its inception, the endowment has awarded more than $2 million to students at the Palm Desert campus.

This year’s class of Rogers Scholars includes six nursing majors alongside students in business administration, communication, English, psychology, and social work:

• Alexis Agbayani, Nursing
• Adriana Banda, Social Work
• Eric Chaidez, Communication
• Nicole Corona, Nursing
• Kirsten Gue, Nursing
• Bernabe Juarez, Nursing
• Karen Orozco, Nursing
• Valerie Perez, English
• Crystal Romero, Psychology
• Nathen Velasco, Nursing
• Keith Winters, Business Administration

"These students exemplify the spirit of the Rogers Scholarship program — academic excellence, leadership and service to others," said Adolfo Velazquez, director of community engagement and philanthropy at the Palm Desert campus.

The scholarship fund aims to ease financial burdens for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in the Coachella Valley.

"Receiving the Mary Stuart Rogers Scholarship has given me the encouragement and confidence to continue pursuing my academic and personal goals," CSUSB student Eric Chaidez said in a statement. "This generous support allows me to focus more fully on my studies, strengthen my leadership skills and prepare for a career where I can positively impact others."

The 11 scholars will be recognized at a campus reception Sept. 29, where they are scheduled to meet members of the Rogers family.