The New American University Scholarship Matching Program represents an unparalleled opportunity to ensure that a world-class education remains accessible for students whose means may be limited, but whose ability and ambition are limitless. Click on each student to read their success story and a note of thanks.

Regina Duran, class of 2013

All of my accomplishments and the amazing opportunities that have occurred during the last year would not have happened if I were not at ASU. You have given me much more than monetary support. You believed in my passions and my dreams, and there are not enough words that can show my gratitude for that.

ASU is a place where students can dream and where the sky is the limit.

major: global politics

• Works with the ASU Office of University Initiatives as a social embeddedness intern
• Member of the student steering committee for Changemaker Central, a student-run resource hub with the mission of inspiring, catalyzing and sustaining student-driven social change
• Only student selected to speak at TEDxAshokaU, the opening event for a social entrepreneurship conference

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Meghan Connor, class of 2013

Thank you so much for believing me to be worthy of a scholarship.

This is possibly the greatest honor I will receive at Arizona State University and leaves me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Living in a single-parent household, I am no stranger to financial hardships, but without the support of charitable individuals and organizations, it would be impossible to make my dream of being the first college graduate in my family a reality. In addition to working nearly 40 hours a week, I am the chair of the Barrett Mentoring Program through Barrett, the Honors College, a program that builds community among incoming freshmen by pairing them with mentors to ease their transition into ASU. Taking on this leadership role allows me to foster the same sense of pride and accomplishment in others that I feel as a Sun Devil.

With your kind support, I will accomplish great things at ASU and help others in the future.

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Shayan Salim, class of 2011

My family moved from Iran when I was 12, and my parents started from scratch to make a living. My family was financially strapped after high school; going to college was not an option. For the past four years, I held three jobs and I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship.

With your support, I attended a wonderful university. My student career has been a blessing — one of the most joyous occasions of my life. Today, I attend dental school.

Thank you for making my longtime dream come true.

major: biological sciences

• 4.0 GPA and recipient of the Moeur Award for high academic standing throughout college
• President of ASU's pre-dental club
• Community service at Arizona's first student-run dental clinic providing free, comprehensive care to the underserved
• Volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul dental clinic in downtown Phoenix serving children of low-income families
• Peer mentor for incoming ASU freshmen and AZ Quest for Kids, helping young students start thinking about college at a young age

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Christian Solorio, class of 2012

After a semester of school while undergoing chemotherapy, I struggled both financially and academically. Despite these challenges, I serve as an example to many high school students as a mentor for the Be a Leader Foundation. I came from an inner-city high school and am succeeding at the collegiate level. I am not allowed to fail my mentees and, thanks to your generosity, I won't. I've learned that paying for college isn't out of reach for someone with limited financial resources.

You allow me to be a role model for kids who need one. For that and for them, I am truly grateful to you.

major: architectural studies

• Hispanic Business Students Association
• Treasurer for Adelante, a program designed to support the retention of college students
• Graduate-level research position

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Sarah Moratto, class of 2013

I am so incredibly thankful for the support of the donors. Their generosity illustrates a perfect cycle of growth and care for the community. I feel it is now my responsibility to find success in my life so that I, in turn, can grant success for others.

Thank you, donors. I succeeded due to mentoring by ASU professors and students and the scholarships made possible for me. Your help has led to a better life for me, and I promise to pay it forward.

double major: conservational biology and anthropology

• Undergraduate researcher in an urban ecology lab
• Internship and research project on soil analysis in urban water catchments
• Member of prestigious Coalition of Undergraduate Research Scholars
• Passionate about education and helping the community through environmental work

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