Four remarkable students who have overcome significant personal challenges were honored at a special meet and greet on January 30 at the Charleston Campus. The event, hosted by CSN President Dr. Bill Kibler and Chief of Staff, Dr. Yvonne Realivasquez, welcomed the latest recipients of the Charles and Phyllis Frias Legacy Scholarship, a prestigious $100,000 scholarship awarded through the Public Education Foundation (PEF).

The scholars—Abeo Robinson (Nursing), Jacquelin Mercedes Bernal (Engineering), Nathan Acosta (Computer Science), and Valeria Villegas-Canales (Business)—shared their inspiring stories of perseverance, resilience, and their ambitions for the future.

“Every single one of these students has an incredible journey that led them to CSN,” Dr. Kibler said. “Their commitment to education despite facing adversity is exactly why we are so proud to partner with the PEF and the Frias Trust to support them.”

The event also welcomed PEF President Kirsten Searer and Dr. Beverly Mathis, Vice President of Academic and Community Initiatives, who provides dedicated mentorship to the scholars. Representatives from the Frias Family Foundation, including Trustee John Mowbray, who was also in attendance to celebrate the scholars’ success.

Since its inception, the Frias Scholars Program has maintained a 100% success rate, with all 42 recipients still in school. The program is a testament to the vision of Charles and Phyllis Frias, whose philanthropy continues to uplift Nevada’s future leaders.

Photos by Deborah Rogers-Sobaszek, PEF Director of Multimedia and Graphic Design.