Ome Garcia Named SJSU’s 2022 CSU Trustee Award Recipient

by | Sep 12, 2022 | Awards and Achievements

Ome Garcia, who plans to complete medical school and a residency in child and adolescent psychiatry after graduation, will receive a $7,000 scholarship for the 2022–23 academic year as part of the recognition from the CSU Trustee Award. Photo: Robert C. Bain.

This month, Ome Garcia, ’24 Psychology, received the 2022 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement the California State University’s highest accolade for student accomplishment. Garcia will be honored along with the other 22 Trustee Scholars, one chosen from each CSU campus, “for their talent, diligence and zeal” during a ceremony at the September CSU Board of Trustees meeting, according to a press release from the CSU Office of the Chancellor. 

The annual Trustee Awards include a donor-funded scholarship* and are presented to students who show outstanding performance in academics, personal achievements and community service — and demonstrate commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Collectively, this year’s class of trustee scholars will receive more than $180,000 dollars in scholarships, marking the largest total scholarship pool of these prestigious awards to date.

“These 23 remarkable scholars wonderfully exemplify the ideals of the California State University,” said CSU Chancellor Jolene Koester. 

“Their inspirational stories are connected by a common thread of intelligence, perseverance, resilience and the transformative power of higher education. Our communities, state and nation —indeed, our world— will long reap the benefits of their academic, professional and personal achievement.”

Garcia, who is pursuing their bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in chemistry, will receive a $7,000 scholarship* for the 2022–23 academic year, which is supported by Trustee Emeritus William Hauck and Padget Kaiser. 

Garcia is passionate about neuroscience, development, and mental health, and is a member of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science — in addition to being involved with multiple nonprofit, after-school and youth-led organizations. 

“I am extremely grateful to receive a CSU Trustees’ Award and be recognized for my dedication to my education and career,” said Garcia. “It is an absolute honor to represent San José State University. There are so many opportunities here that I would not have access to otherwise, and I don’t take that for granted.” 

After graduation, Garcia plans to complete medical school and a residency in child and adolescent psychiatry. “The community and resources available at SJSU are providing me with the foundation I need to turn my dream into a reality,” Garcia added.

“SJSU is honored to have nominated Ome for this prestigious award as a student who has overcome various challenges and yet continues to strive for positive systemic change,” said Interim President Steve Perez. 

“Ome’s qualities of resilience and commitment fully embody the spirit of the Trustees’ award. We believe Ome will leave a lasting impact on society.”

Meet the 2022 CSU Trustee Scholars. 

*The award and scholarships are made possible by founding leaders from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and Trustee Emeritus Ali C. Raz; in partnership with CSU Trustees, CSU Foundation board members and private donors.