During an emotional pregame ceremony on Friday, May 5 at Chase Field, the Arizona Diamondbacks (D-backs) and D-backs Official Partner Avnet awarded a total of $250,000 in college STEM scholarships to 14 unsuspecting students, who were joined by their families at this surprise ceremony. The scholars were selected through St. Vincent de Paul’s One at a Time Scholars Program. In addition to receiving college scholarships, scholars were also surprised with a custom jersey, computer, headphones, backpack, and gift card for school supplies.

“It cannot be understated that some of the greatest hope is in the promise of the next generation,” said D-backs President, CEO & General Partner Derrick Hall. “Education plays a significant role in ensuring a bright future for all which is why the Arizona Diamondbacks and Avnet are teaming up with St. Vincent de Paul to make futures even brighter.”

The First Class of Avnet Scholars includes:

• William Bolanos attending Glendale Community College/Arizona State University for Construction Management
• Ximena Gonzalez attending Arizona State University for Computer Science Software Engineering
• Paola Gaxiola attending Arizona State University/Barrett, The Honors College for Forensic Psychology
• American Haro Ortega attending Phoenix College/Arizona State University for Mathematics
• Zachary Kaesberg attending Northern Arizona University for Nursing
• Letina Kiflemariam attending Phoenix College/Northern Arizona University online for Nursing
• Samantha Lopez attending Arizona State University for Conservation Ecology
• Bryan Martinez attending Arizona State University for Aerospace Engineering
• William Najera attending Arizona State University Polytechnic for Aerospace Engineering
• Deborah Palomino Lopez attending Arizona State University for Nursing
• Evelyn Rodriguez Aguilar attending Arizona State University for Animation
• Daylene Sanchez attending Phoenix College/Arizona State University for Accounting
• Debby Suarez attending Arizona State University/Barrett, The Honors College for Health Solutions/Speech Pathology
• Adrian Villegas attending Arizona State University for Engineering

“Community giving is the heart of our partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks,” said Avnet CEO Phil Gallagher. “We’re proud to be working with two of the most prominent charitable organizations in the Valley to ensure more first-generation Arizona students have access to a high-quality, STEM-focused college education.”

The D-backs Avnet Stem Scholars program is new this year and was developed to:

• expand opportunities for Arizona-college bound seniors beginning in the fall of 2023,
• support high-potential, low-income and/or first-generation Arizona students who want to pursue a college degree and a career in STEM, and
• provide mentor support with an individual mentor through St. Vincent de Paul and an on-campus mentor at the scholar’s selected school.

About Avnet

As a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, Avnet has served customers’ evolving needs for an entire century. We support customers at each stage of a product’s lifecycle, from idea to design and from prototype to production. Our unique position at the center of the technology value chain enables us to accelerate the design and supply stages of product development so customers can realize revenue faster. Decade after decade, Avnet helps its customers and suppliers around the world realize the transformative possibilities of technology. Learn more about Avnet at avnet.com.

About Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks provide industry-leading entertainment in a clean, safe, and family-friendly environment and make a positive impact on its fans and civic partners. The D-backs’ pinnacle on-field moment was their 2001 World Series title. The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation has donated $80 million in charitable contributions to the Arizona community since 1997. The club plays their home games in downtown Phoenix at Chase Field, the first Major League Baseball stadium to feature a pool. The team was established in 1995 and played their inaugural season in 1998. For more information, please visit dbacks.com and losdbacks.com or @Dbacks and @LosDbacks on social media.

About St. Vincent de Paul’s One-At-A-Time Scholarship Program

St. Vincent de Paul’s (SVdP) Scholarship Program has been driving systemic change for over 20 years by helping transform the lives of first-generation college students with comprehensive support for college students, challenging them to rise above perceived limitations and work towards the best version of themselves and their community.

The program provides not only financial assistance, but also a robust support system that helps scholars overcome the unique barriers that first-generation students face which is accomplished through mentorship and resources to help guide scholars to success in their college careers.

With a holistic approach, SVP’s Scholarship Program aims to see each and every scholar not only to the graduation finish line, but firmly planted on a path toward mobility and professional success. SVdP has scholars at in-state institutions including ASU, UofA, NAU, and Maricopa County Community Colleges.