50th Chicano Moratorium Committee presents first ELAC scholarships to current students and transfer students on 55th anniversary of 8/29/70.

Re: Press Release via ELAC Foundation

ELAC Foundation Sets Historic Record with $212,819 in

Scholarship Awards

MONTEREY PARK, CA – The East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Foundation achieved a historic milestone at its annual scholarship ceremony and dinner, awarding a record-breaking $212,819 to 222 deserving students through 49 different scholarship programs. The ceremony, held at the Courtyard by Marriott Monterey Park's Crystal Ballroom, marked the highest scholarship distribution in ELAC's history and drew a sold-out crowd of 330 attendees.

The total award amount represents a $1,219 increase from the previous year, demonstrating the Foundation's growing commitment to educational access and student success. This year's event marked the first time in several years that the ceremony was held as a formal sit-down dinner, creating an elevated experience for scholarship recipients and their families.

"Each of these students has overcome significant challenges to reach this moment," said Dr. Monte E. Pérez, Interim President of ELAC, who delivered the evening's keynote address. "These scholarships are more than just financial aid—they are a testament to our community's belief in the potential of every student who walks through our doors."

The evening featured notable appearances from newly appointed Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor Dr. Alberto J. Román, who presented two students with awards from the Javier Román Scholarship Fund, named in honor of his late father. ELAC Foundation's newest board member, Eli Raffeld, VP and partner at Ethan Capital LLC and managing partner of the host venue, expressed enthusiasm about supporting the college's mission. "I've always believed in the power of education to transform lives," said Raffeld. "Hosting this event is one small way I can give back and support the incredible students and educators at ELAC."

The Foundation introduced two significant new scholarship programs this year. The 50th Chicano Moratorium Committee Scholarship honors the legacy of the August 29, 1970 Chicano Moratorium, promoting student growth through both academic achievement and real-life experiences. The Abraham Sandoval Initiative Scholarship, founded by ELAC Adjunct Professor Abraham Sandoval, supports students pursuing careers in real estate, business, or law who demonstrate potential for positive community impact.

Professor Sandoval, a first-generation attorney and entrepreneur who founded the civil litigation firm Sandoval Law APC, established the scholarship to assist students from underserved communities in accessing legal and business education opportunities.

The ceremony's success was made possible through generous sponsorship from community partners. Major supporters included Courtyard by Marriott Monterey Park and Children's Hospital Los Angeles as Valedictorian Level sponsors ($10,000), while Kaiser Permanente and Southern California Edison provided Honor Roll Level support ($5,000). Additional Dean's List sponsors ($2,500) included The Law Offices of Christian Contreras, Sandy Ho-Preferred Bank, and Dr. Grace Castillo.

"ELAC and the ELAC Foundation are honored to reaffirm our dedication to student success through both academic achievement and meaningful financial support," said Marissa Castro-Salvati, President of the ELAC Foundation. "This year's historic level of scholarship awards highlights the perseverance and excellence of our students, while reinforcing our mission to ensure higher education remains within reach for everyone."

The Foundation also recognized Tina Hwang, President Emeritus of the ELAC Foundation Board and Senior Vice President and Regional Director of East West Bank, for her generous support in sponsoring the program printing.

About ELAC Foundation: The East Los Angeles College Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the philanthropic support of East Los Angeles College and empowering the communities it serves through commitment to student success. Through enduring efforts, the Foundation transforms lives by investing in the next generation of leaders. For more information about scholarships and donation opportunities, visit www.elacfoundation.com.

About East Los Angeles College: ELAC is the largest of nine two-year community colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), www.laccd.edu. More information about ELAC is available online at http://www.elac.edu/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 5, 2025

News Media Contact:

Kevin Jimenez, College Public Relations Manager

(323) 265-8807 | jimeneka@elac.edu