The ceremony at Mosher Alumni House brought together students, families, faculty, and community supporters to celebrate the achievements of twenty remarkable scholars who have demonstrated resilience, dedication, and a commitment to social justice.
Bryan Zuniga, PROPEL’s Director and Advisor, opened the event with heartfelt remarks. “It is truly an honor to welcome you all to the inaugural Graduation and Stole Ceremony for the PROPEL Scholars Program,” Zuniga, himself a UCSB alum who majored in Chicana/o Studies stated. “Standing here today, I am filled with gratitude for the over 80 scholars who have walked this journey with us. What began as a pilot four years ago has blossomed into a thriving initiative that now celebrates 20 graduates. Their perseverance and courage inspire us all.”
Zuniga emphasized the importance of community and support in the program’s success. “This moment reminds us how far we’ve come—how much potential lies ahead,” he said. “Our graduates have shown unwavering determination, and I am immensely proud of what they have achieved.” Reflecting on the significance of the program’s first graduating class, Zuniga said: “PROPEL is more than a scholarship—it’s a movement to democratize opportunity, foster leadership, and build a more equitable future. These graduates exemplify what it means to persevere and lead with purpose."
At the ceremony, Social Sciences Dean Charlie Hale acknowledged the vital contributions of donors and campus partners. “The support from donors and development professionals has been essential in making PROPEL a reality. Your investments help ensure that every scholar is seen, valued, and empowered to succeed,” he said.
Hale also expressed his enthusiasm and pride in the program’s growth. “This is a momentous occasion—not just for these graduates, but for our entire campus community,” he said. “You are the pioneers of PROPEL, the first cohort to graduate, and your success paves the way for future scholars. I remember when we first envisioned this program, inspired by the Promise Scholars Program and driven by a desire to serve social sciences. Seeing it now, just five years later, is truly inspiring.”
The 2025 PROPEL Graduates include:
Micah Gerola, Global Studies
Jazmin (Jam) Miranda, Political Science and Chicana/o Studies
Esther Mejia, Political Science and History of Public Policy and Law
Ingrid Lopez Higuera, Political Science and Linguistics
Mark Isidro, Political Science
Dominick Rodriguez, Political Science
Danika Cifuentes, Political Science and Film and Media Studies
Sydney Williams, Political Science
Juliana Tejada, Political Science and Sociology
Arianna Nunez, Sociology, double minor in Applied Psychology and Spanish
Whitlee Anessa Dolloway, Political Science and Chicana/o Studies
Joana Perez, Sociology, minor in Applied Psychology
Jaeden (Jade) Poelman, Sociology.
Aaliyah Raquel Kennedy, Sociology, minor in History
Jayden Evens, Sociology and Economics
Veronica Acevedo, Economics
Stanley Liu, Economics and Accounting
Ajani Washington, Communication, minor in Applied Psychology
Samantha Hernandez Gastelum, Communication