Nineteen Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars received their degrees in May: eight Scholars at Maricopa County Community Colleges in metropolitan Phoenix, four Scholars at Arizona State University, three Scholars at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, and four Scholars at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana - Central Indiana in Indianapolis.

"Since the Trust began the Nina Scholars program for nontraditional college students in 2001, the program has touched the lives of more than 120 men and women," said Harriet M. Ivey, Trust president and CEO. "This is our largest graduating class to date, and we congratulate our 19 Nina Scholars on their academic as well as personal achievements."

"Our students face many challenges, from severe economic hardships to physical disabilities, and the Nina Scholars program is helping them create a better life for themselves and their families," Ivey explained.

"The Nina Scholars program is an exciting dimension for the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. A primary giving focus for the Trust is helping people in need; the Nina Scholars program takes our mission to another level," said Frank E. Russell, Trustee Chairman. "Education was very important to Nina Mason Pulliam. Nina saw education as a crucial tool for self-sufficiency and personal fulfillment. The Nina Scholars are testimony to the power of education and its ability to transform lives. We look forward to their continued successes."

Meet our Nina Scholar Graduates from Maricopa Community Colleges:

Edna Cole earned an Associate in Arts degree and is seeking employment at a local elementary school district as a non-academic instructor where she can pursue her passion of teaching music to young children. In addition to giving private music lessons, she is excited about volunteering as a music instructor at the Thomas J. Pappas School for homeless children.

Michelle Davis earned an associate's degree in practical nursing from Scottsdale Community College and is employed at Scottsdale Health Care as a LPN. She sat for her RN exam in late June. Michelle performed her preceptorship at the Veteran's Hospital in Phoenix and is considering the VA hospital for her permanent assignment. Once she has worked as a Registered Nurse for a year, Michelle would like to return to school to earn a bachelor's degree and eventually teach nursing at the Maricopa Community Colleges.

Mary Greer (not pictured) earned her Associate in Applied Science degree in organizational leadership and hopes to pursue a career in early childhood education. Mary recently began a paid six-month internship with the Disney Corporation in Florida. She credits the Nina Scholars program for providing her quality education and for giving her the confidence to apply for the Disney internship.

Matt Lassuy (not pictured) earned his Associate in General Studies degree from Mesa Community College with a specialty in aircraft maintenance. Matt's long-term goal is to teach at a vocational school or in private industry, but he will continue his studies as a Nina Scholar at ASU to earn a bachelor's degree in applied science or aircraft management.

Elizabeth Naranjo received a certificate in practical nursing from Maricopa Skill Center and earned her Associate in General Studies degree at Rio Salado Community College. Elizabeth is a Licensed Practical Nurse at Plaza Heath Care. She is extremely proud of her academic accomplishments and the immediate impact her education has made on her earning power. Her salary has doubled since becoming a Nina Scholar. Elizabeth will celebrate her one-year anniversary as a homeowner this September.

Luis Osuna graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in technology manufacturing automation. He also earned four specialized certificates. Luis recently began working for World Corporation, a private company testing and certifying parts for the U.S. Department of Defense. Luis enjoys his job and sees it as the foundation for a long-term career in the engineering or mechanical field.

Carmen Perez received an Associate in Applied Science degree in accounting. She is working from home, providing business support and accounting services for her clients. Carmen's home-based business allows her also to focus on the needs of her family. Carmen is considering attending ASU to pursue a business or accounting degree.

Rebecca Plumer received an Associates Degree in Arts with General Requirements. She accepted a position at a fine Phoenix restaurant where she assumed limited managerial responsibilities. Rebecca is considering applying her business education in the real estate and investment field.

Meet our Nina Scholar Graduates from ASU:

Kimberly Burden graduated with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree from the ASU University College; her emphasis areas are anthropology and religious studies. Kim is completing her required internship at the Tempe Historical Museum where she has been hired to complete a quilting project.

Sharon Layton graduated with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree from the ASU University College; her emphasis areas are business and public administration. Sharon was the student representative to the ASU Nina Scholar advisory council and the 2004-2005 recipient of the Jacque Avent Scholarship for Public Administration. Sharon has completed her internship with the state of Arizona Department of Economic Security and will continue her work with The Arizona Partnership for Immunization.

Andrea Skiba graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the ASU College of Nursing. She plans to work at Tempe St. Luke's Hospital and is preparing for the Arizona State Nursing Board exams.

Tarina Wood, a 2004 Nina Scholars graduate, received a Master of Social Work degree from the ASU College of Public Programs (COPP) School of Social Work. Tarina was the 2004 COPP outstanding graduate. While studying for her master's degree she interned at the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and this past spring she received a scholarship to complete her studies in Mexico. She plans to seek a full-time position in the Phoenix area.

Meet our Nina Scholar Graduates from IUPUI:


Ashlee Adkins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in public affairs with a major in civic leadership. She also completed a certificate in labor studies. Ashlee was honored as one of the top 10 female students at IUPUI for the second consecutive year. She will be attending Maranatha College in Watertown, Wisconsin, in the fall to pursue a master's degree in biblical counseling.

Demetrees Hutchins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in media arts and science with a major in news media. She also completed a certificate in applied computer science. Demetrees was awarded the prestigious Hearst Fellowship by the Center on Philanthropy at IUPUI where she will pursue a master's degree in philanthropic studies and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management.

Rayya Wazeer completed the Associate of Science degree in radiography and soon will take the exam to become a registered technologist in radiography. She plans to pursue a position at an area hospital while continuing to study for a bachelor's degree in medical imaging technology at IUPUI.

Meet our Nina Scholar Graduates from Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana:

Jessica Cochran graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in paralegal studies. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Jessica works as a paralegal for the law firm of McNeely, Stephenson, Thopy & Harrold in its insurance defense department.

Cindy Cox graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in accounting. She has been a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, serving one year as president. Cindy works at Ivy Tech in the general education division office.

Stephanie Crockett (not pictured) earned an Associate of Science degree in nursing. She aspires to build and administer her own nursing facility for the elderly, where the slogan will be, "not gone and not forgotten." Stephanie is employed at University Heights Health and Living Center.

Aundra Lambert earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in human services. Aundra served in student government for two years, including service as regional vice president in 2004-2005. He will transfer to IUPUI, where he has also been accepted as a Nina Scholar, to pursue a bachelor's degree in social work.