The Trust celebrated 19 Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars who received degrees in May: five Scholars at Arizona State University (ASU), four Scholars at Maricopa Community Colleges in metropolitan Phoenix and 10 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 200 men and women," said Harriet M. Ivey, Trust president and CEO. "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."

ASU graduate Oralia Gracia-Alinea spoke at her graduation ceremony and stated, "I came into the program divorced, Latina and disabled. I am still all of these things but because of the opportunity to return to school as a Nina Scholar, I now am confident and know I can accomplish anything."

"The Trust is so pleased to see its graduates pursuing their career dreams and many are even thinking about college now for their own children," said Trustee Nancy M. Russell.

"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 Trustee Chairman Frank E. Russell. "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."
"I think Nina would be so pleased with the Scholars program today because it does what she tried to do during her lifetime--to help people get a college education that opens so many doors," added Trustee Carol Peden Schilling.

Oralia Gracia-Alinea earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. Oralia is interviewing for a medical social worker position. In 2007 she hopes to enter the School of Social Work Advanced Standing Master's Program. Oralia and the Nina Scholar she mentored, Ronna Caldwell, plan to attend the program together.

Amy Barney received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. Amy plans to work in her field for a few years before returning to ASU to earn her Master of Science degree in Social Work.

November Peasley earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. November began her studies at Maricopa Community Colleges when she was 17 and expecting her first child. She completed her degree while balancing the challenges of motherhood.

Delores Sutton received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work, graduating cum laude. Delores was accepted to the ASU School of Social Work Advanced Standing Master's Program where she began her studies in May of 2006. She received the Ben Arnold scholarship prior to completing her undergraduate degree to assist with her graduate study expenses.

Nichole Townsend earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, graduating summa cum laude. She was the ASU chapter president of Nursing Students. Nichole works at the Scottsdale Mayo Clinic Hospital in the emergency department and takes courses to prepare for medical school.

Paul Calderon received an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies, graduating with distinction. He will continue his studies at ASU.

Michael Centuori earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies and received his Arizona General Education Certificate (AGEC-A). Michael plans to attend ASU to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in English.

Amber Smith received an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies. She is interested in a real estate career.

Ozwaldo Valles earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems. Some day he hopes to attend law school at ASU.

Kathy Ackerson received her Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Kathy plans to pursue a degree in elementary education at IUPUI. She is currently a manager at Damar Services, serving developmentally disabled youth and adults.

Barbara Beach earned an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, graduating as a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Barbara will begin classes at IUPUI in the fall to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

Joseph Carrel received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology, graduating as a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Joe plans to work in the automotive technology field.

Myra Cooney earned an Associate of Science degree in Liberal Arts. Myra served as the treasurer and regional vice president of the Student Government Association. She also completed the Student Leadership Academy at Ivy Tech. Myra will begin classes at IUPUI in the fall as a Nina Scholar Passport student to earn her Bachelor of Science degree.

Amanda Flory received her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate. She is working at a residential health care facility for the elderly and will pursue her Registered Nursing (RN) degree through a program her employer offers.

Tanya Martinez earned an Associate of Science degree in General Studies. Tanya is an Animal Production supervisor at Taconic Indiana and plans to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree at IUPUI.

Sylvia Murphy received her Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, graduating as a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She plans to work in the early childhood education field.

Sarah Planck earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies, graduating as a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, which she served as vice president of scholarship. Sarah was also president of the Student Government Association and was selected for the USA Today All Indiana Academic Team for two-year colleges. She will work part-time for the Nina Scholars program as a mentor.

Tami Rypel received her Associate of Science degree in Human Services, graduating as a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She is reviewing her career options.

Kenya Stocking earned an Associate of Science degree in Human Services. She was a member of the Ivy Tech Human Services Club. Kenya works at Options Treatment Center, serving youth with developmental and emotional disabilities.