The Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration (JHBC) at Cal State San Bernardino celebrated the power of philanthropy and student achievement during its annual JHBC Scholarship Celebration, held Oct. 28 in the Santos Manuel Student Union South Events Center.

Hosted by JHBC and emceed by Sharon Pierce, associate professor of public administration and three-time CSUSB alumna, the event brought together scholarship recipients and donors for an afternoon of gratitude, inspiration and shared purpose.

Tomás Gomez-Arias, dean of Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration, welcomed donors and scholarship recipients to the event.
Tomás Gomez-Arias, dean of Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration, welcomed donors and scholarship recipients to the event.

“Congratulations, outstanding students,” said Dean Tomás Gomez-Arias in his welcome remarks. “It gives me great pleasure to honor the students and welcome the donors at this annual scholarship celebration.” He noted that for more than 50 years, the Jack H. Brown College has been helping define the future of the Inland Empire by producing graduates who go on to become influential leaders in business and public service.

Delivering the donor message was Debbie Brown, wife of the late Jack H. Brown, founder of Stater Bros. Markets. “Jack never forgot the scholarship he received when he was a young man,” she said. “He believed education and hard work are the answers to unlimited success and a brighter future. Recipients, you have your own life story in development, and we, the donors, are honored to have a role in helping you fulfill your dreams. As Jack would say, ‘Together, we will make it happen.’”

Debbie Brown, wife of the late Jack H. Brown, philanthropist and founder of Stater Bros. Markets, delivered the donor address.
Debbie Brown, wife of the late Jack H. Brown, philanthropist and founder of Stater Bros. Markets, delivered the donor address.

One of the afternoon’s highlights was a heartfelt address by scholarship recipient Jennifer Cornejo, a first-generation graduate student pursuing a master’s in public administration with a concentration in leadership. “Scholarships are so much more than financial gifts,” Cornejo said. “They represent opportunity, hope, potential, passion and a pathway for people like me. When someone receives a scholarship, it means someone out there believes in them — in their future, in their goals, and in their ability to make a difference.”

Cornejo shared her personal story of perseverance as a working mother balancing school, work and parenting. “Before I received my own scholarships, I was working two jobs and going to school full time while taking care of my daughter,” she said. “These scholarships eased my burden, and they also lifted me up. They gave me time to focus on things like family and friends and to be involved on campus — from the ASI Board of Directors to councils and committees.”

“Scholarships help create a more diverse, talented and driven generation,” she continued. “The impact doesn’t stop at the individual — when a student gets a scholarship and uses their education to give back, the whole community benefits. They change lives, open doors, and create a future that might not have existed otherwise.”

Scholarship recipient Jennifer Cornejo, a first-generation graduate student, delivered a heartfelt address that served as one of the highlights of the event.
Scholarship recipient Jennifer Cornejo, a first-generation graduate student, delivered a heartfelt address that served as one of the highlights of the event.

The celebration also featured remarks from Zack Tucker, associate vice president for Advancement, and closing reflections from JHBC Associate Dean Anna Nih.

Other recipients and donors shared their reflections, as well. Ryan Munoz, a business administration major concentrating in supply chain management, said, “I’m so grateful for the donors and the opportunities this has provided me. I look forward to the opportunity to do well in my community.”

Donor Doreen Davis, who established the Judy Davis Memorial Scholarship in honor of her late daughter, added, “It’s a good feeling. It’s keeping my daughter’s memory alive. I know how important it is.”

Each table included at least one scholarship donor and at least one student recipient, symbolizing the personal connection between giving and opportunity. Flowers for the event were donated by Stater Bros. Markets, and the guests were invited to take them home as a gesture of appreciation.

Each table included at least one scholarship donor and one student recipient, symbolizing the personal connection between giving and opportunity.
Each table included at least one scholarship donor and one student recipient, symbolizing the personal connection between giving and opportunity.

The event underscored JHBC’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, student success and community partnership — values reinforced through its prestigious accreditations from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

As Gomez-Arias shared, “Our donors make a difference in the lives of our students. Together, we are building a legacy of leadership, service and impact that will continue to strengthen our region for generations to come.”