Scholars Receive Volunteer Awards
Each year, countless Fresno State students participate in community service through the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning. Select students are awarded with the Albert Montejano Memorial Scholarship, which recognizes those who are actively engaged in community service. This year, all four recipients were SFHC scholars!
Rachel Mancebo, a recent graduate, has dedicated the past three years to serving the community through Alternative Spring Break. Rachel’s passion for community service extends beyond Fresno State’s campus as she volunteers with SpiritHorse Connections, an organization that assists individuals with special needs in reaching their potential through interactions with horses. Empowered by her background in agricultural education, Rachel volunteers her time serving at the State Holstein Convention and Madera FFA. She was also involved with the Central California Blood Center as well as a read-a-thon geared towards Maui Wildlife Relief Efforts.
Rachel Mancebo (left) and Celeste Jones (right) make blankets for Project Linus.
Emily Vang, a rising senior, has served with Stone Soup Fresno on a number of occasions in addition to tutoring with HBCU StepUp. Her dedication towards enhancing educational opportunities within the community also extends to her role as the education co-chair of Fresno State’s Hmong Student Association, where she promotes higher education and Hmong culture for high school students.
Celeste Jones, a recent graduate, transformed her passions into action through community service. Fueled by her deep appreciation for nature, Celeste helped establish a long-term partnership with Scout Island through the Alternative Spring Break program, where she served as a Richter Center Student Leader (RCSL) for two years. Celeste was also the executive board director of communications for RCSL, allowing her to utilize her communication and journalism skills to develop promotional materials, write press releases, and expand student involvement in service opportunities. Beyond her roles in the Richter Center, Celeste volunteered with Fresno State’s Women’s Alliance, supporting various initiatives aimed towards empowering women.
Watch: Fresno State students give back during spring break (abc30)
Alisa Gonzalez (third from the right) and other SFHC scholars volunteer at a City of Fresno event.
Alisa Gonzalez, a rising junior, has contributed to the community through a wide range of service opportunities. From addressing food insecurity and nourishment efforts through the Poverello House and WAVS Dine and Discover events, to supporting children's wellbeing with the Marjaree Mason Center and the 144th Fighter Wing Children’s Christmas Party, Alisa’s service exemplifies no bounds. Her passion towards healthcare inspired her involvement with Tzu Chi USA’s Fresno Mobile Clinic, while her passion for event coordination compelled her to lead a volunteer day at the Fresno Veterans Home.
In addition to the Albert Montejano Memorial Scholarship, Alisa’s lifelong commitment to service earned her the distinction of 2025 University Student Volunteer of the Year. This award recognizes one Fresno State student each year who has made a difference in the community through exceptional gifts of time and talent. The award includes a $1,500 scholarship.
Sophia Riser, recipient of the 2025 Paul DeRuosi Memorial Community Service Scholarship.
The Richter Center also awards the Paul DeRuosi Memorial Community Service Scholarship to one student each year who exemplifies a strong commitment to service. The 2025 recipient was Sophia Riser, a rising sophomore who has completed over 500 hours of volunteer work in the past year.
Sophia exemplifies true compassion towards others and has fostered a strong dedication to community service since her childhood. In high school, she organized donation drives and created digital cards for first responders, hospital patients, and seniors. In college, she has volunteered as a Patient Pal and NICU Cuddler at Valley Children’s Hospital. She has also put time into tutoring students, knitting hats, co-founding the Kindness Expo at University High School, and serving as a camp counselor for the California Boys and Girls State.
Read Sophia’s Volunteer Story on Valley Children’s website.