Mya Ray brings the same focus to her studies as she does to the court, embodying the balance between academic excellence and athletic achievement. (ULV Photo/Claudia Gonzalez)

As a scholarship recipient, Mya Ray’s story highlights how Giving Day support creates opportunities for student success

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Mya Ray does not demand attention until the match begins. Then, the quiet ����Ӱ��;Verne senior takes over, becoming one of the most impactful players in program history.

A senior business administration major and recipient of an academic scholarship, Ray has distinguished herself not only in the classroom but also as one of the most accomplished athletes in ULV volleyball history. Over her four-year career at ULV, she has built a reputation for consistency, discipline, and quiet dominance, helping elevate the Leopards within Division III athletics.��

Her recent accolades include becoming the first four-time All-American in La Verne history, earning NCAA Division III National Player of the Year honors, being named to the NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship All-Tournament Team, and leading the Leopards to one of the program’s most successful seasons.

“I try to stay consistent and get a little better every day. I just appreciate being able to come out and compete at a high level, ” Ray said humbly.��

Raised in Diamond Bar and Pomona, she was encouraged from an early age to stay active and competitive, Ray explored different paths before finding her own. Though her father, a former basketball player, hoped she would follow in his footsteps, she spent nearly a decade playing soccer before ultimately discovering her true passion on the volleyball court.

Ray’s decision to attend ULV was influenced by the guidance of former head coach Jeff Hendershot and former assistant coach Mario Meza, who coached her in high school and helped navigate the application and financial aid process, leading to her academic scholarship.

That scholarship represented more than just financial aid, it opened the door to an opportunity that may not have otherwise been within reach. It allowed Ray to remain close to home and embrace the college experience. “I would say that the academic scholarship was definitely the deciding factor for me to live on campus,” she said. “If I didn’t get the scholarship, I probably would not have gone here.”

At ULV she built close relationships with her coaches and teammates, crediting those connections as a defining part of her experience. “They’ve always pushed me to do my best,” she said. “They keep me grounded.”

Through those connections, she has grown not only in skill, but in confidence, learning to lead in a way that reflects who she is. “On the court, I feel like I don’t really lead with my voice. It’s more of leading through action.” she said, earning the admiration of her teammates and coaches alike.��

“Mya’s growth at the University has been holistic and ever changing,” said head volleyball coach Randi Taylor-Toomay. “She has earned respect through hard work, exemplary behavior, and, tenacity to be the best version of herself every single day. She has dedicated herself dutifully as a student-athlete every day for the entirety of her time as a Leopard and will leave a lasting mark on all of the women who follow after her.”��

That leadership was tested in one of the team’s most defining moments, an unexpected 3-2 loss to University of Redlands that broke their winning streak and challenged their identity. Rather than letting the setback define their season, Ray and her teammates used it as motivation.��

When then assistant coach Taylor-Toomay told this team, “this is either going to make or break us,” Ray realized that the team was at a turning point.��

They rallied together and ultimately advanced to the NCAA Division III National Championship finals. For Ray, the moment was the culmination of four years of discipline, resilience, and belief in both herself and her team.

“I don’t think I realized how much that experience would push me,” she said. “But it really prepared me for what’s next.”

As she looks ahead, Ray is weighing opportunities to remain in the game that has shaped so much of her journey, whether continuing her career as a professional player or stepping into a role in sports management. Whatever path she chooses, her story stands as a reflection of what is possible when talent meets opportunity and of the lasting impact academic scholars can have in helping students turn potential into purpose.

2026 SCHOLARSHIP GALA

The ULV Women’s Volleyball team will be celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2026 Scholarship Gala on May 2. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a reception, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and an evening of dancing at 8:30 p.m. For sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and additional details, visit laverne.edu/gala.

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ULV Chamber Singers posed in front of the historic Kohl’s Fountain at Prague Castle in the Czech Republic in 2024, while experiencing an impactful opportunity performing across Europe and engaging with new cultures in. (Courtesy Clarissa Shan).

Students prepare medieval music for historic church performances while working to fund a $30,000 tour

The ����Ӱ��;Verne Chamber Singers are preparing to take their music overseas, but they still need to close a funding gap to make the trip possible.

The 26-voice ensemble is working to raise $30,000 to support an international tour through Germany and Austria. The group is set to perform in historic venues including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Mirabell Gardens, St. Michael’s Church and at the renowned Peter and Paul Festival, one of Europe’s largest cultural celebrations.

“All proceeds will go directly towards student travel funds,” said Clarissa Shan, director of choral activities and vocal studies. “This helps us get airplane tickets, rent transportation, and ultimately make this experience accessible to all students.”

That accessibility is critical. “If we didn’t have these scholarships, I would only be able to bring people who could pay,” Shan said. “It’s not equitable. This is a lifetime educational experience.”

For this tour, students are preparing a program that reaches back centuries. That includes medieval and early sacred music which they will perform in spaces where many of these compositions were originally sung.

“We’re not just learning notes and rhythms,” said Shan. “We’re studying the history, language, and style of this music so students can perform it in a way that connects to where it came from.”

For students, the stakes are personal. Junior theatre arts major Nathan Terrazas says financial support through academic scholarships has shaped his entire college experience. “It means that I’m able to have an education,” he said. “Without the scholarship, I wouldn’t be able to attend a four-year university or participate in theater and music.”��

After taking part in performances in Prague and Pilsen, Czech Republic, and Bretten Germany in 2024, Terrazas knows firsthand the impact an opportunity like this can have.

Lauren Sandoval, junior kinesiology major, put it more directly: “I probably wouldn’t even be at school. There’s just no way to afford it.”��

Now, as they prepare to step into some of Europe’s most historic spaces, the opportunity before them is more than performance. It’s about access and the chance for every voice in the ensemble to be heard on a global stage. With the community’s support, this tour becomes more than a trip. It becomes a defining moment in each student’s education, one that will resonate long after the final note fades.

Donations can be made to support the ULV Chamber Singers’ European performance tour .

2026 SCHOLARSHIP GALA

The 2026 Gala will support academic scholarships to provide students with access to transformative educational opportunities and experiences. For tickets and additional information, visit laverne.edu/gala.

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The ����Ӱ��;Verne Dance Team poses after a Homecoming halftime performance. (Courtesy Taylor Fukunaga)

Driven by passion, creativity, and community, student dancers take center stage in a performance ready to light up the Toyota Arena

When the music starts at the Ontario Reign ice hockey halftime show on Tuesday,��the ����Ӱ��;Verne Dance Team will take center stage in one of their biggest performances yet.��For the dancers, this is more than a routine; it’s the result of late-night practices, creative collaboration, and a shared passion that brings together students from across campus.��

“We dance for each other,” said team captain Taylor Fukunaga, who helps choreograph the team’s hip-hop pieces. “We train together, we work together, and at the end of the day, we’re one big team. I hope people can see that when we perform.” That sense of unity is at the heart of the ULV Dance Team experience that prioritizes connection.

For Emily Saldivar, a senior and team captain, the upcoming performance carries even more meaning: it will be her final time performing with the team.“It’s not about being the most technical dancer,” said Saldivar. “You just have to bring your passion and your dedication. That’s what we value most. I’m excited to perform on the ice. It’s such a different experience,and to have my family there, my friends… it’s really special.”��

The Ontario Reign performance will feature original choreography and a mix of nostalgic, high-energy music designed to connect with a wide audience. “I think people should expect something really dynamic,” Saldivar said. “The choreography is creative, and it’s something we haven’t done before.”

For many dancers, the performance is also a chance to showcase their own creative voices. Jeniyah McCarty, a legal studies major and captain, contributed choreography to this year’s routine. “I dance because it lets me express my feelings,” she said. “It’s hard to explain emotions sometimes, but through dance, you can just feel it. I’m really excited for people to see what we’ve created.”��During rehearsals, dancers work together to merge different styles and ideas into one cohesive performance. “There was a moment in practice where everything just clicked,” McCarty said. “We had different visions, but they came together seamlessly. That’s when I knew this was going to be really good.” ��

Behind the scenes, the team balances demanding rehearsals with academics, jobs, and campus involvement. Many members rely on careful scheduling and discipline to make it all work. “It’s all about time management,” said Brianna Valdez, a freshman on the team. “We’re constantly planning, studying in between everything, but once we’re in practice, we give it 100 percent.”

Even with the challenges, dancers say the experience is deeply rewarding. “I joined to meet new people and stay involved,” said Kevlyn Martinez, a returning sophomore member. “But it’s become so much more than that. It’s shaped my college experience and helped me grow more confident.”��

For others, dance serves as both an outlet and a sense of home. “I’ve been dancing my whole life,” said Bre Symone, a recent team captain. “Being on this team gives me a space to be myself and just escape for a little while. It’s something that’s always been mine.” That sense of belonging is echoed across the team, where friendships often turn into something closer to family. “It’s definitely a sisterhood,” said Maylah Chanel, a recently appointed team captain. “We support each other, we grow together, and performing together is one of the best feelings.” ��

As the team prepares to take the stage, excitement continues to build, not just for the performance itself, but for what it represents.��Performing at a professional arena like the Ontario Reign game offers a rare opportunity to showcase the importance of the arts at ULV and beyond. “This is about more than just us,” Martinez said. “It’s about representing our team and our university, and showing people what we can do.”��

For Fukunaga, the experience comes down to something simple. “I dance because it brings me joy,” she said. “No matter what’s going on, when I’m dancing, I feel like myself.”��And when the music hits, everything else fades away. “You stop thinking,” she added. “You just perform.”��

Tickets are available at:

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Alumna Adele Jones visits ULV, reflecting on her volleyball legacy and celebrating the 2025 national finalists. (ULV Photo/Claudia Gonzalez)

Adele Jones ’05 reflects on championship grit and lifelong connections as ULV honors its latest finalists at the 2026 Scholarship Gala

For former ����Ӱ��;Verne volleyball standout Adele Jones ’05, watching the current women’s team compete for the NCAA national championship brought back a flood of memories. A key member of the Leopards’ 2001 national title team, Jones knows what it takes to reach that stage. “It’s not easy to get there,” she said. “The way they persevered all season is amazing.”

The 2025 team will be honored at the 2026 Scholarship Gala on May 2 at the Sheraton Fairplex Suites and Conference Center in Pomona, a tribute Jones says is well deserved. “It’s important for people to see the athletes who represent the university and how hard they’ve worked to get there,” she said.

Now a personal trainer and co-owner of Fitness by Design Training Studio, Jones watched many of the championship matches at home with her children, often pointing to the screen: “That’s where mom went to school.” The experience also reminded her of what defined her own time at La Verne. “The van rides, the meals, the inside jokes, that’s what sticks with you,” she said. “It was the connection with my teammates.”

As today’s players prepare for what comes next, Jones offers simple advice: stay connected. “Twenty years later, we’re still getting together, still telling the same stories,” she said.

About the 2026 Scholarship Gala��

The gala highlights the impact of academic scholarships at La Verne while celebrating the achievements of students and the supporters who help make their education possible.��

The evening begins with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing at 8:30 p.m. Guests are invited to attend in black-tie optional attire.��

For sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and additional details, visit laverne.edu/gala.

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ULV students connect with professional recruiters, asking questions and building relationships as they explore career paths and opportunities in the field of education. (ULV Photo/Claudia Gonzalez)

Career fair offers students direct access to employers and real-world opportunities in education

����Ӱ��;Verne students connected with potential employers and explored career opportunities at the university’s Careers in Education Fair, an event designed to bridge the gap between academic preparation and professional pathways.

Hosted by the La Fetra College of Education in partnership with Academic and Career Advising, the fair brought together employers and students in a setting focused on recruitment and relationship-building.��

For many attendees, the benefits were immediate. Students circulated among booths, exchanged contact information, and learned about potential career paths in education and related fields.

“The biggest thing is networking,” said Eddie Baltazar, a doctoral student in organizational leadership. “The more people you know, the better chances you have for connections and potentially getting a great job.”

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IBC students pose with their products alongside ULV President Risa Dickson, highlighting hands-on learning and campus entrepreneurship. (ULV Photo/Claudia Gonzalez)

Students pitch, sell, and gain real-world experience beyond the classroom

ULV College of Business undergraduate students turned Citrus Lawn, on the main campus, into a marketplace at the Integrated Business Curriculum (IBC) Mixer. The IBC program immerses students in entrepreneurship, guiding them through developing and launching companies, business plans, and marketing products, and driving sales. “This is a hands-on experience,” said College of Business senator and junior Nebiyu Semunigus. “This allows our IBC students to actually have a chance to sell on campus,” said co-president and senior Nicole Singer, noting the event also drew non-business majors. The mixer gave students a chance to connect with the campus community, build confidence, and gain experience that prepares them for professional careers.

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Steven Santana brings energy and experience to the booth as he prepares to perform at the Scholarship Gala. (Courtesy Steven Santana)

The ULV alum brings his journey full circle, returning to the Scholarship Gala to support the next generation of Leopards

From campus gigs to major stages, Steven Santana has built a career on creating unforgettable moments. Now, the ����Ӱ��;Verne alumnus is coming full circle returning to campus to DJ the 2026 Scholarship Gala, where his own journey once began as a scholarship recipient.����

The event is more than just another set; it’s a chance for Santana to give back to the kind of support system that helped him succeed. “It took a weight off my chest,” Santana said of receiving an academic scholarship during his time at La Verne. “It made the experience a lot less stressful.”����

Guests can expect a high-energy set built from years of experience performing at major events and sharing stages with nationally recognized names. “I always love coming back,” he said. “It’s my way of being involved and leaving my mark.”��

Long before he was opening for artists such as Flo Rida and the Backstreet Boys or working as an events and promotions manager at iHeartMedia, Santana was a kid from a music-loving family. “My dad was a DJ, so I grew up around it,” he said. “He was the hip hop guy, my mom was into electronic and house… so I was listening to everything.” By 13, he was already mixing tracks at home, teaching himself, experimenting, and building the foundation for what would eventually become a career.����

But it wasn’t until he arrived at ULV that things really started to take shape. At La Verne, Santana leaned into campus life, joining the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and eventually becoming concert chair. More importantly, he started putting himself out there.�� “I was just trying to be everywhere,” he said.����

He DJ’d events for free and threw his own shows, helped with campus traditions and did whatever it took to build his name and gain experience. And at a place like La Verne, it worked.����

Because of the university’s close-knit community, word spread quickly. One event turned into another. Free gigs turned into paid opportunities. Before long, Santana was DJing formals, alumni events, and performances beyond campus. “La Verne helped build that mentality,” he said. “Being everywhere, staying consistent, and hoping for the best.”����

After graduating in 2015, Santana landed a role at iHeartRadio as a promotions assistant, representing multiple stations and DJing at events across the region. He went on to perform at major events like Wango Tango, Jingle Ball, and Alter Ego. ��Today, he continues that work as an events and promotions manager, balancing leadership with his passion for music. “It’s cool because I still get to be in that world,” he said.����

Santana and his wife, Savannah Santana, both ULV alumni, share a connection to the university that goes beyond the classroom. The two met in high school and continued their journey together at La Verne, building a shared community and experience along the way.������

Now, as they prepare to welcome their first child, Santana hopes that connection might continue into the next generation.�� “I loved it,” he said. “If we could make it happen, I’d want that for my kid too.”����

Looking back, Santana credits his growth to one simple idea: you get out what you put in.����

“It wasn’t until I got involved that things really changed for me,” he said.�� Through DJing, campus involvement, and experiences like hosting his own show on LeoFM, he found confidence, community, and direction.�� “La Verne got me out of my shell,” he said.����

Santana returns to the Scholarship Gala not just as a performer, but as someone who once stood in the same place as the students it supports.����

About the 2026 Scholarship Gala����

The gala highlights the impact of academic scholarships at La Verne while celebrating the achievements of students and the supporters who help make their education possible.����

The evening begins with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing at 8:30 p.m. Guests are invited to attend in black-tie optional attire.����

For sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and additional details, visit

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ASPA Founders’ Fellow, Alyssa Taylor Lavalle, visits Bonelli Park in San Dimas, where she first discovered her passion for public service and now devotes her research to help develop the next generation of public sector leaders. (ULV Photo/Claudia Gonzalez)

College of Law and Public Service student recognized for leadership and mentorship research

Alyssa Taylor Lavalle, a second-year student in the ����Ӱ��;Verne’s Doctor of Public Administration program has been selected as a 2026 Founders’ Fellow by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). The honor recognizes the next generation of public servants for exceptional academic and professional accomplishments.��

“I feel very, very blessed,” Lavalle, who’s also a management fellow with the County of Los Angeles. “It’s a huge recognition, affirming and acknowledging all the work and support I’ve had.”��

Lavalle began her career in Parks and Recreation, working with children and local community programs. “I really found a passion for public service. I got to be part of the impact first hand,” Lavalle said. Her experience inspired her doctoral research on mentorship as a tool to develop the next generation of public sector leaders and safeguard institutional knowledge that has been passed down from her mentors.��

She credits ULV faculty, including Soomi Lee, professor of public administration and her mentors across government for supporting her journey. Lavalle will present her research and participate in a panel presentation alongside Lee and her other master’s students during the ASPA Annual Conference on March 21 and March 22 in Hollywood.��

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Jason Payne, a ULV Doctor of Business Administration student and retired U.S. Air Force veteran, was named a 2025 Boots to Business Instructor of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (Courtesy Jason Payne).��

Air Force veteran and second-year doctoral student is recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration for helping fellow veterans launch and grow small businesses

Jason Payne spent nearly 25 years serving in the U.S. Air Force. Today, the ����Ӱ��;Verne doctoral student is helping fellow veterans build their next chapter, through entrepreneurship.��

Payne, a second-year student in the university’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, has been named a recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2025 Boots to Business Instructor of the Year Award, recognizing instructors who help veterans and military families launch and grow small businesses.��

For Payne, the recognition reflects work that began when he transitioned out of the Air Force in 2021. “When you’ve done something for the majority of your adult life and then one day you wake up and it’s gone, that’s a surreal experience,” Payne said. “There was something missing, purpose and passion.”����

After retiring from the military, Payne joined the Veterans Business Outreach Center, where he teaches the SBA’s Boots to Business program. The program provides aspiring and current veteran entrepreneurs with training on starting and running a small business.����

Over time, Payne has refined the course to focus on practical lessons participants can immediately apply. “I’ve really developed the curriculum over the years and fine-tuned it so it’s practical, and people walk away with something they can apply in their business,” Payne said.��

In the past four years, he has taught more than 100 Boots to Business workshops online and across military installations in Southern California.��

Each year, Veterans Business Outreach Centers across the country nominate instructors for the Boots to Business Instructor of the Year awards. Payne was selected after a national review process that evaluates teaching impact and contributions to the program.��

While helping veterans explore entrepreneurship, Payne is also advancing his own academic research at ULV. His DBA dissertation focuses on barriers that prevent veteran-owned small businesses from adopting artificial intelligence.��

Payne said ULV has played an important role in helping him translate his military experience into academic research and business insights. “Veterans sometimes have a hard time explaining what they did in the military in civilian terms,” he said. “The instructors here do an amazing job helping make those connections.”

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Kat Bay ’16, a ����Ӱ��;Verne chemistry alumna, now manages the Teaching with Schrödinger program (Courtesy Kat Bay).

The ULV alumna now helps professors and students around the world explore chemistry through advanced computational tools

When Kat Bay reflects on her journey from undergraduate chemistry major to manager of the Teaching with Schrödinger program, she credits the ����Ӱ��;Verne with laying the foundation for a career she never imagined possible.��

“I was drawn to La Verne because it’s a smaller campus where you get hands-on attention and specialized learning,” Kat, who grew up in Arcadia, recalls. “The faculty members really motivated me and pushed me to pursue research opportunities I never thought I could achieve.”��

During her years at La Verne from 2012 to 2016, Kat immersed herself in the Chemistry Department. She worked as a tutor at the Academic Success Center, assisted in chemistry laboratories, and even collaborated with the department chair on curriculum development for introductory chemistry courses. This early involvement not only strengthened her understanding of chemistry but also cultivated leadership and teaching skills she continues to draw upon today.��

Kat’s undergraduate experiences propelled her into prestigious research internships at Ames National Laboratory, Caltech, and the University of Cambridge. These opportunities, she notes, were only possible due to the encouragement and mentorship of her professors at La Verne. Following her bachelor’s degree, she earned a PhD in organic chemistry at UCLA before embarking on a career that sits at the intersection of academia and industry.��

Now, as manager of the Teaching with Schrödinger program, Kat works to bring Schrödinger’s advanced computational physics-based platform into classrooms worldwide. Her team trains professors and students to use technology that is backed by rigorous scientific research and development validated by thousands of customers to visualize molecular processes.��

“It’s like a chemistry microscope on a computer,” Kat explains. “We’re helping students gain skills they can use in the workforce while also opening doors to scientific understanding early in their education.”��

For Kat, the most rewarding part of her work is connecting students and professors to new technologies and opportunities.��

“I love being at the interface of academia and industry,” she says. “Introducing students to tools and experiences they might not have otherwise encountered is incredibly fulfilling.”��

Kat emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities during college. “Try new things and tackle every opportunity with full effort,” she advises. “Even if something isn’t the right fit, it’s still valuable – it teaches you, shapes you, and keeps doors open for the future.”��

“Kat brought her intellectual ability and a great attitude, but also a willingness to give back,” said Nixon Mwebi, chair of the Department of Chemistry.��

“Kat is a prime example of getting out of the university what you put into it,” said Andrew Rice, manager of the Chemistry Department. “She participated in many extracurricular activities, joined clubs, worked as a student assistant with the then-department chair, Iraj Parchamazad, and served as a teaching assistant for several undergraduate courses.”��

Kat’s connection to La Verne remains strong. She will return to the ����Ӱ��;Verne on March 25 to give a talk to prospective chemistry majors. She continues to maintain relationships with professors who were pivotal in her academic journey, describing them as lifelong mentors who provide guidance and support no matter where her career takes her.��

Kat Bay will present “Chemistry: The Core of Drug Design” at LaFetra Lecture Hall on March 25 at noon.��

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