2019 SDMAC Scholarship Recipients

Jason Burley served in the United States Marine Corps as a Geospatial Intelligence Specialist. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in biochemistry with a minor in Spanish at California State University San Marcos. Mr. Burley volunteers as a patient escort at Tri-City Medical Center and with the disaster relief organization Team Rubicon. After completing his degree, he plans to continue his education by pursing a graduate degree to become a Physician Assistant.

David Falconer served in the United States Marine Corps as an Aviation Logistics Information Management System and Support Specialist. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems from California State University San Marcos while currently employed by ViaSat. After completing his degree, Mr. Falconer plans to start his own web marketing and real estate investment business.

Michael Tobin served in the United States Marine Corps as Aviation Ordinance specialist. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems from California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). Mr. Tobin currently works at CSUSM and plans to purse a job within his degree field.

Jeff Foertsch served in the United States Marine Corps as an Air Traffic Control Radar Technician. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems. After completing his degree, Mr. Foertsch plans on a career in Analytics and Business Development. An avid distance hiker and trail runner, Mr. Foertsch enjoys donating his time to supporting charities and nonprofits through his physical abilities.

Rigoberto Gerardo served in the United States Navy as a deck seaman. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science at SDSU and plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in social work in the future. After achieving his educational goals, Mr. Gerardo plans on a career working with military Veterans in the capacity of a social worker. In his free time, Mr. Gerardo volunteers with many local military Veterans organizations such as the United Veterans Council of Imperial Valley. Through his volunteer work, Mr. Gerardo helps to plan traditional military ceremonies and events to honor the service, sacrifice, and contributions that Veterans make to the San Diego community.

2018 SDMAC Scholarship Recipients

Alexandria Harding served in the United States Navy (USN) as an electronics technician. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in biology at CSUSM and aspires to have a career in the medical field.

David Falconer served in the USMC as a computer network administrator responsible for ensuring safe passage of communication equipment and establishing networking connectivity for an entire expeditionary unit. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science and Engineering from CSUSM. After completing his degree, Mr. Falconer aspires to start a web design and development business.

Michael Jones served in the USN as a sonar technician. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from CSUSM. An avid fan of software development, Mr. Jones plans on a career mentoring others developing software that helps to improve the world.

Daniel Vandiver served in the USMC as an aviation mechanic. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from CSUSM. After earning his degree, Mr. Vandiver aspires to work as a software engineer for flight operations at a company such as SpaceX, or Tesla, Inc.

Daniel Riedel served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) as a KC-130 Airframer. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, with an emphasis in Thermal and Solar Energies at SDSU. After completing his degree, Mr. Riedel is planning for a career in the green energy sector developing technologies to lessen the world’s dependencies on fossil fuels.