The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine, a nationally circulated magazine published biweekly in Paramus, N.J., featured a three-page spread on the South Texas Academic Rising Scholars (STARS) scholarship program in its June 18 issue. The story quotes STARS recipients from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and The University of Texas-Pan American.

STARS scholarship recipient Larry Padilla is earning his master’s degree in physical therapy at the Health Science Center.
Printer Friendly Format

STARS recipient Larry Padilla, a student in the Master of Physical Therapy program in the School of Allied Health Sciences at the Health Science Center, is featured in the article. “The STARS money has helped to alleviate some of the financial pressures that go along with being a graduate student,” he is quoted as saying.

Students from 22 South Texas counties eligible
Padilla is funding his education by working weekend and summer jobs and receiving student loans, the article states. STARS helps students such as Padilla from 22 South Texas counties.

Elevating society through education
STARS Founder and Chairman Joe LaMantia Jr. is quoted as saying: “If you look at all of the major issues — from poverty to crime and even health problems — you find that education can help alleviate them. Every day, I see another way that education pays off. Helping the students go to college not only benefits the student; it also benefits the communities in which we live and work.”

Health Science Center President Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., (right), with STARS founder and Chairman Joe LaMantia Jr. (center) and STARS board member Steve LaMantia. Dr. Cigarroa also is a member of the STARS Board of Directors.

Dr. Cigarroa praised STARS for donating more than $250,000 to help Health Science Center students since 2002. About 150 students pursuing a variety of health science professions have benefited.

“STARS and its board of directors are encouraging young students to follow their dreams to become dentists, physicians, nurses, researchers and allied health professionals,” Dr. Cigarroa states in the article.

How to see the magazine article
The story is not available online. To obtain a copy of the magazine, call (717) 481-8500.

Scholarship information
Although scholarship applications are accepted in the spring, interested applicants can find out more about the program by going to the STARS Web site.

# # #