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Graduate Fellowships

Rick and Ann Hein with 2012/13 Fellowship Recipients

Pictured from left to right: (front row) Emily Limas, Lauren Holland, Ann Hein; (back row) Louie Limas and Rick Hein at the 2012/13 Scholarship Donor Reception. Photo by Brittany Duncan.

Four CSUSM College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences (CHABSS) students are the recipients of the first Hein Family Fellowships – awards designed to assist talented, low-income and first-generation college students pursuing graduate studies within CHABSS.

Rafael Ayala, Lauren Holland, Emily Limas and Louie Limas are the first recipients of the program, established last year with a $100,000 gift from Rick and Ann Hein.

Lauren is working toward a master’s in sociological practice. “Sociological practice is different from sociology in that the degree prepares you to make a difference in the world,” she said. “I will be able to use my training and research to affect public policy.”

Her research focuses on pedestrian safety. After graduating she is looking forward to a career in transportation planning. “I want to play an active role in furthering the current dialogue on zero tolerance for preventable accidents.”

Emily and Louie Limas are 2013 graduates of the experimental psychology program and are both entering the counseling psychology doctoral program at Indiana University – Bloomington this fall.

“I would like to teach and conduct research or get involved with clinical practice,” said Emily. “I enjoy conducting research and developing new and interesting projects. I also would like to help people through clinical practice—specifically children who have been maltreated.” Watch this video featuring Emily Limas and other CSUSM students talking about how scholarships have helped in fulfilling their dreams.

Louie says that they look forward to eventually opening up their own practice and says that the Hein Family Fellowship was an important part of their success at CSUSM.,

“As tuition continues to rise and the availability of graduate specific funding diminishes, it becomes harder and harder to remain out of debt as a graduate student,” he said. “It is because of people like the Heins that make it possible for aspiring psychologists and doctors to finish school with a limited amount of debt. Their generosity has helped to alleviate the financial stress my wife and I must endure each semester, which means that we can better focus on our research and coursework. I have been inspired by their willingness to help graduate students and I plan to do the same once I am finished with my schooling.”

Rafael is also pursuing his master’s in experimental psychology. After completing this program, he plans to pursue a doctorate in quantitative psychology and continue his research and teaching.

“These four scholars are the first of many who will build a proud legacy for the Hein Family Fellowship program,” said CHABSS Dean Adam Shapiro. “I wish them all the best in their studies and thank Rick and Ann Hein for their generosity.”

To get involved, check out the Hein Family Fellowship Challenge