CASP Alumni
The Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship Program recognizes and supports talented local students with financial need and great potential and motivation to academically succeed at UC San Diego. Our CASP community is comprised of a diverse student population across all academic disciplines at UC San Diego.
Our Alumni Spotlights highlight the achievements and success of our CASP Alumni and words for our future Chancellor's Associates Scholars.
Jay Wilson | 2018 Cohort
Event & Office Coordinator, UC San Diego Department of Economics
Jay Wilson (He/Him) graduated from UC San Diego with a B.A. in Sociology and was a part of the 2018 CASP Cohort. After graduation, Jay joined the Economics Department as the Events & Office Coordinator. Throughout his undergraduate career, Jay was mainly involved with event planning and student affairs and worked with Associated Students Concerts & Events, being a Muir Housing Advisor, a Seventh College Orientation Intern, a CASP 101 Summer Intern, and much more!
Photo by Jay Wilson
Michael "Mike" Markulin | 2016 Cohort
Academic Counselor at UC San Diego, Thurgood Marshall College
After graduating Summa Cum Laude from UC San Diego with a B.A. in Political Science - Public Policy, Mike Markulin from the CASP 2016 Cohort joined Thurgood Marshall College's Advising Office as an Academic Intake Advisor.
After graduation, Mike was part of the Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program team as a Program Assistant for our CASP 101 summer transition program. Afterward, Mike joined Academic Enrichment Programs as an executive assistant to their Director. Currently, Mike is expected to graduate from the University of San Diego with an M.A. in Leadership Studies in August 2020. Mike is very excited to be back at UC San Diego and continue to work with students on their journey in higher education.
Photo by Michael Markulin
Maria Soto | 2015 Cohort
Student Retention Specialist, Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program
Maria Soto is a first-generation, Latina, alumna from the University of California, San Diego. She is part of the 2015 CASP Cohort and majored in Ethnic Studies with a minor in Education. Maria was born and raised in South East San Diego and it has always been her dream to come back and help students towards their educational goals. She is passionate about social justice issues, access, and equity in education.
Photo by Maria Soto
Nirvana Navarro | 2015 Cohort
Senior Financial Analyst, UC San Diego, VC-Academic Affairs
After graduating from US San Diego with a B.A. in International Studies - International Business, Nirvana Navarro from the 2015 Cohort joined UC San Diego's Student Retention and Success business office and works closely with offices like the Academic Enrichment Programs, the Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program, Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services, and more. She currently works as a Senior Financial Analyst for the Resource Management Team for Academic Affairs. She is passionate about giving back to programs like CASP whose mission is to help underrepresented students succeed in higher education.
Connect with Nirvana Navarro on LinkedIn
Photo by Erika Johnson / UC San Diego Communications
Nashaya "Shay" Ross | 2014 Cohort
Assistant Counselor, Earl Warren College
After graduating from US San Diego with a B.S. in Psychology - Clinical Psychology, Nashaya "Shay" Ross from the CASP 2014 Cohort joined Earl Warren College's Academic Advising office as an Assistant Counselor. Shay was a Muir Orientation Intern for two years and prior to that an Orientation Leader and Senior Orientation Leader for Muir College.
Photo by Nashaya Ross
Julie Nguyen | 2014 Cohort
Academic Advisor, Eleanor Roosevelt College
After graduating from UC San Diego with a double major B.A. in Communications and B.A. in International Studies - International Business, Julie Nguyen from the CASP 2014 Cohort joined Eleanor Roosevelt College's Academic Advising office as an Assistant Academic Counselor.
As an undergrad, Julie worked as an ERC Freshman Orientation Leader, Transfer Orientation Leader, and Senior Orientation Leader. Julie also worked as a CASP Office Coordinator and CASP Peer Leader. Additionally, Julie was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega, a Panhellenic sorority at UC San Diego.
Photo by Julie Nguyen
Jacqueline Le | 2013 Cohort
Facilities and Fiscal Assistant, Jacobs School of Engineering Dean's Office
After graduating from UC San Diego with a major in Public Health and a minor in Psychology, Jacqueline Le from the CASP 2013 Cohort (our first student cohort!) joined the Jacobs School of Engineering Dean's Office as a Facilities and Fiscal Assistant.
As an undergrad, Jacqueline was involved with the Health Frontiers in Tijuana Clinic, International House, the UC San Diego Scholars Society, and the Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program
Photo by UC San Diego Jacobs School
Our CASP students
The program serves students from Gompers Preparatory Academy, Lincoln High School, The Preuss School UCSD, Hoover High School, Morse High School, and E3 Civic High School, as well as eligible community college transfer students from San Diego City College, Southwestern College, and Imperial Valley College.
Since the program’s founding, it has been expanded to include more high-achieving students with financial needs, including students from several community-based organizations that help underserved populations, as well as California students enrolled in federally recognized tribes.
Graduating Students and Alumni Registration
CASP Tritons Connect
