Scholarship applications are sent to first-year and returning students every summer. Our chapter board reviews all applications and selects the finalists. The chapter submits the names to Penn State University for verification of eligibility. The award is applied to the student’s PSU account, one-half for each semester of the current school year.

Meet the 2025-2026 Winners!

Congratulations to the best and brightest in the OC and IE. Each student was awarded a $2,600 scholarship made possible by the generosity of our alumni and friends.

Ellie Chiou from Irvine is a first-year Food Science major with a minor in Chemistry. In high school, she spent much of her time focusing on mental health, suicide awareness, and empowering women programs.

“In my food science class, we made mayo and ice cream, and I got to make cheese in my dorm for a homework assignment! I’ve loved being able to explore my major and get involved with the Food Science Club. I am a Palmer Student Ambassador for the Palmer Museum of Art and belong to the Penn State Filipino Association and Camp Kesem. I’ve met some amazing people and participated in a variety of opportunities.”

Brennan Denes is a first-year Business and Personal/Financial Services Marketing Operations major from Anaheim. At Canyon High, he was a valuable member of the Varsity Boys Lacrosse team. He had the highest GPA of all the applicants. Brennan engages in community service, but especially with Operation Gratitude, supporting the military and veterans. AP Scholar Brennan took several college courses during high school.

First-generation college student Adilene Masopust from Wildomar attended our 2025 Student Sendoff with her family. She is a graduate student with a 4.0 GPA and a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. When she is not studying or working, she spends time volunteering. Cake decorating is a special talent she shares with her dad.

“The past couple of months at Penn State have been incredible! I’m pursuing my master’s degree in forensic science on the chemistry track, gaining firsthand experience through mock science exercises, and have recently begun my research.”

Nicholas Schell from Irvine is a senior majoring in both Finance and Accounting. He’s lived in Peru, speaks Spanish, and is a volunteer income tax preparer. He sees a future as CEO at a global investment bank.

“In my final year at Penn State, I am going to all the football games and tailgates. I also started part-time work in the Accounting Major office within the Smeal College of Business.

My favorite experience this year was the banana bar crawl. I feel like the best part of being at Penn State is being able to take part in these huge communal events. I am so happy to have chosen to be at a big school with so much pride. Penn State is an awesome place to go to school.”

Third-generation Penn Stater Sawyer Wolfe is a first-year student who has attended many chapter events since he was a toddler. Sawyer was a standout football player at Tesoro, Titan of the Year, class valedictorian, and excels at chess. He started the summer session at PSU, is pledging XΦ fraternity, and just completed a 5K run for THON. After almost 6 months away from RSM, he wants to come home in December to ski, surf, and get some sun!