MSP Calnan Family Dreamers Scholarship

2024-2025 Academic Year Award*

Adina and Ray Calnan met in their final semesters at California State University Northridge, and married a few years later. Adina has since gone on to become controller of a private company in the San Fernando Valley and has obtained her Master’s Degree in Accountancy at CSUN. While at CSUN, Ray changed paths to begin a career in real estate. He owns and operates Charity Alliance Realty, a boutique real estate company. Ray continued his education with an MBA and a PhD. In 2005, Ray had the opportunity to give back to CSUN as a part-time lecturer and, as of 2015, has become a full-time faculty member.

The desire to give back to the community and CSUN, specifically, stems from Adina and Ray’s backgrounds and beginnings as struggling students. As a teenager, Adina immigrated with her family to the United States. They were fortunate to have moral support from friends and non-profit organizations along the way, but struggled financially during first few years in the US. While working, Adina completed her high school degree and moved on towards a dual Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance at CSUN. Ray’s parents were also immigrants to the US and faced challenges along the way. Ray faced financial hurdles while he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Finance at CSUN, and had to work fulltime to support himself while in school. Both, Adina and Ray, know the challenges of obtaining an education while working and helping their families. They understand the benefits that CSUN has provided them and want to make sure others have the same opportunity to grow and succeed. They have created this scholarship in honor of those who haven’t had an opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have a completed CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) on file for the award year being applied for.
• Must be a matriculated continuing CSUN undergraduate student with an approved California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request (AB 540 Affidavit) on file with the University.
• Must have a demonstrated Financial Need as determined by the CADAA.
• Must have completed at least one personal finance course at the University or have declared a course of study in the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics.
• Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• Must demonstrate exceptional leadership and community service.
• Must submit at least two letters or recommendation, one from a faculty member and the other one from a community service organization stating that the student has participated/volunteered in their organization.

Please note:
If you are receiving Financial Aid (including loans), your financial aid award(s) may be adjusted if you receive a scholarship amount that exceeds your financial aid total limit. Speak to a financial aid counselor during walk-in hours to get a detailed overview about your individual situation.