BHCC Student Wins National Recognition as 2013 New Century Scholar
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Ratnasari Lusiaga, a student at Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), has been selected as one of the nation’s Coca-Cola New Century Scholars, based on her outstanding grades, leadership and activities.
Lusiaga will receive a $2,000 scholarship and a plaque, which will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Community Colleges in San Francisco in April. Lusiaga graduates from BHCC this year with an associate degree and a World Studies Certificate. Next year, she will continue her education at BHCC to earn an associate of science degree in hotel/restaurant, meeting and event planning.
“Ratnasari Lusiaga is a tireless advocate for student involvement and success. Having been away from college for 30 years, and having overcome significant challenges to attain her education, Ratna has discovered how people can reinvent themselves through education,” said Paul Moda, BHCC Coordinator of Student Activities. “She sees the potential within every person, which has made her an inspiration to students throughout the College.” Only one student from each state is selected as a New Century Scholar. Lusiaga is the fifth BHCC student since 2005 to win the yearly honor. BHCC students were named New Century scholars in 2011, 2010, 2006 and 2005.
New Century Scholars are selected on the basis of scores earned in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition. Winners receive a total of $100,000 in scholarships. The New Century Scholars program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and the Coca-Cola Foundation and administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
The New Century Scholars program and All-USA Community College Academic Team, which is sponsored by Follett Higher Education Group and presented by USA TODAY and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, share a common application and together recognize outstanding community college students. More than 1,800 students were nominated for recognition from more than 800 community colleges.
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About Bunker Hill Community College
Celebrating 50 years of excellence, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is Massachusetts' largest community college, annually welcoming a diverse community of around 16,000 students. With campuses in Charlestown and Chelsea, BHCC extends its reach across several locations in Greater Boston. BHCC is celebrated for its diversity, boasting a student body where 65% identify as people of color and more than half are women. The College also embraces a global perspective, with over 600 international students representing 90 countries and conversing in more than 65 languages. Our commitment to diversity is further reflected in BHCC's designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI).