Give to the Dorothy Nieto Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The Dorothy Nieto Memorial Scholarship was established by Gabby Nieto in memory of his wife. Always wearing a smile, she brightened every room she entered and was quick to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. She saw the best in everyone and loved to guide others to their full potential. Passionate about her career in business telecommunications, she helped pave the way for future women to find success in the industry. This scholarship assists full-time Seminole State College of Florida students seeking a bachelor's degree in business and information management or nursing. Students must possess a GPA of 2.8 or higher and meet financial aid requirements.

Success Stories

Through the amazing support of our donors, we have been able to double the number of student awards every year since we began awarding this scholarship three years ago. So far, 10 students have received financial scholarships to help them succeed in reaching their educational goals. 

Alicia Soltani

Entering the first semester of Seminole State's concurrent nursing program, Alicia had just returned from Greece where she worked alongside the Red Cross at a Syrian refugee camp. The life-changing experience solidified her decision to become a nurse and pursue a career in helping others.  Alicia was the first student to receive a Dorothy Nieto Memorial Endowed Scholarship and graduated in 2019 with an Associate in Science in Nursing (RN). 

"I am so thankful that my path has led me here, and I truly appreciate all the help Seminole State and this scholarship have provided me!" 

Jaden Jacobs

Jaden, is a first-generation student seeking a Bachelor of Science in Business and Information Management. Growing up, she witnessed the countless hours her mother worked to provide living essentials for Jaden and her sister. During her first two years at Seminole State, Jaden developed a passion for social media and marketing. She began working with two small businesses to help build their audience base. At Seminole State, she has maintained a high GPA, learned time management and leadership skills, measuring her success not in the future money she may make, but the happiness in doing something she loves and the ability to help others succeed.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. During these times of uncertainty, this scholarship has brought some light into my life as I continue to work hard to complete my degree."   

Cynthia Purdy

Having recently completed her associate degree, Cynthia Purdy is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in business and information management. She always dreamed of earning her degree, but life and children changed her plans.  When her daughter started attending Seminole State, she encouraged Purdy to at least get her associate degree. She regained her passion for learning and is gaining new skills that are helping her move beyond her current role as a dining hall supervisor at Rollins College. Maintaining a 3.7 GPA while working full-time, Purdy is proud to say that being on the Deans' List and President's List has boosted her morale, and has encouraged her to work harder and keep accomplishing great feats.

"I would like to thank the donors of the Dorothy Nieto Memorial Endowed Scholarship for offering this scholarship to me. I believe that anyone, no matter what age, should take advantage of the opportunity to continue their education. I put my education on hold for several years and then one day realized what I was missing. As an older adult, with daily living expenses, it is not easy to add the expense of going to college. I appreciate the opportunity that this scholarship has allowed me to help with my college finances. I hope to continue on being what I can truly be." 

Emily Lucero

Emily’s main source of stress began during COVID-19, when she was working and attending school simultaneously. Receiving this scholarship has allowed her to focus on her studies while financially supporting her son as a mother. She eventually achieved her goal of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, fulfilling her longtime dream of helping people. She is proud to be a student and graduate of Seminole State College.

“To the sponsor of Dorothy Nieto Memorial Endowed Scholarship, I want to personally thank you for awarding me this scholarship. Wow, I am so grateful for your generosity! This scholarship will help me reach my college educational goals sooner than later. May you be blessed with good tidings! May you remain healthy and happy and prosperous! Thank you so much! Best regards.”

Laura Vu

Laura pursued a bachelor’s degree in health sciences with a focus in health administration. As the first in her family to attend college, she considers this one of her proudest achievements. She is grateful to Seminole State College for providing abundant resources and opportunities that support students in furthering their education. With the help of scholarships, strong support, and her own determination, Laura is committed to making her mark on the world. 

Kasey Armiger

Kasey is a certified occupational therapy assistant currently working PRN in home health care, serving patients of various ages and diagnoses to help them regain independence and improve their quality of life after major health events. Paying out of pocket for schools — something she managed last semester — has become increasingly difficult, and she is seeking financial assistance to help cover the costs. Her educational goals are ambitious and meaningful: she aims to complete her bachelor’s degree, pursue opportunities to teach occupational therapy, and eventually open her own clinic. Beyond her professional aspirations, she hopes to set a powerful example for her children, showing them that even in the face of doubt, fear and hardship, it is possible to rise.

Leonela Rivera

Having pursued a Bachelor of Health Science with the goal of becoming a physician assistant, Leonela is driven by her passion for helping others.  She hopes to advocate for patients, listen to their concerns, and provide effective care in a safe, supportive environment. As a first-generation student, she is motivated to achieve her dreams while balancing full-time studies and full-time work as a certified medical assistant. 

Katie Griffin

Katie majored in Business with a specialization in human resources and was excited to graduate from Seminole State College. She committed to earning her four-year degree to become the first in her family to graduate with a bachelor’s. She values the opportunity to attend college and hopes to secure an HR internship and eventually start her career as an HR Generalist or HR Assistant.

Jocelyn Calderon

Jocelyn Calderon chose to attend Seminole State College to advance her education and build a successful career. Growing up around medical environments, she was fascinated by the work of nurses and doctors, which inspired her desire to contribute to the medical field. As she entered college, she developed a strong interest in the business side of healthcare, leading her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and administration. Her long-term goal is to manage a department or healthcare facility and help ensure smooth, effective operations within the healthcare system.

Karol Pineda

In the summer of 2021, Karol made the life-changing decision to move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Central Florida in hopes of creating better opportunities for her children. She chose Seminole State College as the next step in her educational journey and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business and Information Management. Karol’s goal is to build a career that offers meaningful opportunities, long-term stability, and a higher quality of life for herself and family.

Additional Information

Thank you to the following supporters of this scholarship:

• Dan Caligiuri
• Tom Fletcher
• Brad Freathy
• Sadie Molinet
• Alina San Pedro