Investing in Tomorrow's leaders

Giselle Alonso, ‘28

Hometown: Hawthorne, CA
High School: Da Vinci Science High School

Giselle Alonso is a dedicated leader who is always trying to lend a helping hand. Inspired by her parents' values of hard work and persistence, she has spent years volunteering at an elementary school, tutoring in math and helping students overcome language barriers. She seeks to empower others to lead and inspire. Her love for STEM blossomed during her sophomore year at Da Vinci Science when she joined a robotics team, building a robot through engineering. By her junior year, she became the hardware lead, directing a team of 100 students in the robot's production.

Eager to share these experiences, Giselle led volunteer events at elementary and middle schools, hosted summer camps, and introduced students to the engineering process to spark their interest in STEM. At Redlands, she plans to continue her engineering journey while inspiring younger students through tutoring and mentorship.

At Redlands, Giselle plans to continue her engineering journey while inspiring younger students through tutoring and mentorship. Giselle believes every day is an opportunity to learn and share knowledge, and she is committed to creating opportunities for others to discover their potential in STEM and beyond.

Aya Celine Angeles, ‘28

Hometown: Ontario, CA
High School: Walnut High School

Aya Celine Angeles is a passionate and empathetic individual committed to learning, self-improvement, and community service. As team captain at Discovery Cube Orange County, she managed volunteer assignments, led activities, and inspired young minds through interactive science exhibits. Aya raised awareness about global humanitarian issues and supported local communities by organizing food drives, distributing meals, and volunteering at health fairs through her school’s UNICEF club and Isaiah’s Rock Fellowship.

As President of DreamCatchers, Aya coordinated events at senior centers, fostering intergenerational connections through music and handmade gifts. Her love for performing arts shines through her involvement in chamber choir, theater, and dance, earning her a spot in the California All-State Honor Choir. Aya also excelled as a starter on her school’s varsity tennis team.

At Redlands, Aya plans to double major in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Music, aspiring to become a speech pathologist. She hopes to study abroad, embrace diverse cultures, and merge her passions for speech and music to promote neurodiversity and inclusivity. Aya aims to empower others to express themselves authentically and bridge communication through the artistry of music.

Hiro Boyás Homma, ‘28

Hometown: Cuernavaca, Mexico
High School: Colegio Suiza de Mexico

Hiro Boyas is driven by a passion for community service and innovative solutions to help others. In his senior year, he conducted research on the biomechanics of ballet dancers, specifically addressing the issue of sickling through the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors. His work reached over 20 dance schools and companies across the state of Morelos, offering a promising alternative to enhance the performance and safety of both amateur and professional dancers in Mexico. During high school, Hiro also became a certified paramedic, gaining firsthand experience in healthcare by having the opportunity to serve his community through local paramedic services and hospitals.

At the University of Redlands, Hiro is eager to integrate his passion for community service with his pursuit of an engineering degree, and hopes to contribute with his background in kinesiology and healthcare to research focused on improving athletic performance and well-being.

Eduardo Corona, ‘28

Hometown: Moreno Valley, CA
High School: Canyon Springs High School

Eduardo Corona is a passionate advocate for education reform and a dedicated leader in his community. As the first-ever student board member on his district’s Board of Education, he championed education equity and served on the state superintendent’s youth advisory council. Eduardo continues his advocacy as a board member of the Moreno Valley Education Foundation and as a research fellow with the Institute for Youth in Policy, where he has published papers on education reform and critical pedagogy.

Beyond his advocacy, Eduardo has participated in prestigious choral ensembles, singing with the California State Honor Choir, performing at the Kennedy Center for Memorial Day celebrations, and joining the National Honor Choir in Hawaii. These experiences have shaped him into a skilled and open-minded leader within his diverse community.

At the University of Redlands, Eduardo is part of the Johnston program, where he plans to study Education Development and Social Transformation to prepare for a career as a state legislator. He also aims to earn a teaching credential in high school history and a master’s in teaching and learning to inspire the next generation of changemakers in his community. Eduardo is involved in Outdoor Programs, Chapel Singers Choir, and Jazz Choir.

Liam Gore, ‘28

Hometown: Glendora, CA
High School: Damien High School

Liam Gore is a driven individual guided by the motto "Nil Satis Nisi Optimum," meaning "Nothing but the best is good enough." His experiences in competitive sports have shaped his character, teaching discipline, resilience, and the value of giving his all. Rigorous training and the thrill of competition have pushed Liam to constantly strive for improvement, both as an athlete and as a person. He has learned that success is not merely measured by the scoreboard but also by the effort, resilience, and character displayed along the way.

This pursuit of excellence extends into Liam’s academics and community involvement. Whether in the classroom or in service to his community, Liam is dedicated to applying his skills and knowledge to uplift those around him. His involvement in multiple leadership roles has provided him with impactful opportunities to inspire and mentor others, thus reinforcing his belief in the power of collaboration and teamwork.

At the University of Redlands, Liam is honored to be a Hunsaker Scholar, committed to personal growth and fostering an environment where others can thrive. He values leadership as a way to serve and empower others, striving to be a change-maker in both his academic and athletic pursuits.

Derek Hagewen, ‘28

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
High School: College of Southern Nevada High School

Derek Hagewen is a passionate learner with interests spanning political science, public policy, sociology, philosophy, and human-animal studies. Homeschooled by his two moms until junior year, Derek's unique academic background fostered a love for exploring societal issues beyond traditional grade-focused learning.

He has been published in The Nevada Independent and presented research on employment solutions for individuals with disabilities at the Pacific Sociological Association annual meeting, a project he plans to continue at Redlands. An advocate for animal rights, social justice, and civic engagement, Derek proudly identifies as a vegan and embraces his Peruvian and U.S. heritage.

Derek has interned with Civic Influencers and Vote Nevada and serves as an ambassador for Project Dot, a nonprofit providing feminine hygiene kits to students. His love for sports includes playing flag football and soccer, as well as organizing and coaching teams. He also mentors younger kids, using sports as a way to act as a role model and positive influence.

At Redlands, Derek aims to combine his academic passions with his commitment to advocacy, civic engagement, and mentorship, striving to make a meaningful impact on his community.

Joseph Madigan, ‘28

Hometown: Arlington, VA
High School: Arlington Tech

Joseph Madigan is a dynamic leader and innovative thinker with a passion for building connections and fostering community. As an Eagle Scout, swimmer, water polo athlete, and camp leader, Joey has consistently demonstrated his problem-solving skills and ability to inspire those around him. At his summer camp, he was elected as one of two captains, leading 100 campers and creating an environment of excitement and camaraderie.

Diagnosed with ADHD in high school, Joey embraced journaling as a tool to better understand his learning style, improve his academic performance, and enhance his athletic pursuits. Currently, he is working with a startup, Bow Ball, to develop a reflective journal tailored for rowers.

Joey’s diverse high school experiences, including classes in environmental science, EMT, quantitative analysis, and drone technology, inspired him to explore the intersections of technology and community engagement. Attending the ESRI Federal User Conference in Washington, DC, solidified his interest in leveraging these skills to solve real-world problems.

At Redlands, Joey looks forward to continuing his journey as a creative and thoughtful leader, using his unique experiences to connect with others and drive meaningful change.

Alejandro Uribe, ‘28

Hometown: San Bernardino, CA
High School: San Bernardino High School

Alejandro Uribe, salutatorian of his high school class, is a passionate Public Policy major with a strong commitment to civic engagement and community service. A third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, Alejandro has trained since age five and now serves as an instructor for young students and teens. In high school, he led as president of the National Honor Society, fostering academic excellence and community involvement.

Alejandro’s passion for politics is evident through his service in the inaugural class of the San Bernardino Youth Council, where he represented the city’s youth in local government. Additionally, he worked as a juror for his school district’s Restorative Youth Court, helping develop restorative plans for his peers.

As a first-year student at Redlands, Alejandro has already begun interning for a State Senate political campaign and working as an AVID tutor at his middle school. These experiences reflect his dedication to uplifting others and driving change.

After graduation, Alejandro plans to attend law school and pursue a career in politics, aspiring to make a lasting impact through public service and advocacy.