Description: Given to a continuing Latin@ undergraduate student and a
continuing Latin@ graduate student, with preference to students of Dominican
descent, in good academic standing and who has excelled in
service to and leadership of the Latin@ community in the amount of
$1,000 each. International students are welcome to apply.
Scholarship will first be applied toward tuition costs; otherwise, it will be
given directly to the student as an award.
Mr. Juan Bautista Rodríguez was born on Valentine’s Day in Maizal,
Santiago, in the Dominican Republic. From a young age, Juan knew he
wanted to be an engineer. However, his father owned a large farm, and
put him to work there, and he only achieved a third grade education
level. When he became old enough, he got a job as the apprentice to a
master engineer in the field of construction. This enabled him to work in
constructing bridges, houses, offices, etc., all the while reading as many
books as he could to educate himself.
Juan married Diana Vargas. With seven children, the prospect of a better life was difficult; they decided that they
would do everything possible so that their children would get an education. Juan decided to emigrate to New
York; working hard, he saved enough money to bring his family. Juan taught his children a strong work ethic and
emphasized that one could lose one’s money but not one’s education. His pride and joy is that all seven children
went to college and became professionals.
It is to honor Juan’s love of learning that this scholarship is established, so that even in spirit Juan can help
someone achieve the dream of a college education.
To apply for an award, a student must submit the application sheet with a typed 1-2 page personal
statement that demonstrates service to and leadership within the Latin@ community, any volunteer
work, and accomplishments, as well as future goals no later than Monday, May 7, 2012 by 3 pm.
Please submit via email to the Department of Puerto Rican and Latino Studies (PRLS)—Ms.
Matilda Nistal at: MNistal@brooklyn.cuny.edu. The recipient must be able to attend the 32st Annual
Department of PRLS and Familia Latina Awards/Commencement Celebration on June 2, 2011 at
12:00 pm in the Student Center. For further information, please call 718.951.5561. *Application
forms available at the PRLS Dept. office, 1205 B.
