FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, New York | June 29, 2023
The 1931 Foundation is thrilled to announce the inaugural recipient of the Joseph Matos Scholarship. The scholarship, which awards $500 to the recipient, was endowed by Brother Joseph Matos, a committed donor and esteemed re-founding member of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. This scholarship aims to foster excellence in STEM studies and empower Phi Iota Alpha brothers pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in STEM-related fields.
Amidst a highly competitive applicant pool, the Scholarship Sub-Committee, composed of members of The 1931 Foundation, conducted a rigorous screening process to select a recipient who embodies the principles and aspirations of Phi Iota Alpha. Today, we proudly congratulate Bro. Juan Trujillo, a remarkable individual and founder of the Beta Psi Chapter at the University of Oklahoma, who is currently in his third year pursuing a major in Industrial and Systems Engineering as the inaugural recipient of the Joseph Matos Scholarship
Juan Trujillo’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and perseverance, showcasing the true essence of Phi Iota Alpha’s values. In his own words, “Upon starting my college journey at the University of Oklahoma, I reached out to Phi Iota Alpha’s national organization with the intent to establish a chapter on our campus. I envisioned the significant impact Phiota could have on our student body, the community, and my personal development. Now, as I find myself in the last lap of my degree, it’s a profound moment of realization that Phiota has reciprocated that impact by helping fund the final year of my education, supporting my quest to become the first engineer in my family.”
As a low-income first-generation immigrant, Juan has faced unique challenges throughout his college journey, making the financial assistance provided by the Joseph Matos Scholarship vital in funding his studies. Juan plans to attend the 2023 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) National Convention, leveraging this opportunity to secure a full-time engineering offer and explore post-graduation opportunities within the STEM field.
The Fraternity has continuously supported and inspired Juan throughout his collegiate journey, and being named the inaugural recipient of the Joseph Matos Scholarship is an incredible honor for him. He further expressed, “I’ve always admired Bro. Joseph Matos for his unwavering commitment to his community and passion for giving back. It is these values that I aim to continue to embody once I step into my professional life, transforming my gratitude into tangible actions that uplift others, just as this scholarship has inspired me.”
A virtual presentation of the Joseph Matos Scholarship, held on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023, witnessed the presence of esteemed senior leadership from both Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and The 1931 Foundation. Brother Matos himself graced the occasion, lending his support and encouragement to the scholarship program.
The 1931 Foundation and Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. congratulates the remarkable achievements of Bro. Juan Trujillo and extend their heartfelt gratitude to Bro. Joseph Matos for his unwavering dedication to promoting STEM education and supporting the fraternity’s mission.
