San Francisco State University provides an outstanding mix of access and excellence for the students it enrolls. SFSU strives to create pathways of opportunity for students from California, the nation and the globe in order to make their educational and occupational dreams become a reality. The SFSU Presidential Scholars Program, with the support and oversight of the Division of Student Life, promotes exceptional learning and adheres to the highest standards of academic quality in the spirit of inclusive excellence. The Mirzakhani Scholars, as part of the Presidential Scholars Program, is a recent expansion of the PSP focusing on incoming first-year students studying STEM in the College of Science & Engineering at SFSU. This scholarship honors the legacy of Professor Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman and first Iranian to win the prestigious Fields Medal.
Each year, scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit to entering first-year students. Awarding criteria are based on academic performance and leadership contributions and service activities while in high school; continuation criteria are based on academic performance and participation in cohort-based activities. In addition to a four-year scholarship covering tuition/fees, housing and books, students participate in cohort-building co-curricular activities that are planned, implemented and coordinated by a faculty coordinator, with developmentally appropriate programs designed specifically for the cohort of students. Graduating scholars are also recognized at Commencement.
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Class of 2029 | First Year Scholars
Sofia Rajarathinam: Computer Science
Mirzakhani Scholar
College of Science & Engineering
Ashley Gomez Machado: Psychology
Mirzakhani Scholar
College of Science & Engineering
Alejandra Anaya: Biology
Mirzakhani Scholar
College of Science & Engineering
Zoe Freeman: Mechanical Engineering
Mirzakhani Scholar
College of Science & Engineering
Christian Galvez: Civil Engineering
Mirzakhani Scholar
College of Science & Engineering
Valerie Perez: Biology
Mirzakhani Scholar
College of Science & Engineering
Estefania Felix Castro: Biology
Mirzakhani Scholar
College of Science & Engineering
Amanda Lee: Business Accounting
Lam Family College of Business
Samantha Guzman Paredes: Sociology
College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Jaimie Perez Garcia: Asian American Studies
College of Ethnic Studies
Class of 2028 | Sophomore Scholars
Naseem Driadr: Biology
Mirzakhani Scholar
College of Science & Engineering
Tiffany Medrano Martinez: Race and Resistance
College of Ethnic Studies
Chey Tam: Communications
College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Class of 2027 | Junior Scholars
Ian Gaerlan: Applied Mathematics
College of Science & Engineering
Mohammed Ibrahim: Dietetics and Nutrition Science
College of Health and Social Sciences
Hosna Mohd Zaman: Psychology
Mirzakhani Scholar
College of Science & Engineering
Class of 2026 | Senior Scholars
Louis Que: Business Accounting
Lam Family College of Business
Brenda Rivera: Psychology
College of Science & Engineering
Denis Sakanovic: Computer Science
College of Science & Engineering
Miriam Uriostegui: Studio Art
College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Being accepted into the Presidential Scholarship Program is just the beginning! Once in the program, there are a number of unique Gator experiences, program requirements, projects, and more that will help your carve your academic journey and personal growth at SFSU.
All Presidential Scholars are held to the following academic excellence standards:
- Maintain 3.5 cumulative SF State GPA
- Engage in a Study Abroad experience for at least 1 semester (or up to two!)
- Live in on-campus housing for the duration of the four year San Francisco State University experience
- Maintain Cal Grant B eligibility
- Attend weekly PSP meetings, required PSP events, and receive one-on-one counseling with one of the Deans of Students
Mia Reisweber, Ph.D. serves as the Associate Dean of Students at San Francisco State University, where she oversees a comprehensive portfolio dedicated to supporting student well-being and success. With nearly 15 years of experience in student affairs and higher education, she is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus community.
In her role, Dr. Reisweber leads the Presidential Scholars Program, the most elite scholarship offered to SFSU students. She also oversees initiatives that address critical issues such as basic needs support, non-clinical case management and advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence. Her strategic approach emphasizes holistic student care, ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive academically and personally.
Prior to her work at SFSU, Dr. Reisweber served in both student affairs and faculty lecturer positions, and she directed and managed presidential scholarship programs in Missouri and Texas state university system campuses. This diverse background provides her with a rich understanding of the student experience and the importance of mentorship, leadership development and academic excellence.
Dr. Reisweber holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marist University; a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education from Bard College, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Higher Education Leadership from Saint Louis University. She is dedicated to continuous learning and improvement, both for herself and for the students she serves, and she continually seeks innovative solutions to enhance the overall student experience at San Francisco State University.
For any questions or request more information about the Presidential Scholars Program at SFSU, please contact Dr. Mia Reisweber by email at mreisweber@sfsu.edu or the Division of Student Life by email at dos@sfsu.edu.
Contact the Presidential Scholars Program
Dr. Mia Reisweber
Associate Dean of Students
Home Office:
Dean of Students Office
dos@sfsu.edu | dos.sfsu.edu | 415-338-2032