About the SFSU Presidential Scholars Program

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 

mreisweber@sfsu.edu 

 

Home Office: 

Dean of Students Office 

dos@sfsu.edu | dos.sfsu.edu | 415-338-2032