The Kimberly Perkins Endowed Award for Dedication to Academic Excellence honors the life and extraordinary courage of a remarkable young woman
Kimberly was a loving daughter, sister, niece, and proud Titan. Refusing to allow a cancer diagnosis to keep her from achieving her dream of becoming a teacher, Kimberly scheduled treatments around classes and completed coursework from her hospital bed. She passed away in 2003 with only a semester left to complete her degree. The determination and positivity Kimberly demonstrated throughout her battle with cancer continues to inspire the friends she made and faculty she encountered during her time at Cal State Fullerton. Learn more about Kimberly here or read a moving speech on her journey.
The Kimberly Perkins Award provides funds to CSUF students who exemplify Kimberly’s academic excellence and perseverance. It is made possible by the generosity of the Perkins family as well as friends who have donated to honor Kimberly’s memory.
To make a donation, please contact Liz Eastin, College of Health and Human Development Director of Development, at (657) 278-5466 or eeastin@fullerton.edu. You can also donate online here.
Application Information
Amount: $2,000 (subject to funding)
Established by: This award is funded by the parents of Kimberly Perkins to honor her memory and recognize students for their continued commitment to personal and professional development in challenging circumstances.
Open to: This award is open to current Child and Adolescent Development majors.
Criteria: Nomination
Application Procedure: 1) Confirm nominator (may be self or other-nominated); 2) Complete the application packet available in mid-spring from the Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, EC-503, (657) 278-8458.
Application Deadline: Early March – check department office for deadline
Past Recipients
2021
Danielle Boretz
2020
Diamond Byrd
2019
Stephanie Ingalls
2018
Tsz King Yiu
2017
Holly Poole
2016
Cynthia Zambrano
2015
Vanesa Serna
2014
Carrie Pierson
2013
Erin Hart
2012
Jaren Koelzer
2011
Ashanty Cruz
2010
Melissa Rivera
2009
Jennifer Myers
2008
Sedef Odemis
2007
Jia Xu
Shannon Rossall
2006
Sarah K. Prestidge
2005
Belinda Hall
2004
Tania N. Savoy
2003
Tracey Hughes
"I was so honored to receive the Kimberly Perkins Award. It was so lovely being able to meet Kimberly’s parents and learn more about her life. Receiving the award gave me a giant boost of confidence, and made me realize my disability cannot hold me back from anything I set my mind to. The money I obtained along with the award also had a huge impact on my life as I am using it to help me further my education. As well in the next year, or year in half, I am planning on completing a course that will help me prepare for the CBEST and the CSET." - Stephanie Ingalls
