Los Angeles, CA – To celebrate their six-month wedding anniversary, Adolfo and Amber Escobedo will receive his and hers bachelor’s degrees at Cal State L.A.’s Commencement ceremony Saturday, June 13.

Adolfo’s degree will be in mathematics, while Amber’s will be in liberal studies. In the Class of 2009, the Eagle Rock couple was already rather special. Each entered the University as a President’s Scholar, a distinction given to a select group of roughly eight incoming freshmen who, based on exemplary high school academic performance; each year receive $5,000 annual scholarships renewable for up to four years while they attend Cal State L.A.

It will be somewhat déjà vu when the Escobedos walk down the aisle together at the University Athletic Stadium. But, this time, they will be marching up to the graduation platforms and dressed in formal academic regalia.

Amber Stevens first met Aldolfo when she was a freshman at a President’ Scholars reception. Despite friends and CSULA staff trying to match them up, the friendship and courtship didn’t begin until they got reacquainted at the University’s 2006 Alumni Awards Gala. They tied the knot this past December. 

Both have a passion to help others. Adolfo coordinated community service projects with Lion’s Club, Tour de Sewer and Five Acres as this year’s president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Amber, a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and wrote letters to female soldiers serving in Iraq. Separately, each volunteered with the Habitat for Humanity, helping to build homes in Glendale and Thousand Oaks.

After graduation, Amber plans pursue a master’s degree in education administration/leadership and a teaching credential in order to become a school principal. Adolfo will be completing an accounting certificate and applying for law or graduate school to pursue his goal of becoming a legal accountant. They are also looking to buy a home.

The following Cal State L.A. students will also graduate with the distinction as President’s Scholars on Friday and Saturday, June 12-13:

Adriana Ayuso of Los Angeles will receive her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. After graduation, she hopes to be employed by a city electrical utility company, working in the power division. She also plans to apply for a master’s degree in electrical engineering.

Jennifer Conover of Irvine will receive her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She aspires to work at either the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center or Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles as a registered nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit. She also hopes to pursue a master’s degree in nursing, with a goal of practicing as either a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

Emily Gooding of Los Angeles will receive her bachelor’s degree in nutritional science. With interest in clinical dietetics, she is preparing this summer to take the registered dietetics exam. She also hopes to travel to Central and South America.

Edgar Green II of Tujunga will receive his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Currently interning at Northrop Grumman Corporation, he hopes to continue to work in an aerospace company after graduation.

Sarah Green of San Dimas will receive her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. After graduation, she plans to work in the Pasadena Police department as a patrol officer or a detective. She also hopes to apply to grad school.

Valerie Magbitang of Northridge will receive her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She plans to travel to Philippines for a month. After she passes the National Council Licensure Exam, she would like to apply for graduate school and also work in a labor and delivery unit.

Jonathan Pahed of Eagle Rock will receive his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He will continue his studies at Cal State L.A., pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. In the future, he hopes to work in an engineering company related to the aerospace industry.

Joel Secor of Newhall, a three-year graduate, will receive his bachelor’s degree in management. He will be getting married and moving to Jackson, Wyoming, after graduation. He has applied for a law enforcement job in the Jackson Police Department. He will also be helping to start up a church with some friends in the town of Jackson.

Manuel Eduardo Segura of Ontario will receive his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science. He plans to begin a Ph.D. program in mathematics in fall 2009. During the summer, he plans to help facilitate math workshops for the MESA Engineering Program as a volunteer.