CDU Employee and Student Zsaniece Young ’27 Earns $2,000 Ivy Centennial Foundation Scholarship
Zsaniece Young ’27, a CDU Campus Safety officer and Radiologic Technology student always thought scholarships were something other people received.
She never gave serious consideration to applying for one herself.
“This isn’t my first college experience, and anytime you go to college, they always encourage you to apply for scholarships,” Young said. “But I always had the mindset that I wasn’t going to win, so I never paid attention to them.”
Her mindset changed when Angela Minniefield, Executive Vice President of Advancement and Operations and Chief Operating Officer, encouraged Young to apply for The Ivy Centennial Foundation, Incorporated (ICF) Pathways to Success Scholarship. Young took a chance, and it led to her receiving the $2,000 award to support her education.
“I did it because Ms. Minniefield wanted me to,” Young said. “Had she not nudged me, I wouldn’t have done it. It meant a lot to me that she recommended I apply.”
Young was one of just four recipients selected for the scholarship. The Ivy Centennial Foundation was established by the Mu Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in Culver City/West Los Angeles and provides scholarships and educational support to students and promotes educational achievement, health and wellness, and community outreach throughout Southern California and beyond.
“My greatest moment as a leader and manager is to pour into those who work with me by supporting their personal and professional growth,” said Minniefield. “Zsaniece is doing something extraordinary—working full-time and going to school full-time. I wanted others to witness her dedication, and I wanted her to be recognized for her perseverance and hard work.”
For Young, Minniefield’s encouragement reflected the sense of support she has experienced since joining CDU as a Campus Safety officer in 2020.
“This is the first place I’ve worked where I feel like I belong,” Young said. “I feel like we get treated very equally here and everyone has been supportive. Anything I needed, wanted or had questions about, Ms. Minniefield was always there.”
Since receiving the scholarship, Young has applied for another scholarship opportunity shared with CDU students.
“I don’t know if I’m going to win, but because she nudged me to apply for the first one, I went ahead and applied for another one,” said Young.