Providing scholarship grants to Children of
California Department of Fish & Wildlife Employees.
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Providing scholarship grants to Children of
California Department of Fish & Wildlife Employees.
Hannah Stone – University of Nevada, Reno
Hannah Stone is a sophomore at the University of Nevada, Reno. Initially a pre-nursing major, she now has her eye on UNR’s biology program. “I always wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse and work in a hospital setting,” Hannah says. “If I get a bachelor’s degree in biology at UNR first, I can get a nursing degree later through a community college. It would be good to have two degrees!”
A 2020 graduate of Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, Hannah says that UNR wasn’t her original first choice for college, but when she visited the campus in the wintertime, she fell in love with it. “It’s big enough and far enough away from home that I feel independent, but it’s also not too far!” And after doing much of her freshman year online, she’s relieved to be back doing her studies in person. “My anatomy class has 400 kids in an auditorium, and I love it!” she says.
Hannah’s father, Jerry Stone, is a CDFW wildlife officer in northern California. Hannah says she looks up to her dad and appreciates the value of the work he does. “He travels all over the state, from Oregon to Southern California. It’s a really cool job – kind of scary, but important because he’s enforcing laws and helping out the community.”
As a sophomore, Hannah lives in an apartment off-campus. She says the Fullerton Foundation Scholarship has been a huge help in covering rent and related expenses, as well as assisting her parents with tuition and other necessary items, like electronics.
“The Fullerton Foundation Scholarship enabled me to get an iPad and iPencil, which have been so helpful in lectures!” she says.
Alex Macintyre – University of Utah, Salt Lake City
A 2021 graduate of Jesuit High School in Sacramento, Alex grew up shadowing his mother Kirsten, who is CDFW’s communications manager. At age seven, he got his first taste of conservation management as he rode along on a bear cub release in the northern California wilderness. Over the years, he volunteered for many more CDFW projects and studies, culminating in an informal internship at the department’s Wildlife Investigations Lab at age 17.
“My mom gave me some of the best opportunities to learn and succeed that a kid could ever ask for,” he said. “I had a lot of mentors in CDFW growing up – wardens, biologists, communications specialists. Now that I’m in college, I realize just how lucky I was to be able to run around with a bunch of conservation professionals who didn’t mind hanging out with a little kid, answering a million questions.”
For Alex, college is an opportunity to explore different career paths while also nurturing his love of the outdoors. He chose the University of Utah because of its location and the many opportunities to ski, climb and mountain bike. He’s especially looking forward to introducing his dorm mates to fly fishing in central Utah. “I’m used to fishing on the Truckee River, so it’ll be interesting to fish in a completely different area and try to accomplish the same goals,” he says. “But it’s not really about catching a fish – it’s about having a good day with your friends.”
Alex says the Fullerton Foundation scholarship has helped him enormously. “It’s given me a large breath of relief, knowing that my family can afford this year of college,” he said. “I also have a sister in college, so I’m extremely grateful for the financial support. I know we all are!”
Taylor Dailey – Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff
Taylor Dailey is a freshman at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. The physical therapy major was actually inspired by her father, CDFW Lt. Bill Dailey, to follow her chosen career path.
“My dad has had many surgeries in his lifetime,” Taylor says. “I was able to go to one of his physical therapy sessions with him, and I was fascinated. My dad says that without physical therapy, he wouldn’t be able to do his job. I’d love to be able to help people like that.”
One of her father’s physical therapists was a graduate of NAU and highly recommended it to Taylor. The freshman was not disappointed. A 2021 graduate of Bishop Union High School, Taylor found NAU to be a perfect fit for her. NAU offers a “three and two” program, where she can earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just five years.
“It had the exact program I wanted, and it’s the perfect size for me, with about 30,000 students here,” she says. “Flagstaff is a lot bigger than Bishop, with more stores, which is nice. But the one thing I truly love the most is the scenery. There are mountains, trees, and hiking trails here – that part feels like home.”
Taylor said that she’s learned from her dad the importance of choosing a career that fits your personality and your passion. “The way he loves his job inspires me,” she says. “That’s what I want when I’m older.”
The Fullerton Foundation scholarship was a huge help to this out-of-state student. “College isn’t cheap, and this scholarship helped me afford a whole semester of classes,” she says. “It’s leading me in the direction of the exact career I wanted, and I’m really grateful!”