University of Portland

In its inaugural year partnering with University of Portland, AFF recognizes the importance of shared investment and empowering students through the Leaders for Tomorrow National Scholarship program.  

University of Portland, rooted in Catholic, Holy Cross tradition and a belief in education as a transformational experience, is dedicated to elevating each student to reach their highest potential. Initiatives like our First-Generation (FGEN) student programs, which offer support and resources to the over 30% of UP students who identify as first-generation college students, showcase the university’s commitment to student success. With dedicated staff and faculty committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by first-generation students, University of Portland’s FGEN programs provide the necessary resources to help students navigate higher education and thrive as a member of the Pilot community. Two such students, Victoria Jimenez-Dick and Bryan Milan Santillan, have been recognized this year as the inaugural University of Portland recipients of AFF’s Leaders for Tomorrow Scholarships, and their stories offer a glimpse into the powerful work being done at University of Portland to help first-generation students shine.  

Bryan Milan Santillan ’29 is pursuing a degree in Business Administration. A member of UP’s intramural soccer and basketball teams, Bryan also runs a clothing business and a barber business in his spare time. His goal is to grow the two and combine them, creating a “one-stop shop.” As a student at UP, he’s utilizing tools and connections from campus mentors to take his dreams of entrepreneurship to the next level. “I hope to create connections with the business community,” he says, which he’s accomplishing with the help of his UP professors. “I really love the teaching styles of my professors,” he says. “It’s very hands-on.” 

Victoria Jimenez-Dick ’29 is pursuing a dual degree in Criminology & Psychology at University of Portland. As a freshman, she’s already involved in student leadership, Art club, and is minoring in German, which she hopes to use to study abroad in Germany or Austria in the future. “The AFF scholarship is helping me pursue my goals by reinforcing that my goals are worth pursuing,” she says. “They've been a great resource to count on, especially when thinking about studying abroad, knowing that they fully support all their students to study abroad and wish them the best. This gives me the confidence and validation that I need to pursue my goals and to do them well.”  

After graduation, she intends to pursue a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation; in the meantime, however, she looks forward to spending the next four years getting deeply involved with UP’s many community organizations. 

“We are deeply grateful for the Annexstad Family Foundation’s support of Victoria and Bryan,” said UP President Robert D. Kelly. “By investing in these two exceptional students, the Foundation is helping to elevate their academic, personal, and professional growth. This support is truly transformational and, on behalf of the entire UP community, I thank the Annexstad Family Foundation for its vision, leadership, and generosity.”