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.
The Kimberly Perkins Award provides funds to CSUF students who exemplify Kimberly’s academic excellence and perseverance to achieve her teaching degree. It is made possible by the generosity of the Perkins family as well as friends who have donated to honor Kimberly’s memory. Since 2003, scholarships have been awarded to 18 deserving students in the Child and Adolescent Studies Department all of whom faced and overcame challenging circumstances in pursuit of their degrees.
For the Titan Day of Giving, Kimberly’s parents Rick and Nanci Perkins are offering a $1,000 match gift.
"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-and-a-half, I am planning on completing a course that will help me prepare for the CBEST and the CSET." - Stephanie Ingalls
