Myers-LeCroy Scholarship Recipients 2025

Image with headshots of the seven scholarship recipients

Oct. 21, 2025

DALLAS – Dallas College Foundation announced the selection of seven students as recipients of the coveted Myers-LeCroy Scholarship for 2025. This year's honorees were chosen from a competitive pool of applicants for their academic excellence, leadership and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.

The new recipients: Leandro Carmona, Valentina Guzman, Moussa Kapiamba, Romulo Rodrigo Morales Mendoza, Nirupoma Ayesha, Humayara Poonam and Eudys Segura began the Fall semester with their tuition covered. They join continuing student Graciela Diaz, who received the award last year.

Established in 1988, the Myers-LeCroy Endowed Scholarship was the first major student recognition and incentive scholarship program established by Dallas College Foundation. Mike A. Myers, who was a Foundation board member, created the program to recognize the leadership of the late Jan LeCroy, a former Dallas College chancellor.

“It has been my honor and privilege to have played a small part in influencing the personal and professional growth of so many intelligent, talented and exceptional young people for the last 35 years,” said Myers. “Getting to know them and continuing to correspond with so many of them for years after they leave Dallas College has been a fulfilling part of my life as their mentor.”

In addition to funding tuition and books for up to six consecutive semesters, the Myers-LeCroy Scholarship program provides enrichment activities and one-on-one mentoring with Myers and Dr. Nancy LeCroy. Recipients can also apply for a scholarship from the Mike A. Myers Foundation to further assist with the costs of continuing their education beyond the first two years.

2025 Myers-LeCroy Scholars

Leandro Carmona

As a full-time student and full-time retail manager, Leandro Carmona has maintained a 4.0 GPA. “I want to be a Myers-LeCroy Scholar because this program aligns deeply with my values of academic excellence, leadership and service to others,” said Carmona.

Carmona immigrated from Venezuela just a few years ago and began taking rigorous STEM courses. “I’m committed to using science to improve lives and underserved communities, especially Spanish-speaking and immigrant populations,” he said. Outside of work, Carmona has organized donation drives for families in Venezuela and serves as a role model to other immigrant and first-generation students.

Valentina Guzman

“I believe in the power of education not just to change my life, but to honor the sacrifices of those who came before me,” said Valentina Guzman, who has a 4.0 GPA and has demonstrated both academic and creative leadership.

Her goal is to attend medical school and become an emergency physician. “I’ve come to understand that health isn’t just about biology; it’s about justice, access and dignity,” she said.

Moussa Kapiamba

Because his home country is at war, Moussa Kapiamba said his future once felt uncertain. “Being here, in the United States, is not just an opportunity, it is a responsibility,” said Kapiamba. “I feel obligated to work twice as hard.”

With a 3.9 GPA, Kapiamba, is part of the Chevron Texas A&M Engineering Academy and is majoring in electrical engineering. “I believe this program stands for something powerful: it supports students who dream with purpose,” he said. Kapiamba leads by example, supporting and encouraging other students, especially those who had difficult beginnings.

Romulo Rodrigo Morales Mendoza

For Romulo Rodrigo Morales Mendoza, the Myers-LeCroy Scholarship represents a key to opening doors to research and networking. He had the second highest GPA in his high school graduating class and has so far maintained a 4.0 GPA at Dallas College, earning him a place on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll.

His leadership experience includes co-managing a 50-player soccer league and organizing the main event for his high school’s 25th anniversary celebration. During high school he also drafted a proposal that led to the founding of the school’s first student council.

Nirupoma Ayesha

Nirupoma Ayesha’s journey into nursing began after the loss of her child who was abducted by her father. “That experience motivated me to become independent and build a stable future,” said Ayesha. “Balancing my studies during personal challenges has been difficult.” Through resilience and discipline, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned a place on the Provost Honor Roll.

In addition to easing her financial stress, Ayesha said the Myers-LeCroy scholarship will provide a platform to further develop as a leader and give back to a community that has supported her through hardship. “The Myers-LeCroy Scholarship has truly given me the strength and relief to keep moving forward,” she said.

Humayara Poonam

Despite being a busy mom of two toddlers and working part-time, Humayara Poonam has maintained a GPA of 4.0 in her prerequisite courses toward becoming a registered nurse. “The Myers-LeCroy Scholarship will allow me to continue to thrive academically, while focusing more on my studies, rather than financial pressures,” said Poonam.

“I am determined to make a meaningful impact in the nursing field,” she said. “I believe I have the potential to make a difference in the lives of my future patients and their families, and this scholarship will serve as an essential steppingstone in my journey.”

Eudys Segura

Eudys Segura’s educational journey began at the National Conservatory of Music in the Dominican Republic and brought him to Dallas College, where he has demonstrated dedication, discipline and resilience. His leadership roles have included performing as concertmaster and mentoring younger musicians both in his home country and the United States.

Segura is excited that the scholarship will both ease his financial burden and connect him to a community of like-minded and driven students. “I want to further develop into a well-rounded artist, educator and leader — someone who uplifts others and creates positive change through music and mentorship.”

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