Inspiration. Passion. Dedication.
Olivia has left us with this, and much more. As an angel in heaven, she has achieved as many great things from “up there,” as she did here on earth. And one of those great things is to give hope. I moved here, from Mexico to the United States, in 2005, with the dream of a better education and of a better future. And that dream is coming true! As a student at Rockhurst University, pursuing a double major in Biochemistry and Mathematics, I can only thank the generosity of the Raya family for their precious gift that has given me the opportunity to continue my education and my career; and I can only thank our angel Olivia, for in her memory this scholarship was founded, a treasured gift that I have been honored to receive. Following in her footsteps, and in our Jesuit tradition, I am committed to help my community, to be a caring person, to serve others, and to transform lives, as I work my way to become a research scientist that hopes one day, to give back what today I have been so blessed to receive.

The Olivia Raya Scholarship was very instrumental in my pursuit of my dream of a higher education. I came from Venezuela in 1999 and in a short period of time I was able to realize the importance of an education and being a positive Latina Role model for future generations. I achieved my Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from Rockhurst University and I am working on a Master of Education at Rockhurst. Having the Olivia Raya scholarship not only helped me as a college student, but I was greatly honored to have been the first recipient of this wonderful scholarship honoring a very bright and great individual such as Olivia. Thank you!!

My name is Jessica Alvarez and I was lucky enough to receive the Raya Scholarship last year. It was a great opportunity. The Raya Scholarship has helped me on my way to graduating from Rockhurst University with a Bachelor in Political Science and Spanish. My future plans are to continue going to graduate school and later finding a job with a national Hispanic non-profit where I can help other young Hispanics continue their education and fulfill their dreams. Thanks to the Raya Scholarship and the Raya family I know I will reach my goal.

I am truly blessed and honored to be the recipient of the Olivia Raya Scholarship for my junior year at Rockhurst University. Not only does this scholarship allow me to receive an education, but also to share with my fellow companions the importance of love, dedication and most importantly, family, through the memory of Olivia Raya. I strongly feel every day is a gift, and what a better way to share this gift than by helping others. The Olivia Raya Foundation is an incredible cause, as well as an inspiration to live our lives to the fullest capacity. Thank you for the honor of representing this wonderful organization dedicated to keeping Olivia's memory alive.