Chosen through a competitive selection process, the 20 scholars were honored for their academic excellence and dedication to preserving and celebrating Hispanic heritage.
Houston, TX – July 2025
Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston Honors Outstanding Students at Annual Scholarship Awards Reception
The Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston (IHCH) proudly celebrated academic excellence and cultural pride at its Annual Scholarship Awards Reception, held on July 16, 2025, at the IHCH Cultural Center. The event recognized 20 distinguished students for their academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to preserving and promoting Hispanic heritage and distributed $50,000 in scholarship awards!
A Night of Pride and Inspiration
The evening opened with remarks from Veronica Foley, President of IHCH (2025), who reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to educational empowerment.
“It is an honor for us to support your academic journey,” said Foley. “We hope you continue to work hard and, above all, make your families proud.”
The selection process, led by Andrew Slentz, IHCH Board Member and Chair of the Education Committee, was notably competitive.
“You should feel incredibly proud. Your families should be proud. You are truly among the best of the best,” said Slentz during the ceremony.
The celebration brought together key IHCH leaders, including:
- Louis Holzer, Board Member (Fundraising & Development; Governance & Nominating Committees)
- Carmen Muñoz, Board Member (Gala Committee)
- Yaneth Ibarra, Treasurer (Performing Arts; Diversity & Inclusion Committees)
- Ismael Berumen, Board Member (Governance & Nominating; Diversity & Inclusion Committees)
Why These Scholarships Matter
IHCH’s merit-based scholarships help alleviate financial barriers to higher education, empowering students to pursue degrees in diverse fields such as medicine, engineering, education, arts and humanities.
“Thank you to the Institute for everything it does for the Hispanic community. I hope to support IHCH in the future in any way I can,” said Judith Hernandez Merino, one of this year’s scholarship recipients.
Join the Mission
IHCH’s work is made possible through generous community support. To sponsor future scholars, donate, or get involved, please email scholarships@ihch.org or visit www.ihch.org.
Additionally, the public is invited to attend IHCH’s “Latin America in the Americas” concert taking place at Miller Outdoor Theater, on Saturday, September 27th, beginning at 7:30pm. Sponsorship opportunities are available by visiting www.ihch.org.
