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The Piaker Family Scholarship was established as part of the Nataraj Challenge, which began during the University���Ĵ�ý�s Together for Rochester campaign. In just one year, the Nataraj Challenge raised $2.6 million and created 22 new, endowed scholarships���Ĵ�ý�including this one���Ĵ�ý�in support of the Universityʼs Inclusive Engagement goals.

Growing up about an hour north of Chicago in a small town called Round Lake, Alan Jimenez ���Ĵ�ý�25 aspired to go to college, especially after an eighth grade field trip to a local campus. Watching the students there allowed him to imagine himself as a college student someday.

Jimenez���Ĵ�ý�s parents���Ĵ�ý�Mexican immigrants���Ĵ�ý�wanted him to go to college, too. Getting a scholarship helped make it possible for him to attend the University of Rochester, Jimenez���Ĵ�ý�s top choice. ���Ĵ�ý�My parents always emphasized academics,���Ĵ�ý� he says. ���Ĵ�ý�To this day, they continue to motivate me���Ĵ�ý�my mom even sends me daily motivation texts.���Ĵ�ý�

In his senior year of high school, Jimenez learned about the University from his school counselor. ���Ĵ�ý�I was really intrigued by the Rochester Curriculum and that I could dive deeply into my major and still have room in my schedule to explore other interests,���Ĵ�ý� he adds.

Jimenez���Ĵ�ý�s first class in computer science is both challenging and inspiring. He and a classmate are creating a Super Mario-like video game for their capstone project this semester���Ĵ�ý�an effort that Jimenez describes as both ���Ĵ�ý�fun and hard.���Ĵ�ý�

Besides delving into computer programming, Jimenez is already exploring new interests both in and outside the classroom. His love of music prompted him to sign up for a music class. He���Ĵ�ý�s learning about treble and bass and what kinds of chords complement various melodies. He loves it so much he���Ĵ�ý�s considering trying an instrument for the first time. While fluent in English and Spanish, he���Ĵ�ý�s also hoping to learn another language during these four years.

When he���Ĵ�ý�s not in class, Jimenez can typically be found studying in the Gleason Library or Carlson Library or exercising in the gym. He���Ĵ�ý�s been a part of soccer and volleyball intramurals, and he enjoys pickup dodgeball games on Saturday nights.

Recently, Jimenez met his scholarship donors, the Piakers, via Zoom. ���Ĵ�ý�We talked about how the campus has changed, their advice for getting through final exams, and sights to see in New York City, as I���Ĵ�ý�m planning a trip with some of my new college friends soon. It���Ĵ�ý�s amazing to me that they gave me a scholarship. They didn���Ĵ�ý�t even know me, yet they believed in me and wanted to support me. I can���Ĵ�ý�t thank them enough.���Ĵ�ý�