Merit Scholars
The University of Houston-Downtown is devoted to nurturing exceptional academic talent,
and the Freshman Merit Scholars Program encapsulates the institution’s commitment.
This esteemed academic scholarship program is exclusively awarded to first time in
college incoming freshman students, reflecting the University’s dedication to recruiting
and fostering academic excellence. To be eligible for this transformative academic
program, scholars possess a GPA of 3.5 or higher, or hold a class rank within the
top 16%-25%, accompanied by an SAT score of 1080 or an ACT score of 21 or higher.
Scholars are awarded a four-year full-ride scholarship covering the cost of tuition
and fees. In addition, scholars receive a $2,000 stipend annually. This unparalleled
scholarship program not only extends financial support but also lays the foundation
for an enriched college experience. Scholars participate in a four-year intrusive
academic, social, and student development program accompanying their academic experience.
The exceptional scholars featured below represent the Fall 2023 Freshmen Merit Scholars
cohort, each scholar earned their place within the program via a highly competitive
selection process. Highlighted by their headshots, graduating high schools, and college
majors, these scholars embody the diverse and promising talents that define the University
of Houston-Downtown.
Jacqueline Alvarado
Harmony School of Ingenuity
College of Sciences and Technology
Nursing, BS
College of Sciences and Technology
Nursing, BS
Ana Barrera
Spring Woods Senior High School
Marilyn Davies College of Business
Management, BBA
Marilyn Davies College of Business
Management, BBA
Draque Barrera Dang
William B. Travis High School
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Psychology, BS
Katya Butron-Rangel
Jersey Village High School
Marilyn Davies College of Business
Marketing, BBA
Takaylah Campbell
Chavez High School
Marilyn Davies College of Business
Accounting, BBA
Aileen Civallero
Alief Early College High School
Marilyn Davies College of Business
Finance, BBA
Cesar Cutz
YES Prep Gulfton
College of Sciences and Technology
Computer Science, BS
Kiaira Falls
Ben Franklin Terry High School
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Psychology, BS
Hannia Fuentes
Northbrook Senior High School
College of Sciences and Technology
Biology, BA
Brandon Gamez
North Houston Early College H. S.
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Communication Studies, BA
Maria Gonzalez
Raul Yzaguirre School for Success
Marilyn Davies College of Business
General Business, BBA
Valeria Gonzalez
Harmony School of Discovery
College of Public Service
Criminal Justice, BS
Adam Gullion
Pasadena Memorial High School
College of Sciences and Technology
Applied Statistics, BS
Amanda Hillary
North Forest High School
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
English, BA
Melanie Leon
East Early College High School
College of Public Service
Criminal Justice, BS
Genesis Lopez
Thurgood Marshall High School
Marilyn Davies College of Business
General Business, BBA
Victoria Lopez
Stephen F. Austin High School
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Social Sciences, BS
Michelle Magana
YES Prep Fifth Ward
Marilyn Davies College of Business
General Business, BBA
Rehan Mathews
Hightower High School
College of Sciences and Technology
Computer Science, BS
Fabiola Moreno Cairo
Westside High School
College of Sciences and Technology
Nursing, BS
Jasmine Oaks
Patricia E. Paetow High School
College of Sciences and Technology
Biology, BS
Opemipo Odejimi
Patricia E. Paetow High School
College of Sciences and Technology
Biology, BS
Kimberly Peralta
YES Prep Southeast
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Political Science, BS
Jon Rodriguez
Saint Pius X High School
College of Sciences and Technology
Structural Analysis/Design, BSET
Leslie Rodriguez
Westbury Senior High School
College of Sciences and Technology
Biology, BS
Tanya Salazar
East Early College High School
College of Public Service
Criminal Justice, BS
Daniela Sandoval Yosikawa
Cypress Lakes High School
College of Sciences and Technology
Mathematics, BA
Edson Villatoro
Langham Creek High School
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Technical Communication, BS
Makaiyah Walden
Mirabeau B. Lamar Sr. High School
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Communication Studies, BA