Dean’s Future Scholars (DFS), housed in the College of Education & Human Development at the University of Nevada, Reno, marked a major milestone on Oct. 18, 2025, celebrating its 25th anniversary at the Grand Sierra Resort. The celebration brought together alumni, mentors, families and community partners to honor a quarter century of life-changing impact.

Founded in 2000 by William Sparkman, Ph.D., who served as dean of the College of Education from 1998 to 2010, DFS began as a small outreach effort supporting 50 sixth-grade students and operated out of the dean’s storage closet. Today, it has grown into a robust mentorship program serving over 400 students across 35 schools during the academic year, and more than 300 students each summer on the University campus.

President Brian Sandoval and Dean Donald Easton-Brooks at the celebration.

“As we celebrate 25 years of Dean’s Future Scholars, we honor not only its humble beginnings, but also the countless lives transformed through mentorship, perseverance and hope,” said Donald Easton-Brooks, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “This program embodies the very heart of our college’s mission to change lives through education.”

Mentorship has always been the heartbeat of DFS. The program’s near-peer mentoring model sets it apart, with over 80% of the mentors having once been participants themselves. College student mentors often stay with the same group of students for several years, providing consistency, encouragement and a sense of belonging that builds trust and long-term success.

Mariluz Garcia, DFS executive director; Samuel Rosales, DFS school counselor; and Manuel Ortiz, DFS assistant director, at the celebration.

“Celebrating 25 years of Dean’s Future Scholars is more than just marking time, it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people are believed in, supported and given the tools to succeed,” Mariluz Garcia, Ph.D., DFS executive director, said. “We’re incredibly proud of our DFS students and mentors, past and present, who continue to break barriers and build brighter futures.”

Since its inception, DFS has supported more than 1,800 students and has averaged a 93% high school graduation rate over the past 10 years. An 18 percentage points higher than the district average for other low-income students in the Washoe County School District.

"DFS changed the entire trajectory of my life,” Manuel Ortiz, DFS assistant director and a member of the second cohort, said. “As a sixth grader, I never imagined I’d one day help lead the very program that first believed in me. This isn’t just a job, it’s a commitment to giving back and ensuring the next generation has the same opportunities I had.”

Regardless of their background, DFS makes a minimum six-year commitment to each student, offering continuous mentoring and academic support from the sixth grade through college completion. Many DFS alumni go on to pursue careers in helping professions, such as education, counseling and social work, continuing the program’s legacy of giving back to the community.

“Being part of DFS is truly a family,” said Francisco Lopez Cabrera, a DFS alumnus and now a school counselor. “They’ve stood with me every step of the way, challenged me to grow, and constantly reminded me that you’re never alone on your journey.”

The silver-anniversary event celebrated the power of mentoring and education. Cultural performances, alumni stories and moments of recognition honored the program’s founder, mentors and donors.

The anniversary event featured several cultural celebrations.

The anniversary event featured several cultural celebrations.

The anniversary event featured several cultural celebrations.

“As we look ahead to the next 25 years, we remain deeply committed to opening doors and creating opportunities for first-generation students. This mission wouldn’t be possible without the incredible scholars, mentors and community partners who have helped shape DFS into what it is today. Thank you for believing in this vision and in every student we serve,” Garcia remarked.