Loyola Marymount University’s Academic Community of Excellence (ACE) held its annual Scholars Recognition Dinner on March 14, 2025, on the Westchester campus. ACE scholars, along with their families, friends, and LMU staff and faculty, filled the Roski Dining Hall, totaling approximately 115 attendees.
Implemented in 2004 as a diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic initiative, ACE is a pathway program that provides support, mentorship, and resources to prepare students for enrollment in a master’s or doctoral degree program. The program attracts students from various disciplines, including pre-med, pre-law, STEM, psychology, political science, and education.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Steven Neal, ACE program director, followed by a prayer led by Mariah Allen ’26. Emelyn dela Peña, Ed.D., LMU’s vice president for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, then shared words of encouragement. “We have to teach all of our students to thrive and live and work in a diverse world — an interconnected world,” dela Peña said. “Programs like ACE espouse LMU values that emphasize the dignity of every human being, including walking with the excluded.” Coming from a working-class family herself, she gave testimony to the power of education. “I was a first-generation college student, the first to earn both a master’s degree and doctorate,” she said. “I feel blessed to be able to give back.”
Lauren Sutherlin ’17, an alumna of LMU and ACE, served as the keynote speaker. An aspiring registered dietitian, she is dedicated to giving back and inspiring the next generation. She credits the ACE program and Neal for their diligence in supporting her academics, helping her pursue scholarships, and building networks that enabled her to earn a master’s degree in nutrition, health span, and longevity from USC.
In sharing her post-graduate journey, Sutherlin believed she would follow a similar path to those of her mentors. “I did the work and followed the advice I received, but I didn’t expect to encounter roadblocks after reaching my goals,” she recalled. This led her to question, “What happens after you reach your destination?” Echoing a quote by Christopher Markus, renowned Marvel films screenwriter, Sutherlin said, “Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny,” acknowledging the highs and downs of her own journey. “Even though your destination is important, the journey toward your place of passion and fulfillment is equally important,” she emphasized.
In concluding her speech, Sutherlin encouraged ACE scholars to embrace their individual journeys, refrain from comparing themselves to their peers, and strive for greatness in their lives despite any challenges that may arise.
The event continued with ACE Scholar recognitions:
ACE Class of 2025 Graduating Cohort
Isabelle Aquino (fall 2024)
Bryan Ardon Contreras
Milan Bowen
Isabella Chhina
Michelle Feda
Samantha Froehlich
Antonio Garcia
Taleen Madikians
Xion Nelson
Sarah Omachi
Alana Thomas
Alexandra Torres
Natalia Zevallos
Marshall Sauceda Rising Scholar Award
Sarah Omachi
ACE Academic Achievement Awards – Seniors
Isabelle Aquino
Isabella Chhina
Sarah Omachi
ACE Academic Achievement Awards – Juniors
Mariah Allen
Carolina Hernandez
Nkechinyere “Jennifer” Uchendu
Cecilia Zaragoza
ACE Academic Achievement Awards – Sophomores
Isiuwa Aimiuwu
Jordan Curiel
Isabella Madrid
ACE continues to excel, with 44 students joining for fall 2025—28 rising sophomores and 16 rising juniors.
Having served with the program for the past 18 years, Mr. Neal, as the ACE students fondly refer to him, understands that it takes a village, which ACE is a part of. “I hope that some of the things we’ve imparted – the courses, resources, the connections to mentors, etc. – have a fraction of impact and influence in their preparation and motivation for graduate and professional school and success beyond,” he reflected. “I hope that the scholars walk away with a sense of reinvestment back into the lives of others, and an understanding of the importance of paying it forward and giving back. It is both a blessing and a reward for me to be involved in this work.”
ACE has successfully prepared approximately 400 students for graduate school and has maintained a retention rate of over 90 percent. Rising sophomores and juniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and who are interested in pursuing advanced degrees may apply to ACE. For additional information, please visit LMU’s ACE program.
