Shooting for Success
The Utah Jazz have made earning a college diploma a slam dunk for four first-year Wildcats. (Scroll to the bottom of this page to learn more about each scholarship recipient.)
Each student received a scholarship from the team aimed at helping first-generation, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) students earn their bachelor’s degrees. The scholarships cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, books, fees, room and board.
Gabriela Rosas Calderon, whose parents are from Mexico, knew she wanted to be a teacher since third or fourth grade. She would play teacher with other children while they waited for their moms, who were taking ESL classes.
“In elementary school, I looked up to my teachers as role models,” Rosas recalled. “I want to be like that when I grow up.”
Jai’Auna Jefferson, the youngest of 14 siblings, is a self-described “over-thinker,” who knew early on she would need a college degree, whether she became a veterinarian or worked in psychology.
“My dad’s friends would say, ‘I wish I had done good in school. I wish I had gone to college.’” Today, Jefferson’s plan is to study sociology, and eventually become a professor.
Angel Solis, who plans to study mechanical engineering, said that at age 15, watching his 
mom “work her butt off to provide for me and my brother” inspired him to go to college.
Jordyn Beddow said her decision to pursue a radiologic sciences degree is inspired by her father, who suffers from diabetes and has had four open-heart surgeries. She fell in love with Weber State after touring the campus.
“I loved the mix of downtown and nature,” she said. “I also know that I am going to get the best education.”
All four give credit to school counselors or family for encouraging them to apply, but each doubted it would amount to anything until they heard directly from Jazz players and staff.
Beddow was in a state of shock and disbelief when she got the call from Jazz forward Royce O’Neale. Along with Jefferson, she admits that she was not a Jazz fan at first, but that’s changed for Beddow after receiving the scholarship.
“I watched them all the way to the playoff games against the Clippers,” she said. “I will always be their No. 1 fan!”
For Rosas, sharing the news with her parents was the highlight.
“They came to this country with nothing and gave me everything,” she said. “I received the scholarship, but it represents all their hard work and dedication.”