Mary Avalos Establishes Student Awards at University of Nevada, Reno

For Mary Avalos, the story of her foundation begins with a passport belonging to her mother, Rosario. That single image now sits alongside a childhood photo of Mary and her sister on their mother’s lap, serving as part of the identity of the Courageous Corazón Foundation established in 2019, unr.edu reported.

Now, as the University of Nevada, Reno community observes Hispanic Heritage Month, Avalos is expanding that family legacy directly to campus students. The newly established Courageous Corazón award will distribute $10,000 total across four separate $2,500 awards for students, split evenly between undergraduates and graduate students.

Roots in Sinaloa and Night Classes in America

Rosario’s path to the United States shaped the educational mission that Mary Avalos carries forward today. Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Rosario left school after the second grade to help support her family. After immigrating to the U.S., she returned to her own education, attending classes to learn English and studying for her citizenship examination.

Watching her mother tackle adult education left a permanent mark on Mary. Her parents worked, attended night classes, and learned to live in a new country while instilling the belief that education could open doors. Rosario also maintained a steadfast habit of giving to others, sharing whatever meals, encouragement, or help she could manage regardless of the family’s financial standing.

Expanding Support Beyond Traditional Measures

That lifelong example inspired Mary Avalos to launch the Courageous Corazón Foundation in 2019. The organization initially focused on providing scholarships for students pursuing higher education and career pathways, particularly targeting individuals whose life circumstances may not always be reflected in traditional measures of achievement.

Over the years, the foundation grew its footprint to include scholarships for students at Truckee Meadows Community College as well as the University of Nevada, Reno. Avalos reported that the foundation has distributed more than $100,000 in funding support for students.

Funding the Next Generation of Wolf Pack Scholars

The newly created university awards aim to provide more than just financial assistance. Avalos designed the awards to reinforce that a student’s current circumstances do not have to determine their destination, encouraging recipients to lead with a courageous corazón.

The foundation views these monetary awards as a vital tool for keeping students enrolled through degree completion and into a career. That academic achievement ripples outward, altering family trajectories across multiple generations just as Rosario’s sacrifices did for her own children.

It’s our immigrant story. We came to this country seeking opportunity. With hard work, resilience, gratitude and dedication, we can change our families’ financial situations for generations.

Mary Avalos