For Molloy University junior Katherin Rodriguez, an email about a scholarship opportunity nearly became just another item on an already full to-do list.
The Accounting major and Spanish minor from Queens first learned about the Deloitte Foundation HACU Scholars Program in May through an email from DJ Mitchell, Vice President for Mission Integration. Between classes and her many commitments on campus, Rodriguez initially did not plan to apply. It was encouragement from Kisha Chandler, Director of Student Engagement, that convinced her to reconsider.
“She really pushed me to take the opportunity, so I decided to apply,” Rodriguez said. “I believe I submitted my application the day before the deadline.”
That last-minute decision paid off. Rodriguez was selected as one of just 68 students to receive a 2026 Deloitte Foundation HACU Scholars Program scholarship, a national opportunity available to eligible undergraduate students attending member institutions of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).
The recognition comes at a fitting time for Rodriguez, whose family is originally from Honduras. During Hispanic Heritage Month, her achievement highlights both her own academic and leadership journey and the growing opportunities available to students through the University’s relationship with HACU.
For Rodriguez, the recognition was unexpected.
“I feel incredibly honored and grateful to be one of the 68 recipients,” she said. “It means a lot to know that someone saw potential in me, especially during moments when I sometimes did not believe in myself. Receiving this scholarship reminds me that the work I have been putting into my education is meaningful and that other people believe in what I am capable of achieving.”
Rodriguez's achievement comes early in Molloy's growing relationship with HACU, which the University joined in 2025.
Founded in 1986, HACU represents more than 500 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic success in higher education across the United States, Puerto Rico, Latin America and Europe. The association provides students, faculty and staff at member institutions with access to scholarships, internships, professional development and other educational opportunities.
Molloy was recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution in 2024, a federal designation for eligible nonprofit institutions where Hispanic students account for at least 25 percent of full-time-equivalent undergraduate enrollment. The University's subsequent membership in HACU expanded that commitment by connecting students, faculty and staff with a broader national network of resources and opportunities.
Rodriguez's scholarship offers an early example of that relationship translating into a tangible opportunity for a Molloy student.
“HACU gives us a nationwide network, helping us strengthen the support structures we have in place for our students,” Mitchell said. “Students, faculty and staff are eligible for scholarships, professional development opportunities and resources we otherwise wouldn’t have access to without our HACU membership.”
“Katherin’s recognition means our students are among the best of the best, so I was thrilled to learn she received the 2026 Deloitte Foundation HACU Scholarship,” Mitchell said. “It is a testament to her hard work and dedication but also highlights the support she has here at Molloy. We love seeing our students and alums thrive, and she’s a great example of that.”
Supported by the Deloitte Foundation, the 2026 program provides scholarships to just 68 eligible undergraduate students enrolled at HACU-member institutions nationwide. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, qualify for financial aid and pursue a degree in one of several designated fields, including accounting, business, finance, economics, computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics, engineering, mathematics and technology.
As part of her application, Rodriguez wrote about her experiences, accomplishments, circumstances and aspirations, giving those reviewing her application a glimpse of the student and future professional behind her academic record.
At Molloy, Rodriguez has made involvement a central part of her college experience. She serves as Co-President of the Molloy Business Leadership Association, where she has helped revamp and rebrand the organization; Event Coordinator for the Latin American Student Organization; and Junior Class Chair for Molloy Student Government. She has also served as a Rising Stars Mentor, encouraging and mentoring fourth-grade students.
Those experiences and the relationships she has built at Molloy have helped transform Rodriguez since she first arrived on campus.
“Getting involved at Molloy has contributed a lot to my personal and academic growth,” Rodriguez said. “Being involved has helped me become more comfortable putting myself out there, meeting new people and taking on leadership opportunities. I have learned that college is not just about what you learn in the classroom, but also about the relationships you build and the experiences you gain outside of it.”
Among those relationships is the one she has developed with Chandler, whom Rodriguez affectionately calls her “school aunt.” Along with Rodriguez's parents, Chandler has become an important source of encouragement throughout her college experience and was persistent in making sure Rodriguez did not let this particular opportunity pass her by.
That support made the moment Rodriguez received the news even more meaningful. She was out running errands with her family when she learned she had been selected.
“My initial reaction was honestly speechless,” Rodriguez said. “I knew the scholarship was a major opportunity and was available to students across HACU’s network, so I did not expect to be selected. I was with my whole family when I found out, and they were so excited and happy for me. Being able to share that moment with them made the news even more special.”
The scholarship will help Rodriguez continue pursuing an education she hopes will lead to becoming a Certified Public Accountant, with a particular interest in tax. Eventually, she would also like to own a business of her own.
For now, the financial support gives her more freedom to concentrate on reaching those goals.
“College expenses can be a major financial burden, so knowing that I have this support takes away some of that stress,” Rodriguez said. “Academically, it motivates me to continue working hard and to take advantage of the opportunities available to me at Molloy. It reminds me that my education is worth investing in and encourages me to keep pushing myself.”
Mitchell sees Rodriguez's success as the individual story behind the broader recognition Molloy and its students have received nationally.
“Katherin is a shining example of one of our many students and alums who highlight the outcomes and individual stories behind those honors,” Mitchell said. “I am glad HACU and the Deloitte Foundation saw in her what we saw when we offered her admission to Molloy: someone with a bright future.”
For Rodriguez, that future is now a little closer. And the opportunity she nearly did not pursue has left her with a lesson she hopes other students will remember when their own opportunities arrive.
“The biggest thing I have learned is to have faith in yourself and apply even when you doubt yourself,” Rodriguez said. “I almost did not apply because I was busy and did not know if I would be selected. Looking back, I am so grateful that I decided to try.”
Her advice to other students is simple: take the chance.
“There are people who support you and believe in you, even when you may not realize it,” Rodriguez said. “I would encourage other students to take chances, apply for opportunities and not let self-doubt stop them from trying.”
