Office of Development & Alumni Relations
La Tierra Scholarships
La Tierra Sagrada Society Dean's Endowed Scholarship

Melissa Valdez - Class of 2010
LTSS Dean's Endowed Scholarship
$5,000
Melissa is a native of Ojo Caliente, NM.
"I am convinced I want to do a residency in Family medicine with a fellowship in Maternal-Child Health.
My husband and I would love to return home to Ojo Caliente where I can build my practice, and we can
raise our children."
LTSS Member-Sponsored Scholarships
As a benefit of his LTSS Gold Level Member, Jeff Doll, Assistant Vice President, Merrill Lynch, is the
scholarship sponsor for Tiffany DiGiacomo and Miki Mathes. Jeff was the society's third president, and
is currently serving his second term on the LTSS Board of Directors.
Tiffany DiGiacomo - Class of 2011
Sponsored by Jeff Doll, Asst. VP Merrill Lynch
$2,500
Tiffany is a native of Gallup, NM.
"Coming from a rural area, I have consistently seen the problems of the health care shortage and economic strife.
I want to work with underserved populations and help bridge the health disparities that are so overwhelmingly
present in rural communities."
Miki Mathes - Class of 2011
Sponsored by Jeff Doll, Asst. VP Merrill Lynch
$2,500
Miki is a native of Albuquerque, NM
"I believe that I can make a difference in the lives of other disabled individuals by advocating for better healthcare,
making medical experiences less stressful, and above all, providing people with disabilities the incentive and encouragement
to open their horizons to new possibilities."
LTSS Scholarships
Janelle Heimberger - Class of 2011
LTSS Scholarship
$2,500
Janelle is a native of Santa Fe, NM.
"Prior to beginning medical school, I spent five years in public health
in Northern NM. During this time, I helped un-and -underserved people
get medical care. My hope is to continue this work as a physician, and
to return to Northern NM to practice."

LeRoy Danielson - Class of 2011
LTSS Scholarship
$2,500
Now a resident of New Mexico, LeRoy is originally from Southeastern Minnesota.
"For 10 years I worked in hospitals, on ambulances, and in homeless clinics and agencies.
Becoming a doctor was my best opportunity to help. My summer experience on the Navajo Reservation in Shiprock opened my eyes to many possibilities in medicine."
Ateefa Chaudhury - Class of 2011
LTSS Scholarship
$2,500
Now a resident of New Mexico, Ateefa is originally from Bangladesh.
"From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. It was seeing
patients leave my uncle's ophthalmology clinic in Bangladesh with smiles
on their faces that made me realize excellent medical care was a
combination of treatment and personal interactions. I too want to make
that same difference for others and hope to open free clinics in
underserved areas."