Wichita State University is proud to recognize Irene Campos as the winner of the 2020 Mark and Stacy Parkinson Scholarship, which awards incoming freshmen $34,000 over four years. 

Founded by Mark, former governor of Kansas, and Stacy Parkinson in 2019, the scholarship awards funds to first-generation immigrant students in Kansas to help offset the cost of their college education.

According to the scholarship guidelines, the Parkinsons welcome and respect all immigrants and refugees. They believe that immigrants are the heritage and fabric of our country and are committed to the idea that people with differing thoughts, cultures and experiences make our communities vibrant and robust.

While studying at Wichita West High School, Irene has been an ambassador for Gear Up, the Wichita Riverfest, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and AVID, as well as serving as the president of the school’s National Honor Society. 

As the child of immigrants, she has a unique view of the world. She plans to earn a degree in criminal justice at WSU to help change and improve the justice system so that immigrant families similar to her own no longer need to live in fear of being ripped apart. 

When she graduates, Irene said she is interested in becoming a homicide detective, forensic psychologist, law enforcement officer or immigration lawyer. She wants to serve those who are often too scared to reach out for help.