2025 FASAE SoCal Education Foundation Awards

Tom Solomon

Tom is a senior Electrical & Computer Engineering student at Cal Poly Pomona whose academic excellence and dedication—shaped by his Filipino immigrant parents—have earned him major honors, including the Christopher Wilborn Scholarship and the Cal Poly President’s Award. He has built a strong technical foundation through hands-on projects in circuit board design, motor control, and embedded systems. Beyond academics, he leads and mentors others as a Bronco Navigator, President of SCETA, and through his work as a TA and IT help desk technician. As a first-generation college student, he aims to become a licensed Professional Engineer and contribute to a resilient, renewable-focused power industry while inspiring future generations of Filipinos.

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Adan Aguirre

Adan is a Mexican-Filipino American sophomore at USC studying Civil Engineering with a Building Science focus, earning distinctions such as the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, AP Scholar, and a place on the 2025 Dean’s List. He is deeply committed to mentorship, speaking on panels and volunteering at schools to inspire younger Filipino and Mexican students to pursue engineering and architecture. His leadership spans both academic and military roles, serving as Secretary/Historian and Timber Strong Design Team Captain for ASCE, as well as a Midshipman 3/C and Squad Leader in NROTC. Guided by his veteran parents’ example, he intends to commission as a Navy Civil Engineer Corps officer before ultimately pursuing his dream of designing and building homes.

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Collin Yan

Collin is a fourth-year Architecture major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo whose early fascination with the built environment has driven strong academic performance and recognition, including a Dean’s List record and a national award for “Most Biophilic Design.” His work reflects a passion for adaptive reuse and historic preservation, strengthened through studio projects and professional experience at COAR Design Group. Beyond technical design, he is committed to service and advocacy, serving in leadership roles with NOMAS and AIAS Freedom By Design while contributing to global outreach efforts in Malaysia. Looking ahead, Collin plans to study sustainable design in Switzerland and pursue a career focused on creating adaptive, community-centered spaces that honor both history and future needs.

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Dylan Ferrer

Dylan is a fourth-year Architecture student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo who uses design as a medium for cultural storytelling and social advocacy, shaped by her upbringing in San Diego and global studies across nine European countries. She grounds her work in sustainable design, informed by professional experience as a Contract Drafter for McMillin and an intern at Bokal and Sneed Architects. Beyond academics, she leads cultural and mentorship initiatives through the Pilipino Cultural Exchange, choreographing performances and supporting younger architecture students. Guided by the Filipino principle of Isang Bagsak, she aspires to a global career in civic design that uplifts marginalized communities and preserves cultural identity.

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