When Chris Arocha imagines his future, he sees himself performing on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, whether with the Boston Symphony Orchestra or the United States Marine Band. The Huston-Tillotson University (a UNCF-member institution) undergraduate student is determined to turn his passion for music into a lifelong career.

His dream has been made more attainable thanks to the support of UNCF. Archoa received three UNCF scholarships—the Michael Jackson scholarship, Coco-Cola Scholarship and John Lennon Endowed Scholarship.

“UNCF has helped me tremendously,” Arocha said. “The money awarded to me has definitely helped me in my pursuit of academic greatness and relieved the financial burden of going to school.”

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The music performance major at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, TX, understands that pursuing a career in the arts requires both dedication and opportunity. Receiving scholarship support from UNCF has allowed Arocha to focus on developing his craft while continuing to excel in the classroom.

His hard work has paid off. Despite a demanding academic schedule, Arocha recently earned a place on the dean’s list for the second consecutive year—an accomplishment that he said makes him especially proud. “I’ve been locked in with my academics,” he shared. “I am proud of myself for getting the dean’s list award two years in a row.”

Choosing to attend Huston-Tillotson University was a practical decision that quickly became much more. “What drew me to Huston-Tillotson University was the affordability and the location within my hometown of Austin, TX,” he said.

The university has provided more than an education—it has created opportunities for Arocha to perform, travel and grow as a musician. “My most memorable moment was being in Norfolk, VA, with the jazz band and watching my friends compete in a jazz competition,” he said.

Arocha plans to travel to Poland with the university, where he will study and perform in a country deeply connected to the history of music. “Classical music was born in Europe,” he said. “Fun fact—Frédéric Chopin was born in Poland.”

Every milestone carries added meaning because Arocha is creating a new legacy for his family. As a first-generation college student, he is accomplishing something his parents never had the opportunity to do. “My parents have not graduated [from] high school,” he said. “For them, I am making them super proud by going to a university.”

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With an expected graduation date of 2028, Arocha remains focused on achieving his goals. His message to the donors who invest in students like him is simple and heartfelt. “I am truly appreciative and I love UNCF for basically funding my degree,” he said.

Stories like Arocha’s illustrate the transformative power of educational opportunity. Through the generosity of donors, UNCF continues to remove financial barriers, empower talented students and help them pursue ambitious dreams.

UNCF is proud of our students and alumni who have received scholarships that help them continue their education and graduate. These scholarships are invaluable to students, and UNCF is accepting donations to support students like Chris Arocha in their academic endeavors.

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