May 22, 2025

A Dream and Believe Moment at CGU’s 98th Commencement

A group of five people poses smiling in front of red banners spelling 'CGU' at a graduation ceremony. The woman in the center holds a framed award certificate. Three of the individuals are wearing academic regalia, while one man in a suit stands beside the award recipient. Other graduates in red robes can be seen in the background.

Commencement at CGU always brings a few unforgettable moments — and one of the most anticipated is the surprise announcement of the Pamela M. Mullin Dream and Believe Award. This year, the honor went to Mayra Orozco, a PhD student in Urban Leadership whose journey from a young immigrant student to educational leader exemplifies the award’s purpose.

Two women smile and pose together outdoors at a graduation ceremony. One woman wears a light blue dress and holds a red gift bag and pink tissue paper; the other is dressed in academic regalia with a black gown and doctoral cap. They stand on a tiled area in front of a large white tent with rows of black chairs underneath, and trees and cloudy skies are visible in the background.

“I was recording and then my name came up,” Mayra said. “I was preparing for a speech that I was supposed to give after the ceremony. … But then I saw Dean Ganley come up and present the award, so then I thought it’s going to be somebody from the School of Education. When I heard my name, I was shocked because I didn’t think it was going me.”

The Dream and Believe Award, established in 2000 by the Mullin family with a $1 million endowment to support a continuing doctoral student, is purposefully kept secret until the moment it is announced — a choice rooted in Pamela Mullin’s belief that people act differently when they know they’re under consideration. The surprise ensures that recipients are recognized not for a performative effort, but for the genuine impact they’ve made.

Mayra’s doctoral research focuses on expanding biliteracy opportunities for English learners at the elementary level. It is work rooted in her own experiences.

Born in Mexico and raised in Southern California, she entered the US school system as an English learner and quickly came to understand how language could either open doors or create barriers. Her research into biliteracy pathways aim to affirm students’ home languages and reshape the way schools’ approach linguistic diversity. “I want students to be proud of their linguistic assets. I want to make sure that they know how powerful being bilingual or multilingual is.”

Two women smile and pose together outdoors at a graduation ceremony. The woman on the left wears a light blue dress and holds a red gift bag with pink tissue paper. The woman on the right is dressed in academic regalia, including a black doctoral gown with gold trim and a velvet cap. They stand on a brick walkway in front of a large white event tent, with trees and cloudy skies in the background.

Now an assistant principal in the Corona-Norco Unified School District, Mayra brings both academic insight and real-world leadership to her role. She is also a mother and has firsthand experience navigating the education system as both a parent and a practitioner. Her children participate in dual immersion programs, and her belief in the power of biliterate education is as deeply personal as it is professional.

In addition to her academic work, Orozco has proved to be a passionate community builder. She co-leads CGU’s DoctorXHood club, which supports scholars of color and first-generation students in navigating doctoral life. “My best advice is to create a community of scholars where you are pushing each other,” she said. “My community, we call ourselves a scholar familia.”

Mayra credits much of her support at CGU to her mentor and advisor, Dr. Frances Marie Gipson, who has played a pivotal role in her doctoral journey. “She has been like our mother during this program,” Orozco said. “She takes care of us, she grounds us, she inspires us.” For Orozco, Gipson’s mentorship has been both a steadying force and a source of encouragement throughout the challenges of graduate school, parenthood, and professional leadership.

You can watch the full commencement ceremony, including the surprise announcement and Mayra Orozco’s remarks, [here].