The University of Central Oklahoma College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) recently awarded 116 scholarships for the 2019-20 academic year, including two to Omega resident Jesus Cruz.

Cruz, a sophomore studio art major, received the Latisha Pollard Coffey Scholarship for Art and the Piper Family Scholarship for the Arts.

“At UCO, we pride ourselves in providing Oklahoma with the innovative, creative, 21-century workforce employers are craving,” said Steven Hansen, M.F.A., dean of CFAD.

“The vast majority of our students are rooted in hometowns across Oklahoma. As state funding for higher education decreases, the financial cost of a game-changing degree becomes increasingly difficult to bear. It is only through the generosity of donors, and the scholarships they generate, that many of our sons and daughters are able to afford a college education.”

CFAD is a center for excellence for the fine and performing arts, as well as a center of innovation for improving and promoting arts education. The mission of the college is to prepare creative leaders and professionals in fine arts, education and design.