The Roger B. Smith Scholarship in Psychology was established in June 2014 by Roger Bennett Smith to support undergraduate students. Mr. Smith graduated in 1966 with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Chemistry.
Daniella Di Stefano is a junior studying Psychology and Global Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Following graduation, Daniella plans to attend law school with the hopes of practicing immigration law and public interest through the non-profit sector and ultimately becoming a professor at a university.
A large portion of her time outside of classes has been dedicated to immigration advocacy on campus and in the community. Off-campus, Daniella works as a legal assistant for a local immigration legal services non-profit organization, the "New American Welcome Center."
In addition, Daniella is the current Executive Vice President of the Illinois Coalition Assisting Undocumented Students’ Education (I-CAUSE) which has been extremely impactful as they advocate for a more inclusive and equitable higher education system for Undocumented and DACAmented students. Within the Department of Psychology, she has been able to take advantage of the opportunity to work in the research lab of Dr. Thomas Kwapil. Through this lab, Daniella is currently pursuing her honors thesis in psychology, which will encompass her passion for immigrant rights and mental health.
Congratulations, Daniella!