Residential Business Community announces first Sartarelli Scholarship recipients

The Residential Business Community (RBC) has announced Angelina Williams and Alexander Juarez as the first recipients of the Jose V. and Katherine A. Sartarelli Endowed Scholarship. Their selection follows the Sartarellis’ $1 million gift in late 2024 to establish the scholarship, creating new opportunities for RBC students to fully engage in the program’s leadership-focused academic and experiential offerings.

For Williams and Juarez, the scholarship reduces financial barriers and allows them to immerse themselves more deeply in coursework, professional development and community leadership experiences that define the RBC. As members of the living-learning community, they benefit from tailored seminars, dedicated advising and close collaboration with peers who share their commitment to business leadership.

Established by Dr. Jose “Zito” Sartarelli, a Broad College of Business graduate, and his wife, Katherine, the $1 million endowed scholarship reflects the couple’s commitment to supporting undergraduate students pursuing business leadership. Sartarelli built a global career as an international pharmaceutical executive and later served as both dean and chancellor at multiple universities.

The Residential Business Community, located in McDonel Hall, integrates specialized coursework, professional development and alumni engagement to prepare students for leadership in business. With the selection of its first two scholars, the Sartarelli Scholarship begins its lasting impact within the Broad community.

“The RBC Sartarelli Scholars program enables us to attract and support high-achieving students who are committed to applied learning, meaningful community engagement, and principled business leadership,” said Sherri Henry, director of RBC. “This scholarship does more than provide financial support. It empowers students to think differently about their circumstances, to remain resilient amid uncertainty, and to pursue excellence with confidence. Through this investment, the Sartarellis are shaping the next generation of ethical, innovative business leaders.”

When Williams, a finance major, learned she had received the scholarship, she described feeling both stunned and deeply grateful.

“This scholarship means so much to me because it gives me the freedom to fully focus on my studies while taking away more of the financial burden of tuition,” she said. “It represents belief in my potential and motivates me to keep pushing myself to be successful.”

Williams plans to use the opportunity to deepen her understanding of finance while participating in experiences that prepare her for a meaningful career. She hopes to honor this support by working hard, staying driven, and giving back to the Broad community.

Alexander Juarez chose Michigan State for its strong accounting program and the sense of belonging he found within the Spartan community. He plans to complete MSU’s five-year master’s program and earn his CPA, with career interests in forensic accounting and IT audit.

Receiving the Sartarelli Endowed Scholarship eased the financial burden of college and allowed Juarez to focus more fully on his academic and career development. With that support, he secured an internship at TechSmith, a local software company.

“I was really in shock but super happy when I found out I received the scholarship,” Juarez said. “It meant all the hard work I had put in was paying off, and I’m incredibly grateful to the Sartarellis for supporting students like me.”

The Sartarelli Endowed Scholarship empowers students to pursue their goals with confidence and purpose. Their achievements reflect the lasting impact of philanthropy, mentorship, and opportunity within the Broad community.

Students interested in learning more about how living and learning together can accelerate their growth are encouraged to explore the Residential Business Community and discover how collaboration, leadership, and opportunity come together at Michigan State.