Recipient, William Randolph Hearst/CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement
Sonoma State University

Niki Brunkhurst is completing her sophomore year at Sonoma State University. A first-generation college student, she is studying sociology with a minor in psychology. Niki entered Sonoma State as a Presidential Scholar and currently works 20 to 30 hours a week while continuing to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Despite her course load and work schedule, Niki still finds time to volunteer with youth in the community. Her passion and dedication to helping those in need informs the career choices she is considering. She intends to continue her education, earn a master's degree and eventually establish herself in the field of social work or public administration. Niki has worked exceptionally hard to overcome the challenges of being raised in a single parent household. As her mother before her, she embodies a strong work ethic, providing an outstanding role model for her younger brother.