Malyssa Gunderson

​California State University, Chico
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Scholar

I knew… that with tenacity I could elevate my life through higher education."

After growing up in rural California, Malyssa Gunderson dedicated countless hours to studying while working full-time to make college a reality. Her drive pushes her to never give up on her dream of earning a degree, even while working three jobs and going to school full-time.

Currently, Malyssa is a junior at California State University, Chico majoring in construction management. Her dedication to her studies continues to pay off, with Dean’s List recognition and acceptance into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society.

Malyssa volunteers for Associated General Contractors and Design Build Institute of America, helping to restore buildings and create 3D models. In addition to involvement with several other campus clubs, Malyssa tutors students in the “Principles of Soil Mechanics and Foundations” and “Construction Project Management” courses. Off campus, Malyssa works full time at a construction firm as an assistant project manager and she plans to use her degree and experience to work as a project engineer.