Adriana Briones, left, a junior accounting major, stands with Xavier Garza-Gomes outside the Texas A&M University-Victoria College of Business offices. Briones received the College of Business Friends’ Residential Scholarship, which will cover the cost of her room and board on campus during the academic year.

When Ariana Briones was preparing to start her junior year at Texas A&M University-Victoria, she was looking at the possibility of getting student loans to cover her housing costs. Then she received a surprise that changed everything.

Briones, of LaMarque, is the latest recipient of the College of Business Friends’ Residential Scholarship. The scholarship will cover her room and board expenses on campus during the academic year.

“I’m really thankful for this scholarship,” the accounting major said. “I didn’t know about the scholarship before, but it’s taken so much stress off my plate. It’s a big relief, and my parents were so proud.”

The scholarship fund was created in 2024 thanks to a five-year commitment from the Haberling Mcleroy Family Foundation. The award is intended to encourage junior and senior business students to live in the residence halls while pursuing their degrees. The foundation encourages other supporters to join the effort to grow the local economy by supporting business students in Victoria.

“The College of Business is proud to award this scholarship to Ariana so she can continue her studies while living on campus,” said Xavier Garza-Gomez, interim dean of the college. “This scholarship is a great way to encourage students to live on campus and be part of the local community as they pursue their degrees. We are grateful to all of the supporters who helped create and fund this scholarship.”

To be eligible to receive the scholarship, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents; be enrolled in the A&M-Victoria College of Business, preferably accounting majors; must have at least 45 credithours completed; reside in one of the residence halls; maintain a 3.5 GPA or greater; and must reside in one of the A&M-Victoria residence halls during the semester of the award. The award amount will be approximately $8,000 to cover the fall and spring terms.

Briones grew up knowing the importance of getting a degree. When it was time to choose a university, she chose A&M-Victoria because of the school’s small size and how close it was to her hometown.

“Both of my parents have master’s degrees, but they didn’t earn their degrees until they already had a family,” Briones said. “They made sure that my siblings and I understood how important it is to have an education. Getting a degree opens so many doors for you in life, and I’m looking forward to earning my degree in the next year.”

In addition to taking classes, Briones has worked as an accounting intern for Keller Wealth Associates during the tax season, where she said she learned a lot about being part of an accounting office. Once she graduates, she plans to start her career in business and eventually earn a master’s degree in management or human resources management.

“My dad and I spent some time talking about potential careers, and business was the area that seemed to have the most options,” she said. “Everything runs on or is connected to business in some way. Now I can continue my studies with a little less concern about getting loans and the expense of getting a degree. I’m so grateful to the College of Business and the donors who supported this scholarship.”