Ray Arvizu was a member of Grand Canyon 1978 men’s basketball national championship team, where his mom and dad attended every single game – at home and on the road. Before starting his professional career in Mexico, he was informed by then Canyon athletic Director, Bill Estes, that he was only eight hours short of attaining his degree and GCU wanted to help. His parents, Ray and Isabel, stressed the importance and being the first in the family to receive a degree. They wanted his national championship and GCU to set an example and help the family and the community.
Ray got his degree and shortly after, signed the largest pro contract in Mexico. After Rays successful career he returned to Phoenix and was successful in building a business in corporate American as well as nonprofit work.
Currently, his multicultural advertising agency, Arvizu Advertising & Promotions, is nationally renowned and is celebrating its 30th year. He has served on various community and national boards and was named one of Hispanics 100 most influential in the country by Hispanic business.
“My time at GCU was an incredible time for my family, and I it impacted all of us, and became a major part of my life. We are honored to assist Hispanic and minority students in pursuit of their degrees and schooling through the Arvizu Scholarship.”
Arvizu Scholarship
To qualify, students must be of Latino heritage and have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Eligibility and scholarship recipients will be determined by the LEO Foundation Scholarship Committee.
Scholarships will be awarded in spring 2024 for the 2024/2025 academic year. Scholarship recipients must acknowledge their award in the form of an email thank you within three weeks of notification to mwinney@leofoundationusa.org.