English Graduate Student Named CSU Pre-Doctoral Scholar

Cal Poly English graduate student Anthony Breakspear was selected as a California State University (CSU) Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar for the 2014-15 academic year.  

Breakspear was one of 52 CSU students selected from a pool of 200 applicants.

Created to increase the number of potential faculty in higher education, the California Pre-Doctoral Program supports CSU students who intend to earn a doctorate. The program provides students who have experienced economic or educational challenges with financial assistance and mentorship opportunities.

Breakspear will receive guidance from CSU faculty members; participate in a summer research experience at a doctoral-granting institution; travel to a national symposium or professional meeting in his field; and receive funding for graduate school testing and application fees. 

“Anthony is a gifted, committed and determined student. His insight and commitment to knowledge position him as someone who should embark on doctoral studies,” said Brenda Helmbrecht, associate professor of English and Breakspear’s faculty advisor and sponsor. “Moreover, he wants to enter academia so he can support students who do not always have familial support, who struggle financially to get an education, and who feel unsupported by the academic institutions charged with teaching them. Anthony is a true humanist whose commitment to social justice will enhance any doctoral program he enters.”