Alex Cano Rocha Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in August 2014 by the Robert & Blenda Ontiveros Family Foundation in loving memory of Uncle Alex, who was a role model and business partner. In 1979, Alex joined Robert in forming the R&O Specialties, Inc., one of the first Outsourcing Companies in the Quad Cities, and is now the Supply Chain Division of Group O. Through all the hardships of starting a new company and having limited resources, Alex demonstrated resourcefulness in building a 300,000 sq. ft. space into a thriving manufacturing facility serving the paint and packaging needs for several large fortune 500 companies.

Alex had no formal education but he did join the Marine Corp. As soon as he left high school, and through his hard work and love of family, Alex lived the kind of life we all only dream of, exemplifying the Hispanic Culture of Hard Work and never complaining. He always had a positive attitude, even when his beloved Hawkeyes were not winning, he always stayed positive. We all have been made better from having Alex around, and mostly for being Uncle Alex.

Preference will be given to students who meet the following criteria:

• Are enrolled in one of the following trade programs: Auto Technologies, Diesel Technology, HVAC, Culinary Arts, or Welding
• Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Demonstrate a strong community commitment to the Quad Cities through volunteer service and/or community activities, and demonstrate unmet financial need
• Are Latino/Hispanic (in an effort to recognize the need to make career training available to a diverse student population)

Scholarship Use
This scholarship is awarded for the Fall 2025 semester.
Scholarship awards will be applied to your tuition, books, and fees first. For more information on how to use your remaining scholarship dollars, please reach out to the SCC Foundation. Any rollover dollars must be used by the end of the Spring 2026 semester. SCC Foundation scholarships are non-transferable.