UC San Diego Student Selected for National Public Service Scholarship

Paculdo Koenigshofer is one of 20 students selected from 700 applicants across the nation to become a Key into Public Service Scholar by The Phi Beta Kappa Society, a national academic honor society that advocates for the value of a liberal arts and sciences education. The program recognizes students who have a demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in local, state and federal government.

Ann Craig, professor emeritus of political science at UC San Diego, former provost of Eleanor Roosevelt College and current co-chair of the campus chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, said: “John's academic achievement, the breadth and depth of his coursework in the liberal arts and sciences, and demonstrated interest in public service deeply impressed a committee which reviewed applicants from across the nation. He is an outstanding representative of Phi Beta Kappa’s ideals.”

In celebration of their achievements, each student receives a $5,000 undergraduate scholarship and the opportunity to participate in an educational conference held in Washington, D.C., providing them with training and mentorship on pathways to active citizenship. 

“To have my efforts nationally recognized is both encouraging and inspiring,” said Paculdo Koenigshofer. “I'm grateful for my peers, professors and mentors who have shaped my experiences in the public sphere and conferred upon me the skills required for successful policymaking, organizing and community-building.”

Paculdo Koenigshofer chose to double major – in political science in the School of Social Sciences and history in the School of Arts and Humanities – because the two fields of studies are interconnected. “In my opinion, the two are inseparably intertwined,” he said. “In order to solve the problems of the present and future, it's necessary to understand their origins in the past. History has long been a personal interest of mine, and I'm glad I was able to find a way to apply this knowledge to my studies and professional prospects.”

His family’s encouragement to stand up for what’s right combined with his studies at UC San Diego have inspired Paculdo Koenigshofer to take action. He currently serves as a member of UC San Diego’s student government and a board member for the Asian and Pacific-Islander Student Alliance, as well as a Youth Ambassador for APIAVote and a mentor in the San Diego API Network.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Paculdo Koenigshofer seeks to continue his advocacy for AAPI interests as a legislative staffer in Congress. After, he will pursue a joint master’s in public policy and J.D. degree focused on voting rights policy. “Once my education is complete, I hope to return to San Diego and continue serving the community where I found home,” he said.