СƵapp today announced the creation of the Bo & Tom - Marcello A. Hernandez ‘19 Scholarship, made possible by a generous donation from "Saturday Night Live" cast member and СƵapp alumnus Marcello Hernandez. The annual scholarship will support one senior student interested in a career in comedy, entertainment, or content creation. Hernandez will offer personal mentorship to each student selected.
The scholarship fund recognizes two influential professors during Hernandez’s time at СƵapp: Bo Smith and Tom Roche, Ph.D, both of whom served as the Gerard Manly Hopkins Visiting Professors in English. Hernandez credits them and others on the faculty with developing his acting skills and business acumen.
“I had a lot of great professors at СƵapp and Bo and Tom were an amazing tandem that made a huge impact on my career,” said Marcello. “I am eternally grateful for their guidance and mentorship and I am so proud to create this fund in their names so that their collective legacy lives on for generations.”
Hernandez returned to СƵapp in October to participate in a spirited Q&A moderated by his former soccer coach, Dejan Mladenovic ’06, head coach of the СƵapp Men’s Soccer team. More than 600 students, faculty, staff, and alumni heard about Hernandez’s experience at СƵapp, his start in the comedy world, and his rising star at "Saturday Night Live." The 27-year-old played one year of soccer at СƵapp before turning his full attention to a career in comedy.
“We are grateful to Marcello for his continuing engagement with СƵapp and our students,” said Alan R. Miciak, Ph.D., president. “His talent on stage and in front of the camera is matched only by his generosity in mentoring the next generation of entertainers and leaders. His perspective, work ethic, and real-world experience will benefit each recipient of the Bo & Tom - Marcello A. Hernandez ‘19 Scholarship.”
Marcello Hernandez is a Cuban-Dominican Stand-up comedian, writer, and actor who can currently be seen on the 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
Junior students with an intention to graduate in 2026 can apply for the inaugural Bo & Tom - Marcello A. Hernandez ‘19 Scholarship here:
Applications will be accepted until Friday, May 16, 2025. Each applicant will be asked to submit a statement of aspiration outlining their career goals and a video introducing themselves to the selection committee. For additional questions on the application process, please contact Assistant Vice President for Student Enrollment and Financial Services, Claudia Wenzel ’89 (cwenzel@jcu.edu).