Juan “J.J.” Lino looks back at his childhood and remembers feeling empty. For every positive in his life, he recalls a setback. But his outlook today has changed.

After receiving what he calls a “blessing” from prominent Fresno State alumni Derek and Heather Carr, Lino feels empowered to become the first person in his family to earn a degree.

At the Bulldogs’ Oct. 13 football game against Wyoming, Lino, a Fresno State freshman, was announced as the first-ever recipient of the Derek and Heather Carr Scholarship, an award renewable for up to four years upon qualifying for support. The Carrs’ gift will allow him to focus on pursuing a bachelor’s degree in viticulture without having to work full-time while going to school.

“The Carr family has given me the greatest award I could ever think of,” Lino said. “God placed it in their hearts to reach out and touch the lives of young people, and I could not be more thankful that they chose me as a recipient of such a blessing.”

While Derek Carr, the record-setting Fresno State quarterback from 2009-13, couldn’t attend the presentation because he was preparing for his game with the Oakland Raiders, his wife, Heather, and sons, Dallas and Deker, met Lino and his family on the Bulldog Stadium field and presented him with an autographed Raiders’ Carr jersey. A video message from Derek played on the scoreboard.

Visit Fresno State News to read more.