Alexis Flores, who graduated with his bachelor’s degree in communications-public relations in May, was named Cal State Fullerton Alumni Association’s Outstanding Senior for 2020.
Flores was recognized for his achievements in academics, community service and extracurricular activities — some of which were in areas completely unrelated to his major and college.
When Flores heard the Child and Adolescent Studies Student Association was a very active club on campus, he decided to get involved — not only as a member, but as membership manager and part of the CASSA board.
“I don’t say ‘no’ to any opportunity. It leads to experiences I’d never have otherwise,” he explained.
Claudia Pineda, assistant professor of child and adolescent studies and faculty adviser for the group, sees Flores’ membership in CASSA, despite not being a child and adolescent major, as a testament to his ability to excel outside his comfort zone.
“He is a great team player who wants the organization to run smoothly,” she said. “Alexis participates in many events beyond what his role requires, including donation drives, walks, fundraisers and activities — all for the benefit of children.”
At the same time, Flores was heavily involved with organizations within his college, including volunteering as newsletter editor for the Latino Communications Institute; participating in a program subcommittee for CSUF’s Public Relations Society Student Association when the chapter hosted the 2019 International Conference in San Diego; and serving as executive director for the student-run Titan Public Relations firm, among others.
His work on the latter included growing the TPR’s personnel and recruiting five of eight clients, explained Inez González Perezchica, director of the Latino Communications Institute.
“Alexis reached out to organizations and alumni-owned businesses to recruit them as clients and bring them back to campus. He continuously takes up any opportunity offered to him by anyone to continue growing his professional skill set and expand his network. No doubt he will flourish in his career and continue being a great CSUF ambassador.”
As the communications officer for Associated Students Inc., Flores helped run the organization’s social media, growing its Instagram page to more than 10,000 followers. In his on-campus job with alumni engagement, he acted as a coordinator for several Dinner With 12 Titans programs and interviewed major donors at the university’s launch of the “It Takes a Titan” comprehensive campaign.
Ingrid Smart, president and CEO of Casanova//McCann Hispanic advertising agency, worked with Flores on several communications projects at CSUF noting, “He exudes confidence and makes people around him feel respected and appreciated. I have never met a ‘kid’ with such drive and positivity. He is an example of what a Titan should be!”
Flores feels very honored to have won this award, and he wants other students to understand the power of his experiences at CSUF: “Everything I said ‘yes’ to built on each other, making me friends and building a community to support and empower me. So many people want you to succeed — so just go for it!”
Contact: Karen Lindell, klindell@fullerton.edu