Student Ambassador Wins International
Understanding Award
May 21, 2004 :: No. 255
A business administration major who traveled
abroad and became a student ambassador for British Council USA has
the added honor of being this year’s recipient of Cal State
Fullerton’s International Understanding Award. Melissa
Tellez of Upland will be recognized Friday, May 28, at the university’s
honors convocation on the eve of commencement ceremonies.
The award recognizes personal contributions to increase
international understanding through leadership activities on campus
with clubs and university-sponsored programs.
Tellez, who will take part in commencement exercises
on Saturday, May 29, became committed to studying abroad while in
high school. As a junior at Cal State Fullerton, she traveled to
the United Kingdom and attended the University of Bradford as a
student representative of the California State University Academic
Council on International Programs.
When she returned, Tellez was named a student ambassador
for British Council USA, a position she continues to hold. As an
ambassador, she shares her experiences with Cal State Fullerton
students at study-abroad fairs and predeparture orientations.
“Through the program I have been able to reach
out to so many,” said Tellez, who plans to begin an MBA program
at Hawaii Pacific University in the fall. “It’s so rewarding
when you see other students taking the opportunity to enhance and
broaden their education through international travel.”
As a President’s Scholar, Tellez has served
as secretary, vice president and as a mentor, and was a member of
the scholarship program’s screening committee in 2002. She
also was a founder and 2002-03 president of the CSUF Rotaract Club,
and a member of the campus Accounting Society and Beta Gamma Sigma
– a business honor society.
Off campus, Tellez has served on the board of directors
for North Orange County’s YWCA, volunteered at Ronald McDonald
House and Adopt-a-Family of Orange County, and participated in the
multiple sclerosis and Children’s Hospital of Orange County
walkathons.
“What makes Melissa most distinctive is that
she not only embraces the ideas of international understanding,
she knows that it entails continuous and challenging work to really
make a difference,” said Robert Ericksen, director of international
education and exchange. “I applaud her for making a difference
at Cal State Fullerton.”
Media Contact: |
Pam McLaren of Public Affairs
at 657-278-4852 or pmclaren@fullerton.edu |
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