October 28, 2004 :: No. 70

Cal State Fullerton Student Leader Selected for Regional Honor

Philip L. Vasquez, president of Associated Students Inc. at California State University, Fullerton, will be honored Oct. 29 with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Western Regional Undergraduate Rising Star Award.

The award, in the form of a plaque and a $250 scholarship, will be presented at the 2004 Western Regional Conference in Boise, Idaho. The Rising Star Award is presented to an undergraduate student in recognition of his achievement, involvement and potential in the student affairs profession.

“We are so proud of Philip and the accomplishments he has realized over the past two years. His passion for higher education and genuine desire to affect the lives of students will serve him well in his future profession,” said Lea M. Jarnagin, associate dean of new student programs. “It has been a sincere honor serving as his mentor in the Minority Undergraduate Fellows Program. I couldn’t be happier to see him receive the recognition he deserves.”

Earlier this year, Vasquez completed a two-year fellowship in the NASPA Minority Undergraduate Fellows Program. The program was established in 1989 to increase the number of underrepresented persons in student affairs and higher education.

In addition to his campus duties, Vasquez, a senior majoring in human services with a minor in political science, also serves as chair of the University Affairs Committee for the California State Student Association. Prior to his election as CSUF Associated Students president, the Fullerton resident was chair of the A.S. Board of directors and represented the College of Human Development and Community Service on the board.

Vasquez has served as a resident adviser in the university’s student housing complex and as a new student orientation leader for the Dean of Students Office. Last summer, he completed a term as a family orientation intern with the university’s New Student Programs.

“I am very excited to receive this award because I have watched other students over the years receive it, and I would have never imagined that I would be the next recipient,” said Vasquez. “I plan on pursuing graduate school in student affairs, and this award really helps me advance in the field that I am so passionate about. I am honored to represent the university at NASPA.”