For the past 15 years, the Business Honors students and alumni at Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics have developed a versatile and global reputation as trendsetters, leaders and innovators ready to succeed in their lives and make an impact to benefit the community and world around them.

A cohort-based program with smaller, more intimate classes; professional and leadership development opportunities; financial support via scholarships; a dedicated advisor; exclusive events, programming, and networking opportunities; a dedicated space for studying and socializing; study abroad opportunities; and the best and brightest faculty give these high-achieving Business Titans the opportunity to experience the benefits of both a large and small business school. Business Honors offers students the opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse and driven community, facilitating belonging and success.

For the first time, the fall 2024 cohort of incoming Business Honors students will include transfer students from Southern California community colleges.

Among these incoming Business Honors transfer students will be Ashley Lee and Alexis Root, both transferring from Mt. San Antonio College, the junior college serving the Pomona Valley.

While Root is a traditional young adult student looking forward to starting a career for the first time, Lee has more than 15 years of experience in the business world and is returning to school as an adult reentry student.

Discover how the Business Honors Program will make a difference in these students’ life trajectories, and where they see themselves in years to come.

Ashley Lee: A Role Model and Achiever Plans for a New Chapter

During my career thus far in sales, marketing and entrepreneurship, one of the key highlights has been co-founding and running Innovative Wrap Inc., a car wrap shop in the City of Industry that is still thriving years into its operations.

This experience developed my skills in brand marketing, digital marketing, business development, and team management.

Prior to starting my own business, I had various work experiences, including as a sales consultant in a luxury jewelry store and as an outside sales representative for an industrial equipment manufacturer.

As a first-generation immigrant to the U.S., I have faced many challenges. And as a student-parent, I want to be a role model for my child.

Combined with my passion for business, these factors prompted me to continue my education at Cal State Fullerton.

However, my number one reason for going back to school at CSUF is my acceptance into the Business Honors Program, which is a perfect environment to achieve my goals of deepening my business knowledge, enhancing my interpersonal skills, and developing my leadership abilities.

During my two years in the Mt. San Antonio College Honors Program, I appreciated the smaller class sizes of about 15-20 students which allowed me to have more interaction with professors and engaging discussion sessions with fellow students, along with advisors and counselors for academic planning and transfer advice, which provided invaluable support toward my academic journey and preparing me to transfer to a four-year university.

For my four-year degree, I had offers from other UCs and Cal States, including UCLA and UC Irvine. I never thought I would choose Cal State Fullerton.

But when I spoke to the professors during Experience CSUF Day this past spring, I could see their passion for sharing valuable knowledge and skills to help students succeed, not just focusing on textbook theory. I was impressed by the campus and the College of Business and Economics, along with the clubs and activities.

At CSUF, you truly feel that you are being cared, respected, cherished, and valued, which I didn’t experience at other institution I considered transferring to.

The CSUF website and systems are user-friendly, unlike many other schools with difficult-to-navigate websites. When you call different departments at CSUF for assistance, there is always someone who will pick up the phone and be available to help, with almost no waiting time. Overall, the supportive environment at CSUF makes a significant difference in the student experience.

The Business Honors Program provides immense support to its students. My BH advisor, Samantha Lim, has been very patient and quick to respond to all my questions and concerns. You are truly cared for and valued by the program. The small BH classes specifically for you and your peers allow you to build strong connections through classes and BH events. Even the regular class sizes in the College of Business and Economics are much smaller than those at many other four-year institutions. Overall, I highly recommend Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics, and I believe everyone should consider being involved in Business Honors.

In coming years, I see myself continuing to grow professionally and expanding my business using the skills in brand marketing and business development I gain in college. The strong connections that CSUF has with local businesses will provide valuable industry insights and networking opportunities. I also hope to achieve an MBA degree.

I hope to set a great example for my child by demonstrating the importance of perseverance, education, and continuous personal and professional growth.

I’m so excited about the future and the endless possibilities that lie ahead!

Alexis Root: Prepping for a Human Resources Career

While attending Mt. San Antonio College, I grew both personally and academically.

One of the highlights of my time there was organizing community beach cleanups and hiking groups with friends I made there as well as in the community.

These activities helped share my love for the outdoors and the ocean and allowed me to bring together students from different backgrounds to share our passions. Through these efforts, I found a sense of community and contributed positively to the environment all while developing my leadership and organizational skills.

Another significant highlight was my involvement in that college’s Honors Program. This program pushed me to continue and strive for excellence which fueled my determination to succeed wherever I transferred.

Therefore, I am eager to continue being part of the Business Honors Program at Cal State Fullerton where I will pursue a concentration in human resource management.

I look forward to immersing myself in classroom environments that focus on my future career learning alongside students who share my passion for business. I am also excited to meet peers with diverse perspectives as I deeply appreciate connecting with others.

Beyond academics I am enthusiastic about getting involved in all that Cal State Fullerton has to offer, including continuing my community service efforts.

I hope to join a panhellenic sorority to further this commitment.

Being part of the Business Honors Program will help me achieve these aspirations by providing support, networking opportunities, and valuable advice.

Making an Impact Through Business Honors

When you support the Business Honors Program, whether as a speaker or supporter or financially, you are making an investment in the next generation of business and community leaders who will transform Southern California and prepare the region to face the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Current and prospective students and supporters of the program may learn more on the Business Honors web presence or through our articles on Business Honors.