Classified Senate Honors Gilberto Valencia as 2024 Spring Recognition Award Recipient
Fullerton College’s Classified Senate recently named Cadena Cultural Center Coordinator, Gilberto Valencia, recipient of the 2024 Spring Recognition Award.
Since joining Fullerton College in 2019, Valencia has successfully coordinated crucial projects including recognition of major heritage months on campus and support for the Grads to Be Program, the LGBTQIA2S+ Resource Program and the Umoja Community. He also serves as a resource to the Office of Student Development and Engagement with his expertise in budgeting, purchasing and student engagement. Additionally, he has coordinated two of Fullerton College’s longest standing traditions, Día de los Muertos and the recent, and highly acclaimed KinderCaminata.
Valencia graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a bachelor’s degree in public administration and a minor in political science. He also holds a Master of Arts in higher education and student affairs from the University of Connecticut. Before arriving at Fullerton College, he worked in the non-profit space, leading case management, academic, social and emotional support efforts for at-risk youth in the cities of Anaheim and Santa Ana. With a big heart and passion for servitude, Valencia has truly given it his all everywhere he goes.
“Gilberto is the person I know I can rely on to get things done because he is an incredibly responsible leader, a team player and genuinely a good person,“ said Dr. Connie Moreno Yamashiro, director of the Cadena Cultural Center. “There can be a seriousness to our important work since we are always championing for our BIPOC students, but it is equally important for him to keep the work environment fun and lighthearted because he cares about fostering a healthy work environment. Working alongside Gilberto, I know our students, the team and the hornet family will be genuinely cared for on campus.”
Valencia was honored at Classified Senate’s Annual Spring Luau for classified professionals on April 24. An annual event, the Spring Luau welcomes all classified staff on campus for food, celebration and community. The event also announces the Spring Recognition Award recipient, an accolade given to a nominated classified staff member each year.
“I am truly honored and humbled to have been nominated by my colleagues and to have been selected by Classified Senate. I take great pride in coming to work daily and giving back to the community where I grew up. I love being part of the hornet family and serving as a resource across the campus.” said Valencia.
Thank you, Gilberto Valencia, for positively impacting the lives of our students, colleagues and future generations.
