“Through my involvement, I have been able to give back to the FSU community by providing the campus with great organizations which allow students to become involved and impact their community.”
“Aldo De La Paz has worked with the Hispanic community to create a viable community and foundation for Latinos at FSU,” said his nominator. As a first-generation student, Aldo came to FSU as a member of the FSU CARE Summer Bridge Program, and has been making an impact ever since. “I sought a university which would not only prepare me for the real world, but would also allow me to be the best I could be all-around.”
While at FSU, Aldo has taken full advantage of what the campus has to offer with regards to leadership opportunities and involvement. He served in numerous organizations including the Ambassadors of Multicultural Affairs, the Cuban American Student Association, and the Dominican Student Association. In 2008, Aldo became one of the founding brothers of the FSU Colony of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. — the oldest Latino fraternity in existence. “This provides Latinos with an organization that holds academic excellence, leadership, professionalism, and community service as some of our main pillars of excellence.”
He also serves as the 2009-2010 Director of the Hispanic/Latino Student Union, the second largest student Agency at FSU. “Through my involvement, I have been able to give back to the FSU community by providing the campus with great organizations which allow students to become involved and impact their community.” He has been recognized for his accomplishments, with receiving outstanding member of the Hispanic/Latino Student Union and won Committee of the Year for the agency. In 2008, Aldo was selected for the Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities Award for his leadership and involvement.
Also has also worked on several initiatives including the Latino Leadership Program which helps young Latino students gain skills from various leaders around campus in order to become the student leaders on campus. He is also investing in the next generation by serving as a mentor to the Dr. Antonia Pantoja Scholarship Program. This program allows young Latino high school students to visit FSU for a day and have a mentor to encourage them to attend college and better themselves and their families.
After graduating in Spring 2010 with a degree in Information Technology, Aldo plans to further his studies by seeking a Masters degree in Integrated Marketing Communication with a special focus on Digital Marketing. “My desire is to work in the Advertising/Public Relations/Marketing field of Technology, using this as a tool to reach various areas of the community and raise awareness about issues in our country. I believe everyone should take full advantage of the technology this Information Era has to offer.”
He plans to one day, open his own business and eventually start a non-profit organization which will take technology to less privileged areas of the world, such as Latin America. “I want to help Latinos and minority groups in the United States to realize and take advantage of the benefits technology can provide them.”