Alisa Gonzalez
Alisa Gonzalez, a sophomore biochemistry major and Smittcamp Family Honors College scholar, was named the University Student Volunteer of the Year. The annual award, which is presented by the Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning, includes a $1,500 scholarship for a Fresno State student who has made a difference in the community through exceptional gifts of time and talent.
Gonzalez is being honored for her unwavering commitment to community service across the Central Valley, where she has contributed about 100 hours to supporting underserved populations through a wide range of impactful volunteer efforts.
Gonzalez’s service work reflects her deep compassion and versatility. She has addressed food insecurity by serving meals at the Poverello House and supporting cultural awareness and nourishment efforts at the WAVS Dine & Discover event. Her commitment to children’s wellbeing is evident through her involvement at the Marjaree Mason Center and the 144th Fighter Wing Children’s Christmas Party, where she organized resources and activities to bring joy to local families during challenging times.
Demonstrating a passion for public safety and event coordination, Gonzalez volunteered at the Clovis Invitational Cross Country meet and the community Fall Fest. She also led a volunteer day at the Fresno Veterans Home, creating a welcoming space for those who have served the country.
She expanded her service into health care by volunteering at the Fresno Tzu Chi Mobile Clinic, where she assisted in providing vital dental care to underserved individuals.
Gonzalez said her dedication stems from a lifelong commitment to service, inspired by her family’s legacy in the U.S. Air Force — both parents have served, and her brother currently serves as an officer. Following in their footsteps, she plans to join the Air Force after graduation to further her impact on a national level. Her favorite quote is “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” by Helen Keller.
Beyond her volunteerism, Gonzalez maintains a 4.0 GPA, serves as a student leader at the Richter Center, and serves as vice president for Delta Epsilon Omicron honor society and as a Council of President’s Scholars representative.
During the 2023-24 academic year, more than 4,200 Fresno State students participated in 198 service-learning courses – helping the university provide over 1 million hours of service to the community for the 15th straight year.
(Story by Taylan Parker, Richter Center)
