The College of Engineering & Computer Science shares a devoted development team with the College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics. On March 13, 2023, the team welcomed a new member to bolster its capabilities: Alex Choperena, new associate director of development for ECS and NSM.
The Value of Equitable Education & STEM
With a background in STEM, Choperena has had a notable career journey so far that includes over five years of fundraising experience and successful campaigns for the Orangewood Foundation and Samueli Academy. He spent part of his adolescence in Southern California, so he was already familiar with CSUF’s high-quality educational offerings and research opportunities when deciding the next steps for his career.
“I’m always drawn to organizations that provide opportunity and access to those who seek it,” Choperena says. “CSUF is a terrific example of providing this equity in higher learning by offering world-class education that’s accessible to all.”
Beyond equity, supporting students studying STEM-related fields also appealed to Choperena. “STEM is a fantastic path that has a tangible impact on the world,” he says. “It opens doors to opportunities that haven’t even been thought of yet.”
Building Relationships for Long-Term Success
Choperena will work with college supporters to develop future-focused academic programs and enhance the impact of existing ones.
“At the end of the day, I see myself as a relationship builder,” Choperena says. “I get to learn about what drives our donors – how they think about science, what collegiate experiences impacted them, and what areas they’re passionate about – and connect it to the current and aspirational work of our colleges.”
Deepening current supporter relationships isn’t Choperena’s sole focus. One of his long-term goals is to reconnect alumni with the colleges.
“CSUF is a terrific example of providing this equity in higher learning by offering world-class education that’s accessible to all.”
Alex Choperena, associate director of development for ECS and NSM
“Our alumni offer valuable perspectives and experiences,” Choperena says. “Each of them is excited about some aspect of the academic experience, something they feel could make a difference. I love hearing about those passions and being a conduit to help realize supporters’ visions.”
He continues, “The general upside-downness of the last few years has meant that many people have lost touch with each other, particularly alumni who graduated in the last decade. That group is rapidly advancing in their fields and could bring powerful energy and inspiration to our students.”
Choperena also hopes to engage more corporate partners to enhance the project-based learning happening in ECS, saying, “Our students can provide terrific value for these partners, and partner support would directly contribute to hands-on learning opportunities.”
Developing Promising Futures
Choperena’s passion for making real connections with those around him makes him well-suited for his role. “The development team here is so collaborative,” he notes. “We get to work with figures in and out of the University to create game-changing opportunities for students and fulfill supporters’ visions.”
Michael Karg, executive director of development for ECS and NSM, says, “Alex brings years of fundraising, development, and nonprofit experience that will inform our strategies and strengthen our team. We’re delighted to welcome him to the University and look forward to a bright, successful future for both colleges.”
Interested in supporting ECS students? Reach out to Choperena at achoperena@fullerton.edu.
