Environmental science and policy student named 2012 Udall Scholar

Angel Flores ’13, an environmental science and policy major who also helps with his family recycling business and is a member of the cross country team, has been named a 2012 Udall Scholar by the Udall Foundation.

In addition to the $5,000 scholarship for his senior year, Flores will attend a four-day Udall Foundation program in August in Arizona, where the scholars will receive their awards and meet with policymakers and community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care and governance.

“It’s a great honor to be one of the students chosen in the entire U.S.,” Flores said. “I will get to learn about what they’re doing in their state and exchange ideas and build relationships with the Udall family.”

This latest honor is one of many achievements for the first-generation college student.  As a freshman, Flores was one of five students to win an award from the Dean of Students’ Office for his impact on campus. In addition to his studies, he is a resident adviser in his residence hall, active in campus sustainability programs and mentors students at Chapman as well as at Century High School.

Flores said he was particularly grateful to the Chapman scholarship committee that nominated him for the award and the faculty members who wrote letters of recommendation on his behalf.

The Udall Foundation selected 80 students from 70 colleges and universities for this year’s class, out of a pool of 585 candidates from 274 colleges and universities. A 14-member independent review committee selected this year’s group of Udall Scholars on the basis of commitment to careers in the environment, health care or tribal public policy; leadership potential; and academic achievement.