Alexander Villanueva '25

Alexander Villanueva '25
Major: Psychology
Involvements: Entrepreneurship Society, Latinx Business Association, Crimson Consultant Group, First To Go Program

For Alexander Villanueva ’25, coming to Loyola Marymount University as a first-generation college student meant stepping into the unknown and deciding that he was going to make the most of it. “I initially found out about LMU through my college counselor. She's an LMU alumni as well,” he says. “I think the main thing was the sense of strong community and the tight knit bond that professors and students build over time.”

While Villanueva's focus was always academics, especially building a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, he also found his voice and his rhythm through his involvement in student organizations like Crimson Consultant Group, Latinx Business Association, and the First To Go program. Whether it was attending events, finding a support system, or quietly learning from peers who shared his experiences, those communities played a meaningful role in his journey.

“I wanted to really make the most of the four years that I am here as a student,” he shared. “I noticed really early on that getting involved is actually one of the main key differentiators of the experience that you have on campus.”

That sense of belonging fueled his drive. “I think I've helped myself be resilient by helping other people and putting people first,” Villaneuva says. Through his academic work, he discovered his own leadership style, one that was grounded and goal oriented. “No matter if it's a class or a meeting, always try to leave with the ‘So what?’ from it,” he reflects. “You always have that one statement of ‘How does this connect to my life?’ or ‘How does this connect to my world?’”

Now, as he prepares to graduate, Villaneuva says his experience at LMU can be summed up in one word: “Camaraderie.” He reflected on the last four years and the persistent feeling of peers looking out for you and the culture that is cultivated on campus. “You’re growing together, you’re building together.”

He connects his growth most closely with the Commitment to Service and Justice pillar, because “At the core, I think that's something that I aspire to commit to, is serving others.”

He’s headed to work with a software development company, with a sense of pride not only in his accomplishments but in the legacy he’s leaving behind. Someone who showed up, worked hard, and made a difference.

“Thank you, for changing my life, to have confidence that I'm ready for what's next, and to take everything that we've been able to learn.” Because, as he’s learned, success isn’t about how much you do, it’s about how deeply you commit to what matters.