Outstanding Graduate: Lexi Effron, L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Named L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management’s Outstanding Student

by Gabriela Romero

May 17, 2021

Lexi Effron entered college with the desire to help make an impact on the world. Delving deeper into her hospitality studies, this goal evolved into wanting to encourage the connection between the customer experience and service to the environment.

“I went in thinking I’d be a boutique director at a hotel and was exposed to other facets of the hospitality industry while traveling to Hawaii, Atlanta, and studying abroad in Amsterdam. I was directly impacted by people who have a passion for people and their authenticity. The faculty and staff in the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality exposed me to roles within hotel development that jump-started my desire to combine renewable energy development with hotel operations,” Effron says.

Effron’s passion for hospitality is reflected by numerous scholarships she’s earned: CHLA (California Hotel & Lodging Association) in 2019 and 2020, AHLA (American Hotel& Lodging Association) in 2020, NEWH (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality) Scholarship Winner in 2020, and the SDSU A.S. Study Abroad scholarship. She's been on the Dean’s List from 2017 - 2020.

Effron’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her realization that there is no certainty in life.

The light at the end of the pandemic tunnel has “inspired me to return to San Diego, receive Summa Cum Laude recognition, and identify a job that inspires me,” Effron says.

Offering her insights to incoming SDSU freshman, Effron says to “celebrate the accomplishments as they come. You’ve made it here! Take time to feel the energy within Viejas Stadium, network and interact with students in the various student organizations, reflect at turtle pond, and go experience sundown at Sunset Cliffs. You worked extremely hard to have the opportunity to become a freshman at this esteemed school, take advantage of every opportunity that is available to you.”

The content within this article has been edited by Lizbeth Persons.

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