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Business Showcase

Events and Programs

The 2026 College of Business Showcase

The 2026 College of Business Showcase is our annual event honoring achievements, celebrating the success of our graduating students, and recognizing the impact of our business community. We proudly acknowledge our outstanding students, business and community leaders, as well as the dedicated donors and volunteers who support the College of Business.

This year's event was hosted at the University Center on the California State University, Monterey Bay campus on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m.

 

Outstanding Student Awards

Julia Ulm - Outstanding Student - MBA

Julia Ulm is a first-generation college graduate who earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, with a concentration in political science, communication, and sociology, from California State University, Stanislaus. She went on to earn her MBA in Responsible Business from California State University, Monterey Bay, where she was recognized for her leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to community impact.

Julia leads community engagement initiatives at the Port of Stockton and serves as the Assistant to the Deputy Port Director of Regulatory and Public Affairs. In this role, she supports strategic initiatives across environmental sustainability, government affairs, and public engagement.

During her graduate studies, Julia developed the Good Roots Collective, a community-based social enterprise that expands access to fresh produce in underserved neighborhoods, reduces agricultural waste, and strengthens partnerships between local organizations and industry.

She is passionate about advancing equitable and sustainable solutions and is committed to building a career centered on community-driven development, environmental stewardship, and responsible leadership.

 

Ben Meltzer - Outstanding Senior - BSSHTM

Ben Meltzer, B.S. Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management, is an outstanding student and exemplifies leadership, professionalism, and purpose-driven impact. As President of the CSUMB Hospitality Club, he has led student engagement initiatives and played a key role in executing the Hospitality & Tourism Career Fair.

His professional experience includes delivering exceptional VIP service at premier events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am through his work with the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and the Life Time Sea Otter Classic. Ben represents the very best of SHTM—bringing people together, elevating every experience, and leading with intention.

Alan Steingasser - Outstanding Senior - BSBA

Alan Steingasser, B.S. Business Administration, has built a strong interdisciplinary foundation, having earned four associate degrees with high honors in Business Administration, Economics, Communication & Analytical Thinking, and Natural Science. At commencement this May, Alan will add a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship to his academic achievements.

Blending analytical rigor with real-world execution, Alan has gained experience as a data analyst intern, developing dashboards and annual reports, and has also worked in forestry management, building a grounded understanding of environmental systems. As a cofounder of Seawise Systems, Alan is helping develop modular, solar-powered seaweed filtration units to address agricultural nutrient runoff, an innovative approach to sustainable water management. 

Driven by a focus on practical impact and scalable solutions, Alan plans to continue building ventures at the intersection of sustainability, infrastructure, and business after graduation. Outside of academics and entrepreneurship, Alan is known for a calm, analytical approach under pressure and a deep commitment to continuous growth.

 

Philip Tuffs - Outstanding Senior Award - BSA

Philip Tuffs, B.S. Accounting, is passionate about music, flight, and accounting. As a musician, Philip has showcased his talents through various platforms, including his five published albums that span multiple genres. Beyond his musical endeavors, he is also a licensed sailplane pilot, flying unpowered aircraft out of Hollister Airport. Through CSUMB, Philip has developed his passion for accounting and looks forward to moving into a career in public accounting. This spring, Philip is currently working with Hutchinson & Bloodgood LLP as a returning Tax Intern, and this fall intends to enter full-time public accounting work, specializing in tax, with a small to medium-sized public accounting firm based in the Monterey Bay area. 

 

Distinguished Graduating Student Recognition

  • Hugo Gutierrez
  • Jasmine Serratos-Esparza
  • Jack Deaner

 

Leadership Awards

Gary Tanimura, Tanimura & Antle - Outstanding Business Leadership Award

Gary Tanimura is a founding family member, Board Chair, and longtime Executive Vice President of Tanimura & Antle, an employee-owned produce company based in the Salinas Valley. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in guiding the company’s farming and production operations, grounded in a deep understanding of both the land and the people behind the work. Known for his humility, consistency, and respect for others, Mr. Tanimura exemplifies leadership built on trust, relationships, and long-term commitment. Beyond the company, his leadership of the Tanimura Family Foundation and support of educational initiatives have expanded opportunities for students and strengthened connections between industry and community.

Dan Green, KSBW - Community Leadership Award 

Dan Green is a veteran journalist and co-anchor of KSBW Action News 8, with more than 30 years of service in broadcast news. Beyond his distinguished career on air, he is widely recognized for his deep commitment to the community, helping raise millions of dollars for local nonprofit organizations. Known for pairing his voice with meaningful action, Mr. Green exemplifies community leadership through his ongoing dedication to service and impact.

We congratulate this year’s awardees and celebrate the strength of our College of Business community, made possible through the dedication of our students, faculty, and valued partners.

Event Archive

The 2025 College of Business Showcase, held on April 17th, was a special evening celebrating Capstone Teams, Outstanding Students and Faculty, Business and Community Leaders, and Donors who help support the College of Business.

Graduating students were invited to attend, courtesy of our generous table sponsors, and were honored with Kukui bead necklaces—a Hawaiian symbol of knowledge and enlightenment.

This year’s event featured a heartfelt tribute honoring Interim Dean Marylou Shockley for her exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and lasting impact on the College of Business community. Dean Shockley will retire on July 31 after years of inspiring and guiding students, faculty, and staff alike.

Click here to enjoy highlights from the 2025 College of Business Showcase!

Outstanding Student Awards

Dustin Vereker - Outstanding MBA Student 

Dustin, a San Diego native, holds a bachelor’s in Religious Studies from Westmont College and is completing his MBA in Responsible Business at CSUMB. After teaching English in Japan for 2.5 years, he settled in Santa Cruz in 2008. He worked at a school for children with Autism before co-founding Discretion Brewing in 2013. Over the past 13 years, he has focused on growing the company’s sales and distribution, which now makes up 84% of revenue and 75% of volume. Dustin is now seeking a new challenge—leading a company, business unit, or launching a venture where he can apply his MBA experience, passion for learning, and creative problem-solving to generate both economic and social value.

Cierra Verdone - Outstanding BSSHTM Student

Cierra began her college journey at Cabrillo College, where she excelled both academically and athletically as a member of the indoor and beach volleyball teams. After transferring to CSU Monterey Bay, she joined the track and field team, competing in the triple jump for two seasons. Cierra became Post Ranch Inn’s first hospitality intern, gaining valuable insight into the operations of a premier sustainable property. She went on to work at Pebble Beach, assisting guests and ensuring exceptional service during their stay. Today, she continues to grow her career as the Marketing and Promotions Specialist at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Cierra is deeply grateful for the support of her friends, family, and the CSUMB community throughout her journey.

Sara Cutrignelli - Outstanding BSBA Student

Sara Cutrignelli is an Accounting major and first-generation college graduate who has excelled academically while balancing full-time work and raising three children. As president of the Accounting Society at CSUMB, she led events that helped peers connect with top firms and prepare for careers in accounting. Her leadership contributed to firms like Hutchinson & Bloodgood and CliftonLarsonAllen hiring more CSUMB interns. Passionate about service, Sara founded the Therapeutic Beekeeping Program with the VA, offering veterans a healing space to grow and connect. The program’s success has drawn national attention and is expanding. This August, she will join CliftonLarsonAllen as she works toward becoming a CPA, continuing her commitment to both professional excellence and community impact.

Sarah Walter - Dean's Medalist

Sarah Walter is a Business Administration Major with concentrations in Accounting and Marketing. In her time at CSUMB, she has served as President of the Accounting Society, President of Theta Alpha Sigma Sorority, and Secretary of the Otter Student Union Board. She is most proud of her work fundraising for the Monterey Rape Crisis Center, and volunteering for G.I. Josie, an organization that supports women veterans experiencing PTSD.

Leadership Awards

Teddy Balestreri - Business Leadership Award

Theodore (Teddy) Balestreri is a dynamic business and community leader in Monterey, serving as Executive Vice President of Hospitality Operations and Community Relations for the Cannery Row Company, which employs 400 people. His diverse hospitality career spans foodservice, hotel and restaurant management, and kitchen product manufacturing. He oversees properties including The Inns of Monterey and several restaurants. Balestreri served as Chairman of the California Restaurant Association during COVID-19 and was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the state’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery. He has led multiple industry and local organizations and currently serves on several nonprofit boards. A graduate of Monterey Peninsula College and CSUMB, he was named the 2020 Hospitality Professional of the Year.

Chris Devers - Community Leadership Award

Chris grew up on a walnut farm in Visalia, CA.  He earned a BA from UCSB in Business Economics with an emphasis in accounting. Chris traveled extensively with Semester at Sea studying comparative economics in 13 countries.  He served as a legislative intern for Congressman Cal Dooley in Washington DC.  Chris served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia, South America and returned to Monterey CA where he attended the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) earning a MA in International Policy Studies.  Following MIIS Chris entered the field of education as a math teacher at Martin Luther King Middle School.  One year later he was recruited to work for the Monterey County Office of Education, Alternative Programs where he served for 18 years as a teacher, Principal, and Senior Director.   Chris developed and oversaw several schools and school programs throughout Monterey County to include court, community, and adult education programs.   Chris now serves as CEO of Rancho Cielo.  He is married to Joanna Devers and has two daughters, Sofia and Ariana Devers.   

Otter Awards

Patsy Tinsley McGill, Ph.D.

Murray R. Millson, Ph.D.

Marylou Shockley, Ph.D.

Mary Lou L. Shockley Faculty Fellow

Gary Schneider

Since joining Cal State Monterey Bay in 2016 and becoming the Accounting faculty lead in 2017, Gary has made an extraordinary impact on the College of Business through his teaching, research, mentorship, and service. A nationally recognized accounting educator, Gary has taught a wide range of courses—from auditing and managerial accounting to accounting ethics and electronic commerce.

Beyond the classroom, Gary is a tireless advocate for student success. He was a driving force behind launching CSUMB’s ongoing Accounting Networking Event, where students make invaluable connections with employers and graduate programs. He plays an instrumental role in helping CSUMB students connect with employers for internships and jobs, and is actively engaged in outreach to local high schools and community colleges, introducing students to the accounting profession and encouraging them to pursue their degrees at CSUMB.

With over 100 published research papers and 10 books in more than 60 editions and languages, Gary is a prolific scholar. His work has been widely recognized and funded, and he currently serves as co-editor of the AIS Educator Journal. The Mary L. Shockley Faculty Fellow Award recognizes Professor Gary Schneider as an outstanding educator, scholar, and champion for student success.