College of Business

 

Outstanding Senior MBA Student

Dustin Vereker

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.

 

Outstanding BSSHTM Student

Cierra Verdone

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.

 

Outstanding BSBA Student Award

Sara Cutrignelli

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.

Dean's Medalist

Sarah Walter

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.

Business Leadership Award

Teddy Balestreri

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.

Community Leadership Award

Chris Devers

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.   

Patsy Tinsley McGill, Ph.D.

 

Marylou Shockley, Ph.D.

Mary L. Shockley Faculty Fellow Award

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.