Otter Strength Awards

Talia is not just the glue of FMD. She is the heart and the glue that keeps the department flowing. While the trades respond to emergencies, dispatch keeps communication moving, and logistics supports the campus community, Talia is the constant that keeps everything in order. From ensuring our trades are properly outfitted for safe work, to keeping staff paid, calendars current, supplies stocked, and career development scheduled, her impact touches every corner of the department.

In a very short time, Talia has grown far beyond the scope of her official title. She has taken ownership of critical systems, most notably revamping and implementing a more efficient attendance process that has greatly improved our operations. Her patience, consistency, and follow through have been essential as FMD continues to grow and onboard new team members.

Beyond the operational side, Talia brings care and thoughtfulness to the human side of our department. Whether organizing department activities, supporting mental health presentations, or coordinating birthday and baby showers, she consistently goes the extra mile. It is these small but meaningful efforts that make FMD a truly enjoyable place to work, and Talia is a major reason for that.

Thank you, Talia, for everything you do and for the positive impact you have on our department and our people.

I would like to nominate Aimee for the vital role she fills in supporting campus operations and serving as a key voice between the campus community and FMD. Aimee plays an essential role in helping turn the dreams and visions of our Otter community into actionable plans. She does an exceptional job of taking ideas and putting them to paper in a way that allows them to move forward toward execution.

Even while navigating financial limitations and operational constraints, Aimee consistently approaches her work with professionalism, patience, and a positive attitude. Her steady and consistent demeanor makes what often seems impossible become possible, though this effort frequently goes unnoticed. In addition to developing project visions, she serves as a primary liaison between campus partners and the facilities team, handling this responsibility with grace and care.

Aimee’s energy, even keel approach, and reliability are qualities I deeply admire and learn from on a regular basis. Aimee, thank you for your dedication and for bringing the campus vision together. You truly are an army of one, and your consistency, kindness, professionalism, effort, and wisdom do not go unrecognized. You are genuinely appreciated for everything you do.

I would like to acknowledge Mr. Scott Morinini for the excellent work he has put forward throughout the year. Scott has grown leaps and bounds over the past year, stepping confidently into the very important role of metal worker. He is genuinely one of the kindest Otters we have on campus, and his presence helps keep our raft strong, especially within FMD.

Scott’s craftsmanship and ingenuity play a critical role within the department, creating significant cost savings and operational flexibility that greatly benefit the team. Beyond the high quality of work he produces, Scott is consistently a pleasure to work with. His grounded, honest personality is refreshing and often exactly what is needed during challenging times.

Scottie, I truly appreciate your hard work, your great heart, and the growth you have shown as a tradesman. Your move into the metal shop is well deserved. Cheers, and thank you for everything that you do.

I want to recognize Carrie for the outstanding way she supported a campus community member during a recent Zoom session on Concur. Her calm demeanor and remarkable patience turned what could have been a stressful interaction into a positive experience.

Carrie guided the stakeholder with reassurance, encouraged them to keep trying the new travel system, and successfully de-escalated the situation. Thanks to her supportive approach, the meeting ended on a high note.

I’m proud of Carrie for her positive attitude and initiative in helping make travel easier for our campus as we onboard this new platform. She truly models excellence in customer service and collaboration.

I am honored to recognize Efrain Tevez for his outstanding contributions to FMD. His dedication, reliability, and exceptional work ethic have made him an integral part of our team and a key reason for our department’s success in serving the CSUMB community.

Efrain consistently goes above and beyond in his role, frequently serving as one of the first responders to plumbing emergencies on campus. In these high-pressure situations, he demonstrates not only technical expertise but also a calm, professional demeanor that reassures those around him. His positive energy and commitment to excellent customer service are evident in every task he takes on, making him a trusted and respected presence across campus.

Many of our campus partners have gone out of their way to praise Efrain’s responsiveness, professionalism, and quality of work. These acknowledgments are a testament to the value he brings to both our department and to the university as a whole. His efforts reflect the best of what FMD strives to provide: reliable service, strong teamwork, and a student-first mindset.

Efrain is truly a gem within our department, and his contributions strengthen CSUMB every day. On behalf of Facilities Management & Development, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Efrain for his hard work, his unwavering commitment, and the pride he takes in serving our campus.

Thank you, Efrain, for all that you do. You are an invaluable part of our success.

Ken has utilized admirable ingenuity and initiative to meaningfully improve Student Employment at CSUMB.

The years 2024 and 2025 have brought numerous challenges and concerns to our campus. Whether navigating evolving state and federal laws, regulations, or policies, Aaron has consistently supported the Office of Community and Belonging and the Cultural Heritage Office through each development.

Aaron’s support, understanding, and compassion have been critical in implementing and ensuring compliance with complex legal and policy requirements. His steady guidance has provided a sense of stability during times of uncertainty.

Through his unwavering Integrity, Accountability, and Mutual Respect, Aaron has proven to be an exceptional ally and someone who genuinely cares about his employees, colleagues, and the broader campus community. His contributions truly exemplify the spirit of the Otter Strength Award.

During our very first meeting, Stacey demonstrated a deep understanding of and empathy for the sensitive and complex work our office oversees. She came prepared with ideas, approached the work with care, and respected both the challenges and responsibilities we face. Within hours of our initial conversation, she identified a thoughtful solution and executed it with precision and professionalism.

Thanks to Stacey’s unwavering Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect, our campus remains in compliance with critical state and federal regulations—while upholding the dignity and care such work requires.

Kaci consistently showcases an amazing work ethic, dedication, and a collaborative spirit in everything she participates in. She plays a vital role in CSUMB’s success with student enrollment and engagement and is a natural leader who brings calm and steadiness when deadlines approach and crunch time begins.

Kaci has also built a strong culture within her department, helping to develop student leaders who are engaged, mature, and welcoming, creating an inviting environment for both prospective and current Otters. Throughout her time in this role, she has worked closely with the Facilities Logistics team to streamline event processes, layouts, and scheduling, allowing events to keep pace with rising enrollment as the institution continues to grow and events become more intricate.

Her good character, teamwork, positive energy, and ability to adapt on the fly make Kaci a joy to work with and a true role model for our student Otters.