Otter Strength Awards
This program is a new way for us to recognize our colleagues and peers who exemplify one of the nine core Cal State Monterey Bay values, and it is easy to nominate a staff, faculty, or MPP who exemplifies one of these values.
The nine values are:
- Student-centeredness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Creativity and Innovation
- Integrity, Accountability, and Mutual Respect
- Community and Belonging
- Service and Civic Engagement
- Sustainability
- Global Orientation
- Health and Wellness
Everyone who is nominated will receive an Otter Strength Award certificate via email and a sticker, with their manager and HR notified of the award. Those who are nominated will be eligible for random drawings throughout the year. Then, once a month, HR will select up to five Otters to be highlighted on the Otter Strength Awards program website and recognized in a new section of Inside CSUMB. HR will review all submissions and then will select those to be recognized at random.
To nominate a colleague and share how they regularly exemplify one of our nine core values, click the ‘Recognize an Otter’ button.
Otter Nominee Spotlight
Please note that the spotlight nominations represent only a fraction of the incredible nominations we received. Check out the randomly selected spotlight nominations for the month below.
This program is a new way for us to recognize our colleagues and peers who exemplify one of the nine core Cal State Monterey Bay values, and it is easy to nominate a staff, faculty, or MPP who exemplifies one of these values.
The nine values are:
- Student-centeredness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Creativity and Innovation
- Integrity, Accountability, and Mutual Respect
- Community and Belonging
- Service and Civic Engagement
- Sustainability
- Global Orientation
- Health and Wellness
Everyone who is nominated will receive an Otter Strength Award certificate via email and a sticker, with their manager and HR notified of the award. Those who are nominated will be eligible for random drawings throughout the year. Then, once a month, HR will select up to five Otters to be highlighted on the Otter Strength Awards program website and recognized in a new section of Inside CSUMB. HR will review all submissions and then will select those to be recognized at random.
To nominate a colleague and share how they regularly exemplify one of our nine core values, click the ‘Recognize an Otter’ button.
Otter Nominee Recognized By Recognized For Description Otter Title Otter Department Jose Pablo (J.P.) Dundore-Arias Nate Jue Student-centeredness J.P. is exemplary in so many of our CSUMB values, but his commitment and advocacy for students is truly exceptional. He works tirelessly to provide opportunities at an individual level through mentorship in his lab, at a course level through his impactful teaching practices, at programmatic level through his leadership of the AGPS program and at a University level for this work in the community and service to the University. He has been award numerous research grants that have supported student researchers, established broader programs at CSUMB that support student opportunities in research and professional experiences, developed new curricula, and is a consistent advocate for his students. J.P. is truly an example of Otter Strength. Associate Professor/Program Coordinator for AGPS Biology and Chemistry Olegario Fernandez Michal-Anne Miller Creativity and Innovation The FMD Team faced the challenge of transforming Mountain Hall Suite B101 into a functional and professional space for Student Cashiering, all within a tight timeline and with limited resources. Rising to the occasion, Ole and his team delivered outstanding results that exceeded expectations!
Ole’s innovative solutions played a pivotal role throughout the project. From repurposing materials to finding a solution to making the cashier cage secure from a safety perspective, his creativity and problem-solving were evident at every step. The finished space not only looks professional but also serves the needs of students and staff effectively.
Ole’s leadership and dedication ensured this project's success. We are incredibly grateful for his hard work and the FMD Team’s commitment to excellence.
Facilities Project Supervisor Plant Operations Crescenda Zuccaro Karen Myers-Bowman Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect Crescenda was an integral member of the Dean of CHSHS search committee. Her well-informed and thoughtful insights added an important perspective to the process. She brought a wealth of experience and an attitude of collaboration that helped this search come to a successful conclusion. I so appreciate Crescendas dedication and commitment to the college and university. Thank you for your contributions, Crescenda! You make CSUMB a better place. Administrative Analyst/Specialist Health Sciences & Human Services Alyssa Erikson Karen Myers-Bowman Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect Alyssa made an outstanding contribution to the search committee for the Dean of CHSHS. She was always prepared, added important perspectives and observations, maintained and fostered a positive approach during meetings, represented the College with professionalism and enthusiasm to the candidates, and was a delight to work with. Thank you, Alyssa, for your collaboration and positive attitude. You make a difference at CSUMB! Professor / Nursing Chair Nursing Otter Nominee Recognized By Recognized For Description Otter Title Otter Department Sarah Lasnik Jeff Cooper Student-centeredness Sarah provided exceptional leadership and service in support of a student emergency going above and beyond to support campus efforts and student and family needs. Associate Director of Residential Life Student Housing and Residential Life Terri Giroux Melanie Chavez Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect Terri has given her best effort to ensure our HMO Select health plan participants received all of the information and advocacy available, and has gone above and beyond in her many hours of phone calls, emails and letters to support the highly emotional employees. The ultimate result is positive and that is because she is paying attention, managing up, and taking each case as it comes. We are very lucky to have her support at this campus! Benefits Program Specialist Human Resources Henry Simpson Melanie Chavez Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect During recent weeks, Henry has been a trusted resource for managing sensitive information, he has provided helpful solutions, and he went above and beyond working late to make it happen. His consistency and integrity give me more confidence to perform my work, and I appreciate him being part of our Otter Raft. Interim Deputy Chief Information Officer and Information Security Officer Office of the CIO Tom Burns Jordan Leininger Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect I am pleased to recognize Tom for demonstrating exceptional Integrity, Accountability, and Mutual Respect regarding a critical project. Despite the last-minute nature of the task, Tom acted quickly and went above and beyond to ensure its success. Tom also took the time to personally guide me through using essential software, ensuring I was equipped for success. This level of dedication and support exemplifies the core values we hold dear, and I am grateful for Tom's outstanding contributions. Associate Director, Engagement Applications Technology Services & Ops Cheree Carvalho Melanie Chavez Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect Cheree has been engaged and proactive to ensure our HMO Select health plan participants received all of the information and advocacy available. As soon as she learned our options, she acted quickly to send the appropriate letter to CalPERS, talk to the system-wide team and keep pressing until we got results for our campus employees. She also ensured our employees were supported throughout the process, hosting drop in zoom information sessions, and providing empathy for highly emotional employees. The ultimate result is positive and that is because she is paying attention, being proactive, and transparent along the way. I was able to answer union questions with confidence and the local chapter president emailed me to say, "Thank you for your persistent advocacy." Cheree's leadership is an example of Culture of Care at CSUMB. Associate VP for Human Resources Human Resources Otter Nominee Recognized By Recognized For Description Otter Title Otter Department Denise Wineglass Kaci Turpin Student-centeredness Denise has taken on a project to support 6th graders visiting campus and the schools have provided little help. Throughout it all she has remained positive and works to creatively find solutions to issues that arise. It’s been challenging with paperwork, inclement weather and accommodations but she has done a fantastic job. Senior Director for Early Outreach and Support Programs Early Outreach & Support Pgms Lipika Deka Judith Canner Health and Wellness Lipika Deka cares so much about the well-being of others. The last few weeks I had to leave and take care of a family emergency. Lipika stepped in and made sure things ran smoothly and provide mechanisms for which I felt cared for while dealing with a hard situation. She is truly always concerned about the well-being of others. Professor Mathematics and Statistics Susan Mangan Amanda da Graca Creativity and Innovation Susan took on the Sr. Analyst role in addition to her original duties as the Alumni Relations Specialist, and has not only juggled both successfully, but exceeded her goal in the Day of Giving Campaign. She inspires me daily! Interim Sr. Analyst for Annual Giving University Advancement Scott Machado Jessica Carter Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect Scott Machado truly embodies the values of Integrity, Accountability, and Mutual Respect, making him a deserving recipient of the Otter Strength Award. His attention to detail, commitment to service, and genuine care for donors and colleagues are evident in all he does. Scott ensures a smooth and transparent process, provides thoughtful options, and prioritizes donor preferences while maintaining confidentiality. His professionalism and dedication strengthen donor trust and exemplify the very best of CSUMB. We are grateful for his outstanding work. Director of Advancement Services Advancement Services Suzanne Ocegura Anonymous Service and Civic Engagement One of the many benefits students have with UROC is the possibility to travel to national conferences to present their research -- Suzanne is the one that makes that happen. Throughout the year, Suzanne will work closely with students as they prepare for travel, booking flights and hotels, helping them feel confident about their trips. Many don't understand all the work required to ensure smooth travel; Suzanne is always happy to assist students, even after hours when occasionally students will come across issues checking in. We are very lucky to have her on our team. Undergraduate Research Administrative Analyst UROC Otter Nominee Recognized By Recognized For Description Otter Title Otter Department Jennifer Hinds Andrew Lawson Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect Jennifer has done an exceptional job providing support for seven executive level (Dean and AVP) searches this academic year. She has provided exceptional service to the committees; maintained very tight timelines that coordinated across multiple searches; communicated with grace and professionalism to candidates and committee members; and organized travel and campus logistics including open forums and feedback. All of this has been in addition to her regular duties. This exceptional work is deeply appreciated across the division. Administrative Assistant to the Provost & VP for Academic Affairs Office of the Provost Gryphon Jung Gemma Resendiz Student-centeredness Gryphon provided excellent support to the College of Science in preparation for Admitted Otter Day. From last minute changes to layout and providing solutions, Gryphon provides patient, friendly and professional assistance making him an amazing team member and leader. His dedication to supporting students, staff and faculty are clear in the service he provides. Thank you, Gryphon! Event Specialist University Affairs Ceremonies & Events Elizabeth Hayes Kaci Turpin Community and Belonging Elizabeth demonstrated Community and Belonging by leading a new team of Orientation Leaders at AOD and ATD with warmth, positivity, and dedication. She cultivated a welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring each new OL felt supported, valued, and empowered. Her thoughtful leadership created a cohesive team that was fully prepared to support incoming students. Elizabeth’s ability to build trust and a sense of belonging among her team directly impacted the overall success of orientation events, setting a strong foundation for students’ first experiences at CSUMB. Her commitment to student success and team building truly exemplifies Otter Strength. First Year Experience Coordinator New Student Programs Glenn Vagts Kaci Turpin Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect Glenn exemplified Integrity, Accountability, and Mutual Respect through his outstanding leadership of the Laborer team. He took initiative to enhance the planning, layout, and visual impact of major campus events, always leading by example. Glenn’s attention to detail and proactive communication ensured that each event met the highest standards of professionalism. His calm, dependable presence fostered a culture of mutual respect among his team and collaborators. Glenn's commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and student-centered service reflects the very best of CSUMB’s values. His leadership has made a visible and lasting impact on our campus environment. Associate Director of Logistical Services and Operations Facilities Management Department Joshelyn Martin Kaci Turpin Student-centeredness Joshelyn exemplifies Student-centeredness and Integrity through her outstanding organization and leadership in coordinating staff for housing showcases during AOD and ATD events. She carefully scheduled staff coverage across two major events, ensuring that every tour was staffed with knowledgeable, welcoming RA/housing staff. In addition to logistics, Joshelyn thoughtfully trained staff in advance, providing them with the tools and information needed to deliver excellent service to prospective students and their families. Her attention to detail, proactive communication, and commitment to creating a positive experience reflected her strong leadership. Joshelyn’s work significantly enhanced the success of these key recruitment events, especially ATD and Promontory tours. Assistant Director Residential Life Student Housing & Residential Life Jennifer Kato Tom Horvath Student-centeredness A little recognition for the amazing work you do with the AMSA students...exemplified most recently at Dinner with the Docs (but so much more). AMSA Advisor Biology & Chemistry Otter Nominee Recognized By Recognized For Description Otter Title Otter Department Julia Guzman Anonymous Student-centeredness These past few weeks, Julia has gone above and beyond in leading her team in occupancy management and supporting our students who have been on the waitlist for housing. She has worked with students, families, and campus partners to alleviate stress and provide ways for success for these students. Without her leading her team, there would be a lot of students who would still be feeling the stress and pressure they were under. Coordinator for Occupancy Management Student Housing and Residence Life Josh Harrower Melanie Chavez Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect Josh Harrower demonstrated compassion, respect, and embodied our campus' culture of care in facilitating the packing and transfer of personal items of our dearly departed Jene Harris for her son to pick up. His availability, humility to help, and kind words were appreciated by her son, and I was a witness to our Otter Raft being held by Josh. Chair, Department of Education and Leadership Education & Leadership Nicole Christofides Kendall Emerick Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect Nicole was a tremendous help during our commencement preparations! From helping Matt and I tackle staffing logistics for the gates to ensuring every detail was accounted for, her support was absolutely invaluable. She brought a positive, friendly, and professional attitude to every step of the process. Her commitment and dedication played a key role in making the event a success, and her efforts didn't go unnoticed. All the hard work you do is truly appreciated! Administrative Support & Event Coordinator UACE Katherine Caballero Maddison Burton Student-centeredness Thank you for spearheading the eggs after dark event. The creativity, energy and thoughtfulness supports our student-centeredness goal. SHRL Programming Board Coordinator Student Housing and Residence Life Myrsha Garcia Jennifer Hinds Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect There is not enough room in this form to recognize all the work that Myrsha does. Myrsha has shown tremendous Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect this past year with the planning and execution of the 2025 Commencement ceremony.
Myrsha manages to do the little logistical details for commencement that most of us seem to forget all while doing her regular job duties. Each year the commencement ceremony is such a success because of Myrsha and the mutual respect she gives to colleagues across campus that collaborate with us for this event. I know I can always count of Myrsha to get a task done with such professionalism. During a high stress event like commencement, Myrsha is always there to uplift the staff, faculty, families and graduates and she keeps the energy up for everyone.
Myrsha's consistent excellence and commitment make her an indispensable partner in the Provost office and she is a true asset to CSUMB.
Administrative Support Coordinator Provost & VP Academic Affairs Otter Nominee Recognized By Recognized For Description Otter Title Otter Department Stacey Hadland Jordan Leininger Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect 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.
Associate Director of Campus Planning Planning Design & Construction Flavia Calusdian Phyllis Grillo Creativity and Innovation Flavia was extremely creative and innovative by using the IT update system to help me locate "missing" laptops used at commencement that belonged to another department. She then went on to update the laptops before they were re-deployed for Orientation, ensuring they would work to the best of their abilities. But she took it a step further and renamed the laptops in the system, so they would be easier to identify in the future. She did all this in the middle of a busy day and while multitasking with already identified work. IT Systems/Services Consultant Technology Services & Ops Kaci Turpin Glenn Vagts Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect 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.
Director of New Student Programs New Student Programming