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
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- 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.
Otter Nominee Recognized By Recognized For Description Otter Title Otter Department Tiffany Grau Robert Cubillas Creativity and Innovation Tiffany consistently makes herself available to assist anyone and everyone. Her exceptional ability to think divergently and generate novel solutions sets her apart from the rest. She is frequently engaged in designing and developing dynamic, user-friendly templates not only for our department but also for various other departments. Tiffany's creativity, innovation, and sharp problem-solving skills contribute significantly to the success of our projects. Moreover, her willingness, positive outlook, and patience serve as exemplary qualities that enhance the overall collaborative environment. Senior Budget Analyst Budget Office Robyn DoCanto Jennifer Berberian Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Robyn goes above and beyond to make sure no student at CSUMB goes hungry. Robyn is also inclusive to all students; making sure no group is left out. Robyn made sure that the Hub offers sensory hours for Otters who shop best under those circumstances. Robyn encourages all students to come to the Hub. She has made the Hub a welcoming space for ALL CSUMB students and her hard work and compassion deserves to be recognized. Basic Needs Program Coordinator Student Services Haven Brearton Vanessa Gonzales Service & Civic Engagement Ms. Brearton is a dedicated & formally designated lead volunteer for the Kindness Closet, a local community-serving nonprofit providing gently used clothes to Monterey County residents. She also serves as a Board Member for All In Monterey County, working together with The Food Bank for Monterey County and Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Making it possible to provide our community with essential needs such as groceries, personal hygiene items, clothes, household items, and most importantly kindness.
Ms. Brearton also founded and maintains Otter Bites, a food pantry in Ocean Hall offering groceries to food-insecure students / staff / faculty. Her quiet leadership is an inspiration to the CSUMB community!
Staff - Administrative Support Coordinator II Health, Human Services and Public Policy Maria Gurrola Renie Rondon-Jackson Student-centeredness Dr. Gurrola demonstrates her student-centeredness by her unending support of the students in the program. She advertises her "open-door" policy and that is not just talk. Dr. Gurrola makes every attempt to attend all student lead events. Last and certainly not least, Dr. Gurrola is always on the hunt for grants to support students' scholarship. Her goal is for 100% of our students to leave our program debt free. Professor
Department Chair AY
Social Work Gloria Panuco Torres Dan Burfeind Integrity, Accountability and Mutual Respect I am thrilled to nominate Gloria for the College Values Recognition Award, a colleague whose unwavering commitment to Integrity, Accountability, and Mutual Respect has significantly enriched our Raft. As a role model for her students, Gloria's dedication and hard work serve as a source of inspiration, fostering an environment where both colleagues and students thrive. She embodies the values of Integrity, demonstrating honesty and ethical conduct in every endeavor. Gloria's accountability is evident in her proactive approach to responsibilities, ensuring the successful completion of tasks that benefit us all. Moreover, her profound commitment to Mutual Respect creates a sense of unity, making her the glue that connects us and keeps our focus firmly on the students. Her impact on our campus is undeniable, and her contributions resonate with the core values that define our institution. SELD-Office and Service Analyst Student Engagement & Leadership Development