With support from AT&T, CSUMB launches Leadership Fellows

By Walter Ryce

Cal State Monterey Bay marked a historic moment as the university welcomed its inaugural cohort of Leadership Fellows, an exceptional group of students recognized not just for their academic potential, but for their resilience, service and courage while in high school.

Gathered just two days after move-in, on the outer steps of CSUMB’s Otter Student Union, 100 first-year Leadership Fellows were celebrated by university, AT&T and Seaside officials in a ceremony in which they received a scholarship from the university, and backpacks and refurbished laptops from AT&T and HUMAN-I-T. 

The students represented the diverse spirit of CSUMB, as recounted by Ben Corpus, vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, who singled some out to tell their stories:  

• One fellow became a caregiver for their mother, balancing school with family responsibilities, demonstrating resilience that textbooks can’t teach.
• A student athlete, sidelined by a concussion, continued to lead as team manager and captain, proving leadership is dedication, not a title.
• Another had the courage to found their school’s first Queer Student Alliance, turning vision into community.
• One more rose from working jobs since age 10 to becoming the No. 2 youth heavyweight boxer in the nation.

“These are not small things,” Corpus told the assembly. “These are defining things. And now, as Leadership Fellows, these students will take that same spirit of courage and service into our campus community.”

In her address, President Vanya Quiñones hailed the moment as “a proud new identity for our students and a historic step for CSUMB,” noting that Leadership Fellows will have opportunities to serve, network and lead across campus.

“AT&T’s generous investment…reflects the commitment that Cal State Monterey Bay has to our students and our region,” she said. 

Then she introduced former CSUMB Foundation Board chair, Dr. Bettye Saxon, Manager of External Affairs at AT&T, as a personal friend, a champion to students and one who “always had the university in your heart.”

Saxon told the audience that connectivity has become a key to opportunity, though millions of Americans still lack access to high-speed internet. 

“We remain focused on expanding our network, especially here in Monterey County, as we lower the barriers…and promote internet adoption,” she said. “Everyone here works very hard to ensure that the students at Cal State Monterey Bay are successful. So you are not alone…you have support.”

That assurance was reinforced by Seaside Mayor Ian Oglesby. 

“We’re here to support you because you are our future,” he told the students. “Seaside stands ready to assist [CSUMB] and all the new Otters coming on board.”

Seaside Councilmember Alexis Garcia-Arrazola then bestowed on Saxon a certificate of appreciation on behalf of Assemblymember Dawn Addis.  

After the event, the students were welcomed into the Otter Student Union to be issued their free backpacks and refurbished laptops, starting their first week on campus with a boost of positive support. 

For more information, go to the Leadership Fellows program webpage.