Dean’s Medal students showcase CSUMB excellence

By Caitlin Fillmore

In keeping with commencement season tradition, five exceptional students will be honored with Cal State  Monterey Bay’s Dean’s Medals. Recipients represent each of the university’s colleges and must achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have contributed to the university through their innovative ideas and leadership skills.

Reina Yorba-Rico was named the Dean's Medal recipient for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Throughout her time at CSUMB, Yorba-Rico repeatedly demonstrated dedication to her peers and their academic success. 

The liberal studies and psychology major was active as a peer mentor for the College of Education and TRIO Student Support Services, where she managed a caseload of 34 students. Yorba-Rico also organized informal advisory sessions for students interested in highly competitive programs she herself got into, such as the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, the McNair Scholars Program and the Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Program. 

Yorba-Rico also excelled in her chosen field, working as the lead undergraduate research assistant in the Applied and Basic Cognition Laboratory. She plans to pursue a doctorate in psychology, focusing on language, cognition and educational equity. 

Philip Gianino is the College of Business medalist. A business administration major, he is being recognized for his strong academic performance and intellectual curiosity. 

Gianino participated in several organizations on campus, serving as the treasurer and chair of the Otter Student Union’s Board of Directors and assisting with events, such as Monte’s 5K, the Spray Away Stress event and campus art installations. He also volunteers to talk about accounting careers with students at Seaside High School.

Gianino’s leadership was also recognized by the City of Monterey Parks and Recreation Department, where he was praised for his professionalism. He plans to earn his MBA at CSUMB.

The College of Education selected Piper Ellison as its 2026 Dean's Medal recipient. 

While at CSUMB, Ellison has made her mark as an Associated Students Senator for the College of Education. In this role, she showed genuine interest and concern for the complex lives of her fellow students. Ellison led a book drive for CSUMB students with children, gathering 850 books that were donated during the holidays. 

Her dedication to service and equity extends beyond the classroom. As a unit leader at the YMCA, she helps manage campers and develop curriculum for this youth-focused charity.

A liberal studies major, Ellison is graduating summa cum laude and is pursuing her teaching credential.

Christian Macalincag is the Dean’s Medal recipient for the College of Science. The biology major’s goal is to become a physician assistant working in family medicine. 

Macalincag completed undergraduate research with the Applied and Basic Cognition Lab under the mentorship of Assistant Professor Renee Penalver and was selected as a Summer Education Research Program scholar at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Macalincag, who is also a McNair Scholar, gave back to his fellow students by hosting regular study sessions on challenging topics, such as organic chemistry. 

While a student, he focused on opportunities to serve his campus community that reflected his strengths and personal identity. He was a board member for the Asian Pacific Islander Association, a TRIO peer mentor and a resident advisor for North Quad.

Gerson Orellana Prudencio was recognized by the College of Health Sciences and Human Services for his leadership and advocacy while a student at CSUMB.

Orellana served as Associated Students senator, representing the College of Health Sciences and Human Services, the Dean’s Student Advisory Committee and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He also represented CSUMB’s student interests on a statewide platform through the Cal State Student Association.

The collaborative health and human services major also helped establish El Centro, the Latine success center. As a founding student of El Centro, he helped identify the need for the organization and develop a sustainable, culturally affirming space for Latine students. After graduation, Orellana plans to work in public health policy or public administration.