Staff Council Staff Awards
Staff Awards recognize six outstanding individuals for their contributions and dedication to CSUMB. These awards celebrate the incredible impact of our staff, with most of them including a monetary prize. All employees affiliated with CSUMB (including MPPs) are eligible to nominate staff. Awards are sponsored by the Office of the President.
Terri Giroux
Outstanding Staff of the Year Award
This award is presented to an exemplary staff member who has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, dedication, and contributions to the mission and values of CSUMB.
Terri was nominated by Barbara Zanger Zuniga, who noted, “Terri is consistently reliable, generally cheerful about dealing with the mundane details of core benefits policies, and they always respond promptly with a helpful answer or redirect me to the appropriate office. Even during Open Enrollment, they still respond quickly and politely, often sorting out complicated and nuanced policy distinctions in a way that is easily understandable. Terri deserves the recognition for the critical and reliable work they consistently do at CSUMB. I am sure you have many outstanding staff on this campus who are deserving of recognition, probably many of them have much higher-level positions. But, it is really helpful when working at CSUMB to have a staff person who is there to respond to questions about benefits so that we can focus on (in my case) teaching and not spend a lot of time dealing with many benefits matters.
Outstanding Staff of the Year Nominees
- Gryphon Jung
- Cece Chavez Lopez
- Alex Westerlund
- Christina "Chrissy" Lofgren-Smith
- Gloria Panuco Torres
- Natasha Oehlman
- Nicholas Nechay
- Jennifer Hinds
- Jessica Bautista
- Terri Giroux
- Joshelyn Martin
- Kimberly Jassowski
Sophia Vicuña
Outstanding Staff of the Year Award
This award honors a CSUMB staff member who has worked for the University for more than 10 years and has continually displayed a commitment to excellent service to the campus community.
Sophia was nominated by quite a few folks, including Dennis Kombe, Megan Sulsberger, Kelley Ross, Kayce Mastrup, Alyssa Sayavedra, Corin Slown, and Shawna Gannon, which is a testament to Sophia's impact.
Those who nominated Sophia said, “In Sophia's 20+ years at CSUMB, she has consistently taken the initiative to improve the university, collaborating across departments, leading projects to improve campus life, such as spearheading the MakerSpace. Sophia has successfully obtained nearly $9 million in Teacher Quality Partnership grants, providing scholarships and teaching opportunities that align with our values of student-centeredness, DEI, and service and civic engagements. Sophia has demonstrated resilience and a positive perspective, tackling challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students, staff and faculty. Sophia consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that our students feel supported, heard, and empowered. We are very fortunate that they chose to make this community theirs.”
Distinguished Service Award Nominees
- Christina McKnew
- Fernanda Vazquez
- Giselle Young
- Glenn Vagts
- Jessica Herrera
- Monica Soto
- Natasha Oehlman
- Shawna Gannon
- Sophia Vicuña
- Vânia Silveria
Alana Sabatte
Otter Spirit Award
The Otter Spirit Award honors a CSUMB staff member who has contributed to fostering a positive and enthusiastic campus environment by displaying exceptional Otter spirit and pride.
Nominator Nadia Milukhin had this to say about Alana, “If you look up CSUMB staff pride in Wikipedia, there you will find the name of our award recipient. They are the quintessential staff member full of Otter Pride! They actively volunteer, recruit, and participate in CSUMB events by demonstrating dedication to enhancing the campus community. They express passion and pride for working here every day, all day. They support our athletic teams by not only attending events, but encouraging others to attend as well. They embody our mission, vision, and values and always maintain a positive outlook, inspiring others to get into the spirit! They represent CSUMB positively in interactions with others, serving as an unofficial ambassador for school spirit and pride (even recruiting students while on vacation or visiting friends).”
Otter Spirit Award Nominees
- Elizabeth Hayes
- Joanna Iwata
- Sydney Ontiveros
- Elizabeth Hayes
- Cecelia Chavez Lopez
- Lindsay Wetzel Polin
- Alana Sabatte
- Chris Ho
- Robyn DoCanto
- Gryphon Jung
- Yesenia Gonzalez
Karen Uribe
Superior Customer Service Award
The Superior Customer Service Award honors a CSUMB staff member who has consistently displayed exceptional customer service.
Nominator, Elise Dixon, highlights these details about Karen:
“In their role, our award recipient has been providing exceptional customer service, kindness, and empathy to our students for nearly twenty years. Having joined the Otter Raft as an undergrad student, they joined the Cooperative Learning Center team as a front desk employee. From there, because of their commitment to student success and to making sure that all students who enter our doors are seen and honored for their whole selves, they advanced into this permanent position in 2018. In addition to providing the first caring and kind interaction that students experience, they are deeply attuned to and are often the brains behind the fine-tuned details of our center. The Center had nearly 5,000 visits in Fall 2024 alone, and they likely interacted with nearly every single one of them. They provide guidance and support for our services to students, staff, and faculty alike with unwavering kindness, positivity, and empathy. They also frequently single-handedly plan events from start to finish and handle our tabling events, making a great first impression. They have told me more than once that they feel every interaction they have in the CLC is high-stakes because it could be the difference between a student coming back for support and perhaps even succeeding in school. I can’t think of anyone more deserving, they are the rock that holds the CLC together.”
Superior Customer Service Award Nominees
- Wynter Nichols
- Karen Uribe
- Amy Marbach
- Margie Reyes
- Priscilla Angulo
- Michelle Balderas
- Lupe Cabeca
- Yesenia Gonzalez
- Gryphon Jung
- Stephanie Ramirez-Alvarez
- Ariel Shepard
- Jessica Valdez-Schulz
- Gryphon Jung
- David Bennett
- Nelson Ramirez
- Jonathan Tamashiro
Ken Janisch
Critical Employee Award
The Critical Employee Award honors a CSUMB staff member who has excelled behind the scenes to support our campus.
This awardee was nominated by Giselle Young, Nicole Janisch, and Gerry Rapacon, who shared these words:
“Throughout his tenure, Ken has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill, and resilience, particularly during challenging times. During recent critical periods, Ken has gone above and beyond their regular duties to ensure the smooth operation and the success of services to campus. His ability to remain calm under pressure, coupled with his innovative problem-solving skills, has been invaluable to our organization. One notable example of Ken's contributions was during a campus-wide layoff of his coworker (leaving the department at 1), despite the lack of help, Ken has consistently offered assistance and guidance. Ken consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and transparency with campus stakeholders, greatly enhancing communication and collaboration. Their ability to maintain a constructive environment is a testament to their leadership and exceptional work ethic.”
Critical Employee Award Nominees
- Ashley Owens
- Ken Janisch
- Kimberley Aguilar
- Pamela Hansen
- Julia Guzman
- Myrsha Garcia
- Brenda Ramirez
- Paul Seagal
- Teresa Salters
- Antoinette Olano Defensor
- Cece Chavez
- Kendall Emerick
- Karina Rios Alvarez
- Sophia Vicuna
- Ken Janisch
- Fernanda Vazquez
- Gryphon Jung
- Yesenia Gonzalez
James Bezerra
Outstanding Manager and Supervisor of the Year Award
The Outstanding Manager and Supervisor of the Year Award highlights a manager who fosters and champions their staff. This award celebrates a Management Personnel Plan/MPP employee who has demonstrated exemplary management skills.
Nominators Kayla Rolicheck and Nicole Newton said:
“James is empathetic, transparent, and helpful, as well as showing genuine concern and compassion for the people they work with and supervise. Even if you don’t report to James, he is there for you and makes sure you have the support that you need. James fosters a positive work environment and encourages staff participation in campus activities while also promoting a strong work-life balance. His leadership creates a sense of unity and flexibility that allows our team to thrive. Beyond that, James is a proactive problem solver. Whenever challenges arise, James takes immediate steps toward a resolution, keeping open communication along the way. One long-standing struggle I had worked on during my nine years at CSUMB was the option to help provide ID cards to our fully online students. For years, I encountered a variety of roadblocks. James took the time to listen to my experiences, engaged the appropriate department in meaningful discussions, and ultimately helped establish a solution and process. Thanks to this initiative, we have successfully provided ID cards to many of our new and current online students over the past 8 months, which has helped strengthen their connection to our Otter Raft. James exemplifies outstanding leadership, and their impact is felt across our team and the students we serve. James is the personification of the criteria for this award. It is a privilege to work with them.”
Outstanding Manager and Supervisor of the Year Nominees
- James Bezerra
- Gladys Cabadas
- Scott Machado
- Yvonne Gordon
- Andrew Patronik
- Gladys Cabadas
- Ana Hernandez
- Kaci Turpin
- Amy Zamara
- Brian Rice
- James Bezerra
Award Criteria
To recognize an exemplary CSUMB staff member who has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, dedication, and contributions to the mission and values of CSUMB.
Criteria:
- Exhibits a strong commitment to excellence, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Has made a significant and positive impact on the University through their work, leadership, and contributions to the overall mission and values of CSUMB.
- Plays an active role in fostering a positive work environment and promoting collaboration and camaraderie among colleagues.
- Demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities, whether through guidance or innovative problem-solving.
- Consistently exceeds expectations and achieves outstanding results in their role.
- Upholds high standards of ethical conduct, integrity, and professionalism in all aspects of their work.
- Collaborates effectively with colleagues to achieve common goals and demonstrates a willingness to support others in achieving success.
The recipient of the Outstanding Staff of the Year Award cannot also be the recipient of the Otter Spirit Award, Distinguished Service Award, Critical Employee Award, or Outstanding Manager or Supervisor of the Year Award in the same award year. The recipient cannot be considered for the same award within 5 years of receiving the award.
Who Can Submit a Nomination: Any employee affiliated with CSUMB
Who Can Be Nominated: A CSUMB staff member currently employed on a permanent full-time basis (stateside and University Corporation).
The following are not eligible for the Outstanding Staff of the Year Award:
- Student employee
- MPP (Management Personnel Plan) employee
- Faculty member
- Current member of the Staff Council
- Current member of the Staff Awards Committee
Nomination Process: Complete the google form to submit a nomination.
Award Reviewers will only use the submitted nomination to evaluate candidates. Experience not mentioned in the nomination cannot be evaluated. Please be as detailed and descriptive as possible in your nomination. You may collaborate with the nominee, coworker, colleague, supervisor, etc. to draft your nomination. Consider gathering the nominee's resume, connecting with their supervisor, or asking the nominee for recommendations on key projects and highlights to include.
Awarded to honor a CSUMB staff member who has worked for CSUMB for more than 10 years and continually displayed a commitment to excellent service to the campus community.
Criteria:
- 10+ years as a staff member at CSUMB.
- Exemplifies a resilient and positive perspective.
- Exhibits professionalism and integrity through their work with students, staff, and faculty.
- Demonstrates consistent excellence in job performance throughout their years of service.
- Demonstrates a commitment to the CSUMB’s mission, vision, and values.
- Shows a genuine dedication to serving the needs of students.
Who Can Submit a Nomination: Any employee affiliated with CSUMB
Who Can Be Nominated: A CSUMB staff member currently employed on a permanent full-time basis (stateside and University Corporation).
The following are not eligible for the Outstanding Staff of the Year Award:
- Student employee
- MPP (Management Personnel Plan) employee
- Faculty member
- Current member of the Staff Council
- Current member of the Staff Awards Committee
The recipient of the Distinguished Service Award cannot also be the recipient of the Otter Spirit Award, Outstanding Staff of the Year Award, Critical Employee Award, or Outstanding Manager or Supervisor of the Year Award in the same award year.
Nomination Process: Complete the google form to submit a nomination.
Award Reviewers will only use the submitted nomination to evaluate candidates. Experience not mentioned in the nomination cannot be evaluated. Please be as detailed and descriptive as possible in your nomination. You may collaborate with the nominee, coworker, colleague, supervisor, etc. to draft your nomination. Consider gathering the nominee's resume, connecting with their supervisor, or asking the nominee for recommendations on key projects and highlights to include.
Awarded to honor a CSUMB staff member who has contributed to fostering a positive and enthusiastic campus environment by displaying exceptional Otter spirit and pride.
Criteria:
- Actively participates in CSUMB events, activities, and traditions, showing dedication to enhancing the campus community.
- Expresses passion and pride for working at CSUMB.
- Demonstrates support for CSUMB athletic teams by attending games, rallies, and other events.
- Embodies CSUMB’s mission, vision, and values.
- Maintains a positive attitude and outlook and inspires others to embrace their Otter spirit
- Represents CSUMB positively in interactions with others, serving as an unofficial ambassador for school spirit and pride.
Who Can Submit a Nomination: Any employee affiliated with CSUMB
Who Can Be Nominated: A CSUMB staff member currently employed on a permanent full-time basis (stateside and University Corporation).
The following are not eligible for the Outstanding Staff of the Year Award:
- Student employee
- MPP (Management Personnel Plan) employee
- Faculty member
- Current member of the Staff Council
- Current member of the Staff Awards Committee
The recipient of the Otter Spirit Award cannot also be the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Staff of the Year Award, Critical Employee Award, or the Outstanding Manager or Supervisor of the Year Award in the same award year.
Nomination Process: Complete the google form to submit a nomination.
Award Reviewers will only use the submitted nomination to evaluate candidates. Experience not mentioned in the nomination cannot be evaluated. Please be as detailed and descriptive as possible in your nomination. You may collaborate with the nominee, coworker, colleague, supervisor, etc. to draft your nomination. Consider gathering the nominee's resume, connecting with their supervisor, or asking the nominee for recommendations on key projects and highlights to include.
Awarded to honor a CSUMB staff member who has excelled behind the scenes to support our campus.
Criteria:
- Consistently demonstrates reliability and dependability in their role, ensuring essential tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
- Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the face of changing priorities or circumstances.
- Collaborates effectively with colleagues.
- Pays meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and precision in their work.
- Consistently delivers results that meet or exceed expectations.
- Maintains a positive attitude and demeanor, even in challenging or high-pressure situations
Who Can Submit a Nomination: Any employee affiliated with CSUMB
Who Can Be Nominated:
- A CSUMB staff member currently employed on a permanent full-time basis.
- Additional Note: Staff from the following union units will be given more weight during the review process:
- Unit 5 (Operations Support)
- Unit 6 (Teamsters - Skilled Trades); and
- Unit 8 (SUPA - Statewide University Police Association)
The following are not eligible for the Outstanding Staff of the Year Award:
- Student employee
- MPP (Management Personnel Plan) employee
- Faculty member
- Current member of the Staff Council
- Current member of the Staff Awards Committee
The recipient of the Critical Employee Award cannot also be the recipient of the Outstanding Staff of the Year Award, Otter Spirit Award, Distinguished Service Award, or the Outstanding Manager or Supervisor of the Year Award in the same award year.
Nomination Process: Complete the google form to submit a nomination.
Award Reviewers will only use the submitted nomination to evaluate candidates. Experience not mentioned in the nomination cannot be evaluated. Please be as detailed and descriptive as possible in your nomination. You may collaborate with the nominee, coworker, colleague, supervisor, etc. to draft your nomination. Consider gathering the nominee's resume, connecting with their supervisor, or asking the nominee for recommendations on key projects and highlights to include.
Awarded to honor a CSUMB staff member who has consistently displayed exceptional customer service.
Criteria:
- Consistently meets or exceeds customer expectations by delivering outstanding service.
- Demonstrates a prompt and proactive approach to addressing customer inquiries, concerns, and requests.
- Exhibits strong problem-solving skills
- Effectively identifies and resolves customer issues with creativity, empathy, and professionalism.
- Communicates effectively and courteously with customers, both verbally and in writing.
- Shows genuine care and concern for customers' well-being.
- Builds rapport and establishes positive relationships with customers, fostering trust, loyalty, and satisfaction with the organization's products or services.
Who Can Submit a Nomination: Any employee affiliated with CSUMB
Who Can Be Nominated: A CSUMB staff member currently employed on a permanent full-time basis (stateside and University Corporation).
The following are not eligible for the Outstanding Staff of the Year Award:
- Student employee
- MPP (Management Personnel Plan) employee
- Faculty member
- Current member of the Staff Council
- Current member of the Staff Awards Committee
The recipient of the Superior Customer Service Award cannot also be the recipient of the Outstanding Staff of the Year Award, Otter Spirit Award, Distinguished Service Award, or the Outstanding Manager or Supervisor of the Year Award in the same award year.
Nomination Process: Complete the google form to submit a nomination.
Award Reviewers will only use the submitted nomination to evaluate candidates. Experience not mentioned in the nomination cannot be evaluated. Please be as detailed and descriptive as possible in your nomination. You may collaborate with the nominee, coworker, colleague, supervisor, etc. to draft your nomination. Consider gathering the nominee's resume, connecting with their supervisor, or asking the nominee for recommendations on key projects and highlights to include.
Awarded to honor a CSUMB MPP (Management Personnel Plan) employee who has demonstrated exemplary management skills. The recipient will receive a certificate (no monetary award).
Criteria:
- Encourages innovation and creativity within their team.
- Shows respect, compassion, and empathy for staff.
- Fosters collaboration and a positive work environment, resolving conflicts, and promoting a sense of unity and camaraderie among team members.
- Provides time for their staff to participate in campus activities and events.
- Effectively communicates with team members through listening actively, providing constructive feedback, and ensuring that information flows smoothly within the team.
- Inspires and motivates team members to excel.
- Invests in the development of staff through coaching, mentoring, training, and providing opportunities for growth and advancement.
Who Can Submit a Nomination: Any employee affiliated with CSUMB
Who Can Be Nominated: Any MPP (Management Personnel Plan Level I and II) employee and any CSUMB Academic Chair.
The following are not eligible for the Outstanding MPP Award:
- Staff member
- Student employee
- MPP (Management Personnel Plan) Level III and IV employee
- Faculty members who are not a current Department Chair
- Current member of the Staff Council
- Current member of the Staff Awards Committee
Nomination Process: Complete the google form to submit a nomination.
Award Reviewers will only use the submitted nomination to evaluate candidates. Experience not mentioned in the nomination cannot be evaluated. Please be as detailed and descriptive as possible in your nomination. You may collaborate with the nominee, coworker, colleague, supervisor, etc. to draft your nomination. Consider gathering the nominee's resume, connecting with their supervisor, or asking the nominee for recommendations on key projects and highlights to include.