CSUN staff were celebrated for their service, resilience and excellence in a non-traditional way this month, in an event tradition nearly as old as the university.

A total of 368 employees were honored virtually at the 55th annual CSUN Staff Service and Recognition of Excellence Awards Event on July 14.

“This past year has certainly been replete with challenges, but together as a community, we have continued to advance our mission and serve our students, helping them to realize their greatest aspirations,” CSUN President Erika D. Beck said during the event. “I know that many of you have navigated painful, complex and intersecting challenges personally, making your dedication all the more extraordinary. And I just want you to know I’m incredibly grateful for and inspired by your belief in the transformative power of higher education, and for your ongoing commitment and dedication.”

Award recipients and nominees from 2020 and 2021 were honored in a variety of categories including excellence in diversity, teamwork, dedication and contribution to CSUN students. Other staff also were honored based on the number of years they have served at CSUN. Everyone recognized has sparked change in one way or another at CSUN, and this event provided an opportunity for others to learn about the honorees and all they have done for the university.

Awards recipients included the following:

CSUN PRESIDENTIAL AWARD:

Geoff Stocker, Kinesiology

Michael Zeigler, Theatre

The CSUN Presidential Award is granted annually to a staff member who sustains consistent, outstanding performance and demonstrates the values of the university. The staff member has exhibited a commitment to connect his/her work with the campus’ planning priorities.

CSUN AWARD OF MERIT:

Ardis Flenniken, Admissions & Records

Lina Gurgenian, Klotz Student Health Center

Gabriella Nguyen, Klotz Student Health Center

Kelly Riese, Elementary Education

The CSUN Award of Merit is presented to employees who exemplify exceptional performance and demonstrate integrity and service to the university community.

JOLENE KOESTER TEAM AWARD:

CSUN C.A.R.E.S. (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) for Students Grant Program

The Jolene Koester Team Award is presented to a team of university employees who collaborate on a project, process or other significant initiative that brings about radical, positive change that improves performance or productivity and/or reduces costs or enhances the image of the university.

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT AWARD:

Tiana Mason, Student Outreach & Recruitment

Sherry Sidick, Tseng College

The Alumni Engagement Award is presented to a staff member, faculty or administrator whose efforts bring alumni closer to their alma mater. The recipient embodies what it means to be a loyal Matador.

EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY & INCLUSION AWARD:

Elba Mandujano, Student Housing & Residential Life

Freddie Sanchez, University Student Union

The Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award is presented to an employee who exemplifies through leadership and positive interactions with others, a commitment to the spirit of diversity and a profound respect for all people from different backgrounds, life experiences, learning styles and points of view within the university community.

CSUN STUDENT ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR AWARD:

Samantha Fuller-Hall, Career Center

Maria Martinez, Chicana/o Studies

The CSUN Student Assistant of the Year Award is granted annually to one student employee in a student assistant classification, who demonstrates exceptional contributions to their department by their outstanding skill-set, professionalism, and quality of work and service to the university community.

CSUN LEADERSHIP AWARD:

Linda Reid-Chassiakos, Klotz Student Health Center

Gregory Murphy, Police Services

The CSUN Leadership Award is granted annually to an administrator who sustains consistent and outstanding demonstration of the Leadership Principles. The administrator has exhibited a commitment to connect his/her work with the campus’ planning priorities.

CSUN COMMUNITY ENGAGED STAFF AWARD:

Jesus Alvarez, Financial Aid

Victoria Berrey, Special Education – TUC

The CSUN Community Engaged Staff Award is presented to a staff member or administrator whose efforts created greater collaboration between CSUN and the larger communities (local, regional, state, national, global), in order to contribute to the public good.

CSUN SUSTAINABILITY AWARD:

Ruben Lopez, Physical Plant Management

Jean Porter, Academic Resources & Planning

The CSUN Sustainability Award is an award introduced in 2021. It is presented to an employee who goes above and beyond their work duties to support CSUN’s sustainability priority. The recipient embodies what it means to be a sustainable Matador through the implementation of operational, business, educational and/or behavioral changes. The successful honoree demonstrates passion, creativity and commitment to improve sustainability at CSUN.