爆料社区

Recognition Program

About the Program

The Student Affairs Division Recognition Program honors the outstanding contributions and performance of staff/faculty members within the Division of Student Affairs at 爆料社区. This initiative provides an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable efforts of employees across the division, fostering a work environment where individuals feel appreciated and valued. 

The program enhances a sense of community and supports retention by acknowledging the diverse and talented workforce that advances the division鈥檚 mission, vision, and values. Monthly and annual awards are presented to individuals who exemplify dedication, teamwork, and innovation, aligning with the division鈥檚 strategic goals. By highlighting exceptional contributions across the division, university, and student experience, the Student Affairs Division Recognition Program strengthens community bonds and acknowledges the vital role staff/faculty play in student success and campus well-being. 

Divisional Awards

• Monthly STAR Award

  The STAR Award鈥攚hich stands for Staff/Faculty Transforming Actions and Results鈥攊s designed to highlight and celebrate the exceptional work happening across our division, whether through direct student engagement or critical behind-the-scenes support. Each month, this award will honor one staff/faculty member (non-MPP) whose actions or work performance exemplify our mission to "transform lives, one student at a time." 

  The STAR Award Committee selects the recipient based on nominations (including self-nominations) that showcase outstanding efforts, collaboration, or meaningful contributions that positively impact students, the division, or the campus community.

  We are fortunate to work in a division filled with talented, dedicated individuals. The STAR Award is one way we can show our appreciation and gratitude for the important work being done every day. 

• End of the Year Awards
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  • Student Employee Service Award
    This award recognizes a student employee during the past year who displayed exemplary potential to contribute to the field of Student Affairs. This individual consistently exceeded expectations and demonstrated a commitment to the success, mission, and goals of the division. Nominees may include 爆料社区 undergraduate students, graduate students or graduate students at other institutions working at 爆料社区.
  • Distinguished Friend of Student Affairs Award
    This award recognizes a professional staff member, faculty member, or administrator from outside the Student Affairs Division who supported the division, contributed to our mission, or provided outstanding service to our staff and programs during the last academic year.
  • Individual Excellence in Student Service Award
    This annual award recognizes the contribution of a Student Affairs staff member who works to make the 爆料社区 environment a welcoming, efficient, and high-quality experience for students. The individual exemplifies the core values of 爆料社区 in daily interactions with students and serves as a role model for students and/or staff in Student Affairs. The individual contributes to the retention and graduation of students and provides opportunities for students to achieve their goals. Nominations by others are required (No self-nominations).
  • Team Excellence in Student Service Award
    This award recognizes the contributions of a team in developing a new program or project to meet specific outcomes in response to student needs. The new initiative has demonstrated a positive impact in achieving its desired outcomes and/or has received outstanding feedback from students who were impacted.
  • Innovation Award
    This award recognizes an individual or department that utilized a creative and collaborative approach to advance the work of Student Affairs. Nominees for this award have shown initiative to innovate and create solutions that address a service gap or operational need within their department or the Division.
  • Outstanding Administrative or Operational Support Award
    This award recognizes an individual in an administrative or operational support role who is often considered an unsung hero and whose efforts achieve success for their department, the division, and the university. This individual provides exceptional customer service to students, staff, or friends of the division and works diligently and tirelessly as an agent of change to foster a welcoming and efficient working environment. This individual consistently exceeds expectations, makes a significant contribution to the overall operations of their department, and provides a strong foundation for innovative and student-centered work.
  • Outstanding New Professional Award
    This award recognizes an individual who consistently exceeds the responsibilities of their position with professionalism, goal accomplishment, innovation, and leadership within their department and the campus community.
  • Sandra R. Kuchler Employee of the Year Award

    Presented annually since 2000, this award recognizes an individual for their long-standing contribution and dedication to CSU San Marcos as a full-time professional in the Division. The recipient continuously demonstrates pride in work, maintains professionalism, and displays a positive attitude toward responsibilities and the 爆料社区 community. This individual constantly provides the highest level of service to Student Affairs and the University and willingly goes the extra mile to collaboratively engage in actions that support the department, Division, and our University鈥檚 values. The recipient of this award leads by example in their day-to-day work, displays a strong personal commitment to student success, and serves as an inspiration for others on their team. The individual鈥檚 contributions directly relate to the mission and vision of the division and the University, and contributes to the continued success of 爆料社区.

  
  

STAR Award Recipients

2025

• February 2025

  

  Nick Booker, Head Men鈥檚 Basketball Coach, Athletics

  Coach Booker is recognized for his commitment to student development and his leadership within 爆料社区 Athletics and the broader campus community. Through initiatives like 鈥淩eal Life Wednesdays,鈥� he supports student-athletes in building life skills beyond the court, focusing on career readiness, wellness, and personal growth. His deep engagement with student life and dedication to student success exemplify what it means to be a Cougar. 

• January 2025

  

  Perla Rivas, TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Counselor

  Perla is recognized for her dedication to first-generation student success and commitment to fostering community, belonging, and resilience. Whether mentoring through TRIO SSS, advising the First-Generation Club, or leading impactful programs like the Virtual First-Gen Alumni Panel, Perla consistently goes above and beyond to empower students. Her work inside and outside the classroom helps students build confidence, persist through challenges, and reach their goals. 

2024

• November 2024

  

  Tyler Vuillemot, Assistant Director of Student Involvement!

  Tyler is recognized for his transformative work with student organizations, helping students discover their passions outside the classroom and develop leadership, interpersonal, and transferable skills for future success. Through initiatives like the Fall Workshop Series and the Leadership Academy, Tyler has created impactful programs that enhance student learning and leadership development. His collaborative approach, working with partners across the division and campus, broadens students鈥� knowledge and access to resources, furthering their growth and success.

• October 2024

  

  Rosa Hunt, Health Educator, Student Health & Counseling Services

  Rosa is recognized for her exceptional dedication to student wellness through impactful programs like Mental Health First Aid Training and Depression and Anxiety Screenings. Her collaborative spirit and evidence-based approach to mental health education make a meaningful difference in our campus community. 

Past Award Recipients

• December 2023
  • Student Employee Service Award: Angel Albarote, Success Coaching
  • Distinguished Friend of Student Affairs Award: Brittani Brown, Finance & Administrative Services
  • Individual Excellence in Student Service Award: Alondra Lopez, ASI Cougar Pantry 
  • Team Excellence in Student Service Award: Project Rebound  
  • Innovation Award: Health Assistance Fund  
  • Outstanding Administrative or Operational Support Award: Katherine Lucero-Egger, Recruitment & Outreach
  • Outstanding New Professional Award: Alejandro Arellano, Project Rebound
  • Sandra R. Kuchler Employee of the Year Award: Andres Favela, Retiree
• December 2022
  • Student Employee Service Award: Julia Glorioso, ASI President and Alliance Ambassador
  • Distinguished Friend of Student Affairs Award: Adam Petersen, Assistant Dean, Office of Undergradaute Studies
  • Individual Excellence in Student Service Award: Mae Talicuran, Assistant Director, Personalized Academic Success Services (PASS)
  • Team Excellence in Student Service Award: Reacruitment and Outreach Team
  • Innovation Award: Admissions and Registrar ITC/Analyst Team
  • Outstanding Administrative or Operational Support Award: Crystal Hernderson, Budget Analyst, Student Life
  • Outstanding New Professional Award: Kenya Avilez, Student Conduct Specialist, Dean of Students
  • Sandra R. Kuchler Employee of the Year Award: Lisa Dickinson, Associate Director, University Student Union/Interim Director, Campus Recreation