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Staff Recognition Award Recipients
Staff Council and the Office of Administrative Affairs welcome nominations for both state and auxiliary employees for Staff Recognition awards to support the recognition of the strengths and achievements of individual nominees, especially highlighting areas of innovation, mentorship, service, resource stewardship/sustainability, and ethics/social justice.
These awards are not for students, management, or faculty employees, nor are the current members of the Staff Council eligible. Nominations for outstanding staff members should be from their achievements during the previous academic year. Previous recipients can be found below.
2024-25 Staff Recognition Award Recipients
Much of our success at Cal Poly Humboldt depends on the dedication, experience, and skill of our staff members. For more than three decades, the annual Staff Recognition Awards program has recognized meritorious staff members at Humboldt. Congratulations to the 2024-25 award recipients!
Richard Alvarez, Diving Safety Officer, School of Applied Health
Richard Alvarez’s leadership has transformed Cal Poly Humboldt’s dive program and influenced the broader scientific diving community. Over a decade of service, he has advanced dive safety, mentorship, and program administration, collaborating with global organizations to set new industry standards. His work on snorkeling protocols, inclusive mentorship, and sustainability has elevated Humboldt’s program to excellence. Richard’s dedication to innovation and service has inspired countless students and solidified the University’s impact in marine science and dive leadership.
Drew Barrett, Assistant Project Manager, Facilities Management—Planning, Design & Construction
Drew Barrett’s leadership, collaboration, and kindness were instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition for INRSEP and COMPASS programs during a challenging and time-sensitive office relocation. His responsiveness and professionalism minimized disruption to services supporting over 200 underrepresented students, preserving essential resources during a critical time. Drew’s commitment to sustainability introduced students to eco-friendly moving practices, turning a logistical challenge into a learning opportunity. His dedication, problem-solving, and unwavering support exemplify excellence in service, making him a deserving recipient of the 2024-25 Staff Recognition Award.
Shannon Berge, Academic Advisor, Academic Advising Center
Shannon Berge’s deep institutional knowledge, dedication to student success, and commitment to inclusivity make her an invaluable member of the Academic Advising Center. She has taken on an expanded caseload, including leading efforts to support undeclared students through community-building initiatives. Her leadership on the Learning Student Purpose and Pathway Committee and the Advising Center’s Communication Committee has strengthened advising services across campus. Shannon’s passion for student support, advocacy, and resource accessibility embodies the spirit of this award.
Alyssa Hughlett, Graduate Programs Coordinator & Administrative Analyst, College of Arts Humanities & Social Sciences
Alyssa Hughlett has demonstrated exceptional adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving skills in her role as an ASC, providing vital support to both the Department of Sociology and World Languages & Culture Department during a time of transition. She streamlined administrative processes, improved record-keeping, and ensured payroll and scholarships were processed efficiently—all while maintaining a positive, team-oriented approach. Her commitment to innovation and sustainability, particularly in reducing redundant processes and shifting to digital systems, has had a lasting impact. Alyssa’s dedication, efficiency, and initiative make her a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Santiago Menjivar, Production Analysis, Gutswurrak Student Activities Center
Santiago Menjivar’s leadership, adaptability, and innovation have been instrumental in shaping Conference and Event Services, Cal Poly Humboldt Presents, and the Gutswurrak Student Activities Center. His expertise in event logistics, cross-departmental collaboration, and process improvement has elevated campus operations and strengthened relationships with external partners. Santiago’s mentorship and dedication to excellence have created a supportive environment for professional and student staff alike. His unwavering commitment to service, sustainability, and ethical leadership make him an exceptional candidate for the 2024-25 Staff Recognition Award.
Ines Morales, Fellow Support Coordinator, Center for Community Based Learning—College Corps
Ines Morales has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing equity and inclusion through their work with College Corps, STEM VISTA, and the Pre-Professional Health Program. Their ability to innovate, mentor, and serve underrepresented communities is unparalleled, ensuring meaningful opportunities for students to thrive. Ines's commitment to social justice, sustainability, and resource stewardship has not only enhanced the programs they support but has also made a lasting impact on the students and communities they serve.
Maxine Mota, Interim Tutor Coordinator, The Learning Center
Maxine Mota has been an integral part of the Learning Center at Cal Poly Humboldt, growing from a peer tutor to her current role as Interim Tutoring Coordinator. Known for her exceptional organizational skills, campus knowledge, and commitment to student success, she has streamlined processes, enhanced accessibility, and fostered meaningful connections across campus. Her leadership in mentorship, service, and social justice initiatives—such as improving equitable hiring practices and supporting student leaders—demonstrates her dedication to making Humboldt a better place. Maxine’s creativity, adaptability, and collaborative spirit make her a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Kaitlin O'Brien, Campus Events Coordinator, Conference & Events Services
Kaitlin O'Brien's exceptional leadership, innovative problem-solving, and mentorship have significantly advanced campus event operations at Cal Poly Humboldt. Her expertise in event management, particularly her pivotal role in transitioning from Presence to 25Live and independently developing training materials, has streamlined campus event planning and greatly improved user experiences. Kaitlin's deep institutional knowledge, ability to foster cross-department collaborations, and commitment to sustainability, including her work with the Sustainability Department to integrate waste management into event processes, have made her an invaluable resource for the University. Her unwavering commitment to service, collaboration, and excellence makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Outstanding Staff Recognition Award.
Emily Oparowski, Direct Support Lead, Information Technology Services
Emily Oparowski is an invaluable leader in ITS, ensuring seamless campus technology through her expertise and leadership of the Direct Support team. She played a key role in the successful deployment of 800+ new computers and technology upgrades across campus. Emily has consistently demonstrated her ability to innovate within budget constraints, fostering a culture of sustainability by reusing underutilized equipment. Her exceptional mentorship and hands-on approach have transformed her team, improving response times and user support. Emily’s dedication to quality service, cost-saving solutions, and empowering others makes her deserving of the Outstanding Staff Recognition Award.
Peter Zerkel, SPF Accounts Payable Lead, Accounts Payable
Peter Zerkel has been a key player in the Accounts Payable department, expertly navigating a significant process change while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency. His deep understanding of the department's operations and the unique needs of University auxiliaries has made him an indispensable resource during the transition. Peter's willingness to take on additional responsibilities and support his colleagues has fostered a collaborative work environment, where he consistently offers guidance and mentorship. His dedication to service, ethical practices, and innovative solutions has had a lasting positive impact.
Past Award Recipients
Aubrey Emmons, Administrative Support Coordinator, Redwood Coast K-16 Educational Collaborative
Benjamin Funke, Instructional Support Technician, Sculpture, Department of Art + Film
Bernie Levy, Special Education Program Coordinator, School of Education
Deserie Donae, was: Registrar of The College of Extended Education & Global Engagement now: Director of Enrollment and OLLI, The College of Extended Education & Global Engagement
Elizabeth Lujan, Student Financial Analyst, Student Financial Services
Jennifer Gomes, Lead Dispatcher/Records Manager, University Police Department
Jim Woodhead, Studio Art Technician, Department of Art + Film
Kimberly Vincent-Layton, Educational Developer, Center for Teaching & Learning
Kristen Radecsky, Senior Research Engineer, Schatz Energy Research Center
Laurie Marx, Department Coordinator, Department of Geology
Marisa "Meeka" Day, Scene Shop Technician/Scenic Painter, Department of Dance, Music & Theatre
Marissa "Mari" Holguin, Transfer Coordinator, Office of the Registrar
Stacy Becker, Community Partner Coordinator, Center for Community Based Learning
Sulaina Banks, Visit Experience Coordinator, Office of Admissions
Gillian Black, Academic Advisor, Academic & Career Advising Center
Kim Coughlin-Lamphear, Accessibility Advisor, Student Disability Resource Center
Shannon Collart, Advancement Events Coordinator, University Advancement
Kelly Fortner, Student Support Coordinator, Center for Community Based Learning
Brec Ronis, Administrative Support Coordinator, Art + Film
Kali Rothrock, CARE Services Case Manager, Office of the Dean of Students
Douglas Smith, Coordinator, Umoja Center for Pan African Student Excellence
Rene Smith, Department Coordinator, Anthropology; Geography, Environment & Spatial Analysis; World Languages & Cultures; Center for Translation & Interpretation
Peggy Stewart, Administrative Support Assistant; Environmental Studies; Environment & Community M.A.; History; International Studies; Politics; Religious Studies
Anna Thaler, Academic Advisor, Academic & Career Advising Center
This year there are 11 award recipients as there was a tie for the 10th spot.
Alexander Bippus, Indian Natural Resources Science and Engineering Program + Diversity in STEM
Jessica Citti, Learning Center
Kristina Hunt, Academic & Career Advising Center
Rob Keever, Dean of Students Office
Pamela Kirschner, Office of Student Life
Samantha (Sammi) Martinez, Retention through Academic Mentoring Program
Nora Montoya, Academic & Career Advising Center
Janeth Serrano, Financial Aid
Laura Sullivan, Student Medical Services
Nicki Viso,Title IX & Discrimination, Harassment, & Retaliation Prevention
Susan Wright, Department of Biological Sciences
Yvonne Doble, Social Work Field Education
Marlette Grant-Jackson, Native American Center for Academic Excellence/Indian Tribal & Educational Personnel Program
Michelle Miyamoto, Learning Center
Amie Rodriquez, Testing Center
Karen Selin, MD, Student Health & Wellbeing Services
Michael Serrano, Facilities Management
Melea Smith, Youth Educational Services
Annette Troxel, College of Professional Studies
Corrina Wells, School of Education
Sabrina Zink, Risk Management & Safety Services
Susan Brater, Sponsored Programs Foundation
Liz Deck, Youth Educational Services
Kyle Leitzke, Academic & Career Advising
Raven Palomera, HSI Stem (not pictured)
Courtney Proctor, Academic Personnel Services (not pictured)
Betsy Rogers, Academic & Career Advising
Danielle Trapkus, Environmental Science Management & Oceanography
Jaime Tripp-Carter, Housing
Kumi Watanabe-Schock, Library
Travis Williams, Development
Travis Fleming, Facilities Management
Sei Hee Hwang, Academic & Career Advising Center
Gay Hylton, Office of Institutional Effectiveness
Molly Kresl, Clubs & Activities Office
Pedro Martinez, Facilities Management
Steve Monk, Marine Lab & Biology Department
Kelda Quintana, Academic & Career Advising Center
Debra Ryerson, Theatre, Film & Dance
Paula Tripp-Allen, Native American Center of Academic Excellence
Erika Wright, Sponsored Programs Foundation
Seth Bradley, Office of the Dean of Students
Lorna Bryant, KHSU
Leo Canez, Office of Admissions
Krista Carroll, School of Business
Loren Collins, Academic & Career Advising Center, Center for Community Based Learning
Amy Davies, Facilities Management
Izabella Gray, Contracts & Procurement
Lonyx Landry, Indian Natural Resources, Science and Engineering
Jay Schock, Financial Aid
Arianna Thobaben, Learning Center
Sarah Bacio, RAMP Coordinator, Retention
Shannon Berge, Administrative Support Coordinator, Academic & Career Advising
Ravin Craig, Assistant, Health Education
Maricela Escalante-Torres, Coordinator, Testing Center
Katlin Overeem, Coordinator, STEM Collaborative
Chris Rutter, Custodian, Facilities Management
Amanda Staack, Administrative Support, MultiCultural Center, CCAE
Elizabeth Tellez, Administrative Analyst, Housing
Kumi Watanabe-Schock, Library Services Specialist, Library
Linda Wilson, Administrative Support Coordinator, Politics & History
Shannon Childs, Athletic Trainer, Athletics
Jennifer Dyke, Director, UpwardBound
Kacie Flynn, Office Manager, Sponsored Programs Foundation
Jim Harding, Budget Analyst, College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Michael Le, Research Analyst, Institutional Research and Planning
Amy Martin, Development Coordinator, Academic and Career Advising Center
Kelly Mathson, Administrative Support Coordinator, Music
Gina Pierce, Budget Analyst, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Sylvia Shively, Assistant Controller, Accounting
Jackie Wiedemann, Nurse Practitioner, Health Center
Jana Ashbrook, Housing & Dining Services
Stacy Becker, Center for Service Learning & Academic Internships
Mary Ann Brown, Dining Services
Travis Brunner, Office of the Registrar
Mary Comella, Chemistry Department, Physics & Astronomy Department.
Teresa Cox, Facilities Management
Mira Friedman, Health Education & Health Center
Greg Granoff, Department of Music
Jeff Robison, Facilities Maintenance
John Smith, Facilities Maintenance
Annie Bolick-Floss, Center for Service Learning & Academic Internships
Michelle Conover, Facilities Maintenance
Jeremy Davis, Housing
Anthony Desch, Fisheries & Wildlife
Kim Hall, Veterans & Enrollment Transition Services
Ward Headstrom, Institutional Research
Lisa Lewis, Telecommunications & Networking Services
Laurie Maxwell-Chamberlain, Library
Jerry Saner, Facilities Maintenance for Sustainability
Steve Tillinghast, Geology
Dan Cleaves, ITS User Support
Shannon Collart, Academic Personnel
Tyler Hooker, Physics and Astronomy
Dave Hoskins, MarineLab
Kenna Kay Hyatt, World Languages & Cultures; Native American Studies; Critical Race, Gender & Sexual Studies
Tim Kohberger, ITS User Support
Carmela Paradise, Education
Lisa Perry, College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Marty Reed, Biological Sciences
Jennifer Slye-Moore, Art
Kellie Jo Brown, Marketing & Communications
Mason Long, Desktop IT
Lewis McCrigler, Biological Sciences
Leila Moreno, Housing
Allison Oakland, Schatz Energy Research Center
Bethany Rizzardi, ITS Project Office
Julie Tucker, College of Natural Resources and Sciences
Cade Webb, ITS Specialized Apps
Colin Wingfield, Environmental Resources Engineering & Geology
Andrea Yip, Biological Sciences
Holly Freitas, Housing/Dining
Valerie Green, Registrar’s Office
Janelle Jackson, University Police Department
Beth Kabat, Shipping/Receiving
Melissa Koval, Academic Personnel Services
Glenda Rotherham, Student Financial Services
Linda Sherwood, Plant Operations
Mary Jo Sweeters, Environmental Resources Engineering
Liz Weaver, Biological Sciences
Jeanne Wielgus, Desktop IT
John Adorador, Desktop IT
Val Arizzi, Geology/Geography
Denise Giltzow, Human Resources
Romi Hitchcock-Tinseth, Admissions
Grace Kerr, Extended Education
Steve Ladwig, EOP
Cherry Ouellette, Career Center
Keith Reagan, Library
Belinda Trageser, Plant Operations
Cheryl Wheeler, Music
Jodie Baker, Academic Programs & Undergraduate Studies
Robin Bencie, Biological Sciences
Shelley Cook, Payroll
Mary Ann Evans, Contracts, Procurement and Risk Management
Leslie Farrar, Marine Lab
Sherry Jones-Deffenderfer, Academic Personnel Services
Su Karl, Learning Center
Dan Pambianco, Athletics
Linda Sabot, Plant Operations
Kate Stroup, Student Affairs
Tamar Danufsky, Wildlife Museum
Dana Deason, Advising Center
Mary Hackett, Geography
Diane Hunt, Psychology
Patti Carlson, Financial Aid
Jerri Jones, Multicultural Center
Kevin Simmons, EOP & Student Support Services
Cai Stuart-Maver, Learning Center
Susan Peck, Payroll
David Pryor, Plant Operations
Angela Brown, Institute for River Ecosystems
Richard Bruce, Department of Psychology
Donna Clark, Learning Center
Cathy David, University Library
Steve Gubanez, Housing, Maintenance Department
David Rowe, Common Management System
Andrea Schwandt-Arbogast, Web Office / Webmaster
Tracy Smith, Educational Opportunity Program / Student Support Services
Sergio Torres, Plant Operations, Custodial
Phil Zastrow, Indian Teacher & Educational Personnel Program
Adrienne Colegrove-Raymond, Student Academic Services Outreach Program
Deborah Coles, Housing & Dining Services
Michelle Dostal, College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Katherine Granfield, Fiscal Affairs
Mark Hendricks, University Computing Services
Kenneth Johnson, Housing & Dining Services
David Marshall, College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Glen Nagy, Department of Theatre, Film and Dance
Cassandra Tex, Student Disability Resource Center
Joan Van Duzer, College of Professional Studies
Mike Bradley, University Computing Services
Elizabeth Brunner, Registrar's Office
Marlette Grant-Jackson, Indian Teacher and Educational Personnel Program
Aleli Lawson, University Police
Rita Limmer, Housing
Janice McFarlan, Financial Aid Accounting
Monika Newman, Health & Physical Education
Riley Quarles, Courseware Development Center
Kevin Russell, Plant Operations
Linda Wilson, Department of History, Government & Politics
Mary Jo Bates, College of Professional Studies
Betty Braver, Student Health Center
Teri Bronder-Lewis, Department of Communication
Barb Duca, College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Kim Glory, University Police Department
Mary Greta, Academic Senate
Stephen Lee, Plant Operations
Justin Loch, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Carolyn Dentler, Department of Anthropology/Sociology
Maggie Gainer, Research & Graduate Studies
Rick Garcia, Telecommunication & Network Services
Christi Hawkins-Smith, College of Professional Studies
David Hoskins, Marine Lab
Rebecca Kalal, Admissions
Tom Mendenhall, Library
Sandi O'Dell, Student Health Center
Mary Stuart, Y.E.S.
June Camozzi, Library
Margaret Cole, College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Tim Griggs, Plant Operations
Lisa Jackson, Information Technology Services
Lynn Johnson, Department of Health & Physical Education
Jeremy Ketelsen, Instructional Media Services
Kay Libolt, Student Life & New Student Programs
Betty Newman, Physical Services
George Pease, Forestry & Watershed
Cheryl Satter, Department of Mathematics
Valerie Andres, Associated Students
Camellia Armstrong, Housing
Anthony Baker, Department of Biological Sciences
Jim Brown, Plant Operations
Elizabeth Zo Devine, Center for Indian Community Development
Greg Granoff, Department of Music
Carol Hansen, College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Nancy Kelly, Academic Affairs
Mary Thomas, Dining Services
Cynthia Werner, Research & Graduate Studies