From the professor who stays up late to help a student in need to the staff member who goes above and beyond to solve a problem, Cal State Fullerton recognized its dedicated faculty, staff and administrators during the 2025 University Awards Program.
With the theme “Honoring Heroes and Sheroes,” the April 24 event brought the campus community to Titan Gym for a celebration complete with superhero masks, popular music, food and prizes.
“I want to thank everyone for serving our campus,” said CSUF President Ronald Rochon. “Everywhere I go, I see amazing people doing their jobs. Thank you for being a part of our community. Thank you for serving and uplifting. Thank you for just being you.”
Rochon underscored that the university is in a strong position because of the dedication and collaborative work of its faculty and staff.
“I serve as your president, but everything that I’ve inherited — the strong bones that we have — is because of your work and what you do.”
The University Awards Program was hosted by the Division of Human Resources and Inclusive Excellence, sponsored by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and emceed by CSUF alum Tim Alexander ’15, ’17 (B.F.A. theatre arts-acting, M.S. education-higher education).
“No matter what your role is on campus, please know that the work that you do is so deeply appreciated,” said Phenicia McCullough, vice president for human resources and inclusive excellence. “Your superpower is ensuring student success.”
Among the program’s highlights were the recognition of employees who completed degrees in the last year and service milestones for faculty and staff. David Pagni, professor of mathematics, was honored for 55 years of service to Cal State Fullerton.
In addition, several Titans garnered top university awards, including the new SchoolsFirst Excellence in Education Award; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Award; Teamwork and Collaboration Award; and Titan Excellence Award. George Garcia, supervising electrician, and Sandy Quintero, presidential assistant, were named the 2025 Titans of the Year.
SchoolsFirst Excellence in Education Award
- Meghan Paradiso-Alva, associate director of the Scholarships Office
- Shelli Wynants, lecturer in child and adolescent studies
Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Award
Black Barbie Planning Team
- Kate Bono, chair and professor of child and adolescent studies
- Nathalie Carrick, professor of child and adolescent studies
- Alma Julissa Gonzalez, administrative analyst/specialist for the College of Health and Human Development
- Guadalupe Díaz Lara, assistant professor of child and adolescent studies
- Janna Kim, professor of child and adolescent studies
- Joyce Lin-Yoshida, associate professor of child and adolescent studies
- Diana Robles, lecturer in child and adolescent studies
- Amirah Saafir, assistant professor of child and adolescent studies
- Karlena Ochoa Steigerwald, assistant professor of child and adolescent studies
Academic Human Resources
- Elaine Dixon, student services professional for academic human resources
Teamwork and Collaboration Award
FAFSA Team
- Jessica Barco, assistant vice president for student affairs
- Monica Coloso, student services professional for financial aid
- Brian Johnson, administrative analyst/specialist for financial aid
- Joe Luzzi, assistant vice president for enterprise applications
- Kellye MacLeod, associate director of financial aid
- Evan Nguyen, administrative analyst/specialist for financial aid
- Ramesh Purohit, associate information security officer
- Hien Tran, analyst/programmer for information technology
- Nick Valdivia, director of financial aid
- Pam White, analyst/programmer for information technology
Total Wellness Team
- Alisha Brown, director of Total Wellness
- Melissa Gonzalez, administrative support coordinator for Total Wellness
- Alexandra Keyes, administrative analyst/specialist for Total Wellness
- Griselda Marquez, manager of disability programs
- Contessa Mata, administrative analyst/specialist for Total Wellness
- Ivan Sierra, administrative analyst/specialist for Total Wellness
- Delta Williams, manager of benefits and retirement services
Titan Excellence Award
- George Garcia, supervising electrician
- Sandy Quintero, presidential assistant
- Trish Campbell, administrative analyst for academic affairs