Cal State Fullerton rolled out the red carpet at the 2026 University Awards Program to spotlight its dedicated faculty and staff.
The April 23 program, themed “Titans Take the Stage: Celebrating Those Who Make Our Campus Shine,” invited campus community members to the Titan Gym for a Hollywood-inspired celebration with food, giveaways, and individual and team awards.
Hosted by the Division of Human Resources and Inclusive Excellence and sponsored by title sponsor SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and breakfast sponsor Kaiser Permanente, the University Awards Program recognized more than 540 faculty and staff members who are celebrating service milestones, as well as those who earned academic degrees in the last year.
“You are the backbone of the institution,” said Phenicia McCullough, vice president for human resources and inclusive excellence. “You are essential to our students’ experiences. It takes each and every one of you, and that is what contributes to the success of Cal State Fullerton.”
CSUF President Ronald Rochon emphasized that Cal State Fullerton plays an integral role in uplifting Southern California communities, and said that work is made possible through the hard work, commitment and excellence of its Titan employees. The university is one of the largest employers in Orange County with more than 4,000 faculty and staff.
“The impact that you all have every day is absolutely amazing. I am reminded again and again of why it is we are so important to the state, to this nation and to the globe. I celebrate you all,” said Rochon. “Thank you for making Cal State Fullerton special.”
Prem Gupta, lecturer in information systems and decision sciences, celebrated 45 years of service, while several Titans earned top awards for their dedication to advancing student success and CSUF’s mission.
Marisa Sherb, a clinical placement analyst for the School of Nursing, was named the 2026 Titan of the Year for her dedication to the school, as well as for teaching Spanish to improve communication and connection with Spanish-speaking patients and their families.
Rochon also recognized Women’s Soccer coach Demian Brown with a Spotlight Award for his leadership last fall during a challenging time for his team.
Inclusive Excellence Award
- Tula B. Strong, lecturer in theatre and dance
SchoolsFirst Excellence in Education Award
- Chérie Rolapp, business and community relations strategist for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Thomas May, assistant professor of economics
Teamwork and Collaboration Award
Outreach, Recruitment and Orientation Team
- Haley Arendt, orientation coordinator
- Hailey Bruder, senior parent and student orientation coordinator
- Vince Cardenas, assistant director of college access and transitions
- Jessica Cocciolone, event planner
- Jorge Contreras, outreach and recruitment counselor
- Alyssa Duran, administrative analyst
- JC Elamparo, assistant director of outreach and recruitment
- Rosemarie Enriquez, senior outreach and recruitment counselor
- Citlalli Franco, event assistant
- Stephanie Hernández, outreach and recruitment counselor
- Christin Johnson, associate director for outreach, recruitment and orientation
- Britney Lynch, senior outreach and recruitment counselor
- Leah Mathews, transfer specialist
- Jeanette Monzon, senior bilingual outreach and recruitment counselor
- Oscar Garcia Ortiz, assistant director of transfer services
- Tae Peoples, outreach and recruitment counselor
- Noel Quiñones, assistant director of college access and transitions
- Jeremy Reyes, marketing and communications analyst
- Sam Sanchez, senior bilingual outreach and recruitment counselor
- Talani Solia, outreach and recruitment counselor
- Kay Sosin, orientation coordinator
- Emily Taketa, senior orientation coordinator
- Nate Umagat, outreach and recruitment counselor
- Danielle Van Dalsem, senior campus visits coordinator
- Julianne Vartanian, assistant director of college access and transitions
Titan Excellence Award
- Diana Herrera, administrative support assistant for the College of Business and Economics
- Marisa Sherb, clinical placement analyst for the School of Nursing
- Danielle Van Dalsem, senior campus visits coordinator for outreach, recruitment and orientation