2012-2013 CSUSM Civility Champions

Congratulations to our 2012-2013 Civility Champions! They are:

Curtis Bovee

Nominated by: Dr. Laura de Ghetaldi

Dr. de Ghetaldi wrote: "Curtis has coordinated the very successful food distribution events aimed at addressing the hunger insecurities of students on campus. Curtis is doing his internship through the Department of Kinesiology for his degree in Health Science/Kinesiology. This internship is also through the Office of Community Service Learning also coordinating with the non-profit group Donate Don't Dump and the North County Food Bank. This is the inaugural semester for the new Kinesiology Major's Club. He has coordinated volunteers, worked with the non-profit groups and has helped me oversee the distribution of over 10,300 pounds of free fresh fruit, vegetables, milk and diary products, breads etc. all in just the first 3 distributions. To date, we have already feed over 500 students and the numbers will only increases we continue with future food distributions. As Curtis and I see this, it has been transformational education for all of the volunteers involved and the mere thank yous coming from grateful students has been enough for us to double the future distributions from one a month to two times a month. Curtis leaves each event humbled and deeply moved by the expression of thanks from the students, some very desperate in need of help with ending their food insecurities. I might also mention that while he is a full time student here on campus, he works a minimum of 2 12 hour shifts as an EMT at Tri-City Hospital in the ER. He also works several shifts as a waiter each week to help pay for student loans. He hopes to travel to Tapachula, Mexico this summer to help at the orphanage-Mision Mexico and set up their health clinic. Curtis strives to enter into PA school this next Fall. Another thing he does on campus to represent caring and empathy to his fellow students is that he volunteers his time and writes health related articles for our campus newspaper. He uses his heart and his education to help others-consistently. It is an honor to watch him help others."

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Michelle Bravo

Nominated by: Professor Paul Stuhr

Professor Stuhr wrote: "Michelle (a.k.a. Mae) Bravo is one of my students in KINE 310 here at CSUSM. Mae embodies the very definition of civility through her actions. Care: During our cooperative activities in KINE 310 one student dislocated their finger. Mae was the first student by her side assisting this student. Mae was able to help her over to the training room in the Clarke, staying with and comforting the injured student the entire time she received treatment. Respect: Mae is diligent in the way she interacts with other peers in class. She demonstrates attentive listening, the use of positive praise towards others during lab, and goes out of her way to keep the class environment one in which other students feel comfortable learning in. Empathy: During our reflections in KINE 310 Mae has demonstrated an ability to be involved with other comments, connecting them to transferable situations outside the classroom. Mae demonstrates understanding and a keen sense of awareness when it comes to responding to other student comments. Pretty amazing to watch Mae interact with others during a reflection session because she exudes a genuine interest and desire in wanting to understand the perspective of another - and does so in a nurturing manner. I am honored to nominate Michelle "Mae" Bravo for a chance to be a CSUSM Civility Champion because she truly applies civility within her everyday life."

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Campus Coffee Cart (Tim and Sandra Sabatini and Kyle Duran)

Nominated by: Matt Walsh

Matt wrote: "Everyday, bright and early, the coffee cart couple is up to assist the students, staff, and faculty of CSUSM. They have such a postive attitude, it permeates into you all day long. They go beyond the basic principles of customer service, and actually try to get to know you. They remember your name, and are always willing to make sure your day starts off right. Additionally, they are supporters of the Civility Campaign, and have Civility flyers posted, so that when you are pouring yourself some sugar into a rich cup of Peerless Coffee and Tea, you can see Civility photos and the pledge."

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Annette Daoud

Nominated by: Tama Harper

Tama wrote: "During a very stressful time period, Dr. Daoud, SoE Faculty, has become a confidant who has taken time out of her busy schedule to assist others who are not part of her daily work experience. She continues to offer personal support going beyond words of comfort, but actually providing ways of support. Not only does she provide weekly emails or personal stop bys for support, she has taken time to sit down and work out plans of successfully handling stressful situations, being there for support at each step. In a way, she has developed a sense of partnership wanting to be there to assist with a solution. She continues to focus on the positive aspects of situations which have enhanced open communication and definitely has increased coping skills for those under stress. She is a true example of one who definitely tries to put herself in another person's shoes and walk with them showing care, concern and respect with each step and thus promotes a supportive climate on campus for other faculty, staff and students."

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Silverio Haro

Nominated by: Domenica Pearl

Domenica wrote: "Silverio recently gave a series of motivational presentations at Fallbrook High School on the importance of higher education and encouraging students to consider college. Silverio is constantly reaching out to underrepresented students, in high schools, community colleges and at CSUSM. His work directly impacts the University's goals to contribute to the community as well as provide outreach and inclusion opportunities. In doing so, Mr. Haro not only acknowledges the cultures and humanity of others, he has a remarkable ability to relate, empathize and genuinely care about the students in which he is reaching out."

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Andres Rodriguez

Nominated by: Anonymous

"Andres is in my Spanish class and we both missed the memo that class was cancelled a few weeks ago so we were standing outside when a girl walked by and spilled her coffee all over the floor. Andres was in his suit but still he went to the bathroom multiple times to get paper towels and help the young woman clean up her coffee. He was there a good 15-20 minutes and helped her out of the kindness of his heart. I was so impressed that he stayed to help her when he could have easily left to do something else because our class was cancelled. He's the president of Alpha Kappa Psi and I have heard nothing but amazing things from his fellow brothers and sisters. I think he definitely embodies Civility and would be a great champion for our campus!"

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Sherri Soto

Nominated by: John Coffin

John wrote: "I have often observed Sherri helping other students in the library with their studies. Both with classes she has had previously and with classes she is currently taking. I've seen Sherri taking others with her to attend fundraisers. She is a real benefit to the student body. Last week I observed her buying lunch for another less fortunate student. Sherri is very aware of others' needs. I am proud to be able to call her friend."

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Stephen Tsui

Nominated by: Charles De Leone and Shannon Nolan

Charles wrote: "Prof. Stephen Tsui conducts himself with a sense of care, respect and empathy for his students and colleagues at all times. It is common to find him investing some of his limited time in conversation with students concerning their concerns, whether related to courses and advising or of a more general nature. And Prof. Tsui always has a positive word for staff and colleagues. I believe that all his colleagues and students would agree that his daily activities embody the definition of civility."

Shannon wrote: "Dr. Stephen Tsui is the quintessential Civility Champion and ICON. Although he is rooted in the Physics Department as Assistant Professor, his influence extends to several areas on campus including the Faculty Center, Tukwut Leadership Circle, Orientation Programs, Campus Connect, and various campus engagement outreach events. Dr. Tsui advises the Society of Physics Students (SPS) student org, helping students facilitate the campus' annual Rocket Car Race among other events. I coordinate our campus' academic and honor societies and have been most inspired by our STEM groups, specifically SPS. I have watched SPS student leaders be transformed by the guidance that they have received from Dr. Tsui, students who once shied away from leadership are now facilitating successful meetings with strong marketing as well as attendance, they are fundraising, collaborating with other student orgs, and engaging with their alumni. SPS is one of many ways Dr. Tsui shows that he cares about students. For example, he presented a stellar workshop for the Tukwut Leadership Circle and afterwards he gave the students his contact information and invited them to contact him for any type of academic support. I have heard his students say that they love him that he is the best professor they have ever had. I know that he spends many hours writing letters of recommendations and helping students reach their professional and academic goals. He is truly a giver of time and energy to this campus, although it results in many late nights working away in his office and lab. Our campus is a better place because of Dr. Tsui, and I am honored to nominate him for Civility Champion and ICON. Please let me know if you would like any other details about his contributions to our campus and what makes him worthy of this acknowledgment. Thank you!"

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