myCSUSM
President's Awards
Celebrating Excellence
Each year, the President's Annual Awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements
of our students, faculty, and staff. It’s a moment to honor the passion, innovation,
and dedication that define the spirit of California State University San Marcos, and
to celebrate the people who make it extraordinary.
The Awards
The President's Annual Awards honor the remarkable contributions and impact of individuals
across the CSUSM community.
Awards are presented in the following categories:
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Anne Neufeldt Staff Award
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Harvey Neufeldt Faculty Award
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Employees of the Year (Staff)
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Inclusive Excellence & Diversity Award (Alternating annually between Faculty and Staff)
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Inclusive Excellence Student Champion Award
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Outstanding Lecturer Award
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Scholarship & Creative Activity Award (Faculty)
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Service Leadership Award (Faculty)
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Teaching Innovation & Excellence Award (Faculty)
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Zomalt Outstanding Service Award (Alternating annually between MPP and non-MPP Staff)
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Brakebill Award (Faculty)
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Outstanding Graduate Award (Student)
2025-2026 Honoring Ceremonies
Honoring Faculty, Staff, and Student Achievements
Spring 2026
- 11:00 am, January 15, 2026: CSUSM Awards and Service Celebration, USU Ballroom [Livestream]
- TBA: President's Outstanding Graduate Award Ceremony and Dinner
2025-2026 Honorees
Celebrating the achievements of this year's honorees:
Faculty
- Harry E. Brakebill Distinguished Professor Award: Alison Scheer-Cohen, Ph.D., Speech Language Pathology, CEHHS
- Harvey Neufeldt Faculty Hero Award: Suzanne Hizer, Ed.D., Biological Science, CSTEM
- Inclusive Excellence and Diversity Award: Marisa Salinas, Ph.D., Sociology, CHABSS
- Outstanding Faculty Award - Outstanding Lecturer: Luciana Simion, JD, MBA, Management & Marketing, COBA
- Outstanding Faculty Award - Scholarship & Creative Activity: Yanyan Li, Ph.D., Computer Science & Engineering, CSTEM
- Outstanding Faculty Award - Service Leadership: Gloria Pindi, Ph.D., Communications & Media Studies, CHABSS
Staff
- Anne Neufeldt Staff Hero Award: Patricia Diaz, Cougar Care Network coordinator, Dean of Students Office
- Employee of the Year: Christa Koen, executive assistant to the vice president, University Advancement
- Employee of the Year: Shelby Rogers, associate director of experiential learning, Office of Undergraduate Studies
- Ernest & Leslie Zomalt Service Award: Susan O’Connor, director, Staff Center
Students
- Student Champion Award: Sol Haro, Social Sciences (Major), Criminology & Justice Studies (Minor)
President's Outstanding Graduate Award: To be announced Spring 2026