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President's Outstanding Graduate Award
The President’s Outstanding Graduate Award honors one exceptional graduating student each year for their exemplary contributions to both their field and the university. The recipient is chosen from among the winners of the six Deans' Awards, which include: College of Education, Health & Human Services; College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences; College of Business Administration; College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; Graduate Studies; and the Dean of Students Award for Outstanding Student Leadership.
2025-26: The President's Outstanding Graduate Award Announcement
As the university’s highest honor conferred upon a graduating student, the President’s
Outstanding Graduate Award represents the pinnacle of distinction and service. It
reflects the President’s recognition of one exceptional graduate whose leadership
and contributions emerge from an already distinguished group of nominees, embodying
the collective strength, impact, and promise of the university’s graduate community.
On Friday, May 1, 2026, President Neufeldt hosted the President’s Outstanding Graduate
Award celebration at the McMahan House, bringing together this year's Deans' Award
recipients, their loved ones, nominators, campus leadership, and staff. The evening
began with dinner and continued with an award ceremony recognizing each student’s
achievements. The ceremony concluded with the President naming Alexis Medina, from the College of Education, Health and Human Services, as this year’s honoree. Alexis will graduate on May 16, 2026, earning a Bachelor
of Arts in Human Development with a minor in Spanish.
Graduating summa cum laude with a 3.97 GPA, Alexis exemplifies academic excellence
and a deep commitment to equity and student success. With more than 1,200 hours of
community-engaged service, he has supported K–12 students in under-resourced schools,
mentored first-generation and multilingual learners, and fostered inclusive learning
environments through his bilingual and culturally responsive work.
Alexis was overcome with emotion when announced as the recipient and expressed heartfelt
gratitude to his mother, faculty mentors, and CSUSM resources that supported his journey.
The university proudly congratulates Alexis Medina on this well-deserved honor.
NewsCenter: University Honors Outstanding 2026 Graduates
2025-26 President's Outstanding Graduate Award Ceremony Photos
Certificates, alumni gifts, and Deans’ Award medallions displayed in honor of this year’s award recipients.
President’s Outstanding Graduate Alexis Medina celebrates the honor alongside his family and President Neufeldt.
An emotional embrace as President Neufeldt presents Alexis Medina with the President’s Outstanding Graduate Award.
The 2026 Deans’ Outstanding Graduates (left to right): Nayelie Ortiz (DOS), Casey Budlong (COBA), Alexis Medina (CEHHS), President Neufeldt, Isabel Serrano (CSTEM), Callie Steppat (GSR), and Wendy Hardy (CHABSS).
Student honorees, their loved ones, and CSUSM administrators and staff gather with President Neufeldt to conclude the President’s Outstanding Graduate Award evening.
Introducing the 2025–26 Deans’ Outstanding Graduates & Leadership Honorees
Celebrating the Next Generation of CSUSM Leaders
Cal State San Marcos annually honors a select group of graduating students whose accomplishments embody academic distinction, leadership, and meaningful service. The Class of 2025–26 Outstanding Graduates represent the exceptional talent and commitment found across campus, students whose work inspires others and whose contributions will continue well beyond their time at CSUSM.
Alexis Medina
Bachelor of Arts, Human DevelopmentMinor: Spanish
Dean's Award: College of Education, Health & Human Services Outstanding Student
Wendy Hardy
Bachelor of Arts, Linguistics
Minor: French & American Indian Studies
Dean's Award: College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral & Social Sciences Outstanding
Student
Casey Budlong
Bachelor of Science, Marketing
Dean's Award: College of Business Administration Gerevas Family Dean’s Award
Isabel Serrano
Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Dean's Award: College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Outstanding
Graduate
Nayelie Ortiz
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology
Minor: Criminal Justice Studies
Dean's Award: Dean of Students Award for Outstanding Leadership
Callie Steppat
Master of Science, Biological Sciences
Dean's Award: Graduate Dean's Award