2020 Outstanding CoBA Seniors

Erika Venegas

Erika is being honored for advancing CSUSM goals of diversity, educational equity, inclusive excellence, and social justice. She has served as the Latino Business Student Association president, where she expanded the organization’s reach beyond just business students to offer professional development opportunities to students of all majors. Erika also founded Lean in CSUSM, a new women’s empowerment program on campus. As part of the Gender Equity Center, the chapter features monthly discussion groups that focus on empowering women to achieve their ambitions and work towards a diverse, equal world by fostering confident, resilient leaders. When asked about her achievements she says, “I’m proud that I’ve been able to support others on my journey while sharing what I’ve learned.” In recognition of her academic achievement and contributions to CSUSM, Erika received a generous grant sponsored by the Gerevas Family.

Rosalie and Ron Gerevas are dedicated supporters of CoBA and the Cougar Career Closet. Active in the San Diego community, Rosalie is president of Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. Ron is a longtime CoBA lecturer and leader in career development and serves on the CSUSM Foundation Board.

Elise Chung

Not only has Elise dedicated herself to her studies and maintained a major GPA of 4.0, but she has also dedicated herself to serving her fellow students. Elise took the initiative to begin tutoring her classmates and underclassmen for free in order to help those who were struggling with the course material. She has activated the GSCM society as the organization’s president, providing networking, speaker, and career recruiting events for its members. She has also personally mentored multiple students who have, ­­since receiving her encouragement, pursued active leadership roles in the student organization. In recognition of Elise’s servant leadership at CSUSM, she received the James R. Meindl Student Leadership award along with a grant generously sponsored by the Hersh family.

Emilie and Mark Hersh are enthusiastic supporters of CSUSM students. Emilie serves on the CSUSM Foundation Board, and together with Mark and their two daughters, the family shares their energetic spirit and talents across campus, including CoBA, CSUSM Athletics, and the Cougar Career Closet.

Colin Andrews

Finance Department Outstanding Senior 

When Colin enrolled at CSUSM, it was his second chance at obtaining his degree, and with an exceptional work ethic, he has excelled both in his classes and as a student leader.
Colin has worked as an instructional assistant tutoring other students, he has been a student outreach liaison for the Finance Society , and he has spearheaded the new Cougar Fund initiative as the CIO of the student run investment fund. Looking back, he says, “My life trajectory has been completely transformed because of my education at CSUSM. My decision to return to college is the best decision I have made in my life. To be a part of a campus that cultivates success in its students is a very special feeling. I will be forever grateful to all who have impacted my undergraduate journey.”

Kelsey Bentson

Management Department Outstanding Senior 

Though Kelsey started at another university, she has spent the past four years at CSUSM succeeding as an engaged entrepreneurship student. In addition to graduating with honors, she has participated in a sorority, intramural sports, and intervarsity – a college ministry. She also has taken advantage of CoBA's many development programs... "Between taking freshman year business cohorts, to Business Professional Development with Emilie Hersh and Jill Laing, to studying abroad in Global Business Management 440C with Professor Cherry, to participating in the Mentorship Program with Janet Beronio, to creating my own curriculum in an independent study regarding entrepreneurship and mental illness, to Business Environments with Professor Antoniou, to Senior Capstone with Professor Ratiu, and, of course, Senior Experience with Professor Clarke, the knowledge and relationships I have gained are endless. I can confidently say I am where I am today because of the dedication and commitment to students at CSUSM."

Eric Smith

Accounting Department Outstanding Senior

Eric started out a little unsure of which business option to choose until an unexpected class presentation by the Accounting Society inspired him to consider ACC and to think about internships/career opportunities during his education. Eric has worked as an accounting lab tutor, served as the society’s board treasurer, obtained a coveted internship at Cohnreznick llp, and given back to his fellow students as a mentor in the Accounting Society mentor program. Leaving CoBA with a full-time auditor offer this Spring, he is grateful for the support he received from his classmates and faculty. 

Ramon Ortiz 

Temecula Business Program Outstanding Senior 

Ramon is being recognized for his academic excellence, but also for his insightful contributions to class discussions. As a Marine Corps veteran with years of management experience, he acted as a mentor and role model for his BSBA program cohort classmates. “He added depth and perspective” and “Ramon stood out as a leader”, were some of the thoughts his teachers shared. His journey to his degree was long with completing his high school diploma via distance learning, serving his country for 27 years, and overcoming a cancer diagnosis. But his perseverance paid off, as he graduated with honors this past December.  “My college experience has been both challenging and exciting. Nothing came easy but the information I learned will be valuable for the rest of my life”. 

Jaime Jacob

Global Business Management Department Outstanding Senior

Jaime is not only receiving this recognition for her hard work inside the classroom, she is on track to graduate with Summa Cum Laude Honors, but she is also being recognized for her achievements outside the classroom as a student athlete. A standout member of the women’s golf team, she has collected 5 CCAA Golfer of the Week honors this season, was ranked No. 5 in Division II, and was selected to represent the U.S. in the 2020 Arnold Palmer Cup as the only NCAA Division II golfer among all Division I golfers. She has thrived as a student leader and says that being part of the diverse CSUSM student body has shaped her to be a more efficient collaborator. “I have learned how to lead groups of students in my classes from various backgrounds, ages, and interests. Most of which I have nurtured lifelong friendships.” 

Naomi Tran

Management Information Systems Department Outstanding Senior

Naomi is being nominated for her strong academic performance and stellar leadership skills demonstrated during many group projects. One of her team's project results were so good that the content was even added to class curriculum! "One of the biggest factors of my academic journey was the number of projects—specifically group projects.  After transferring to CSUSM, I was quite intimidated to be in an environment where I knew very few people.  But that also gave me the chance to interact with a diverse group of individuals because professors would often assign groups at random. Each experience was beneficial in terms of learning how to work with a variety of different people. Through these group projects, I was not only able to acquire skills in interpersonal working relationships, but also able to employ what I learned in class to more realistic scenarios, such as conducting a company analysis and working with professional businesses."