Cal State LA Awards that recognize the outstanding performance, exemplary service, and meaningful contributions of Cal State LA faculty, staff, and student employees. These honors celebrate individuals and teams whose dedication, leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence advance the University's mission, enrich the campus community, and make a lasting impact on the success of our students and the University.
Nominations Deadline:
Friday, August 21, 2026, by 5 p.m.
The President’s Golden Eagle Excellence Award is the University’s highest employee honor. This award recognizes an exceptional employee who serves as the driving force behind Cal State LA’s mission of transformation.
This individual demonstrates exemplary performance and an outstanding commitment to our mission and fostering a positive, university-wide impact. This distinction honors the dedicated employee whose professional mastery, integrity, and daily commitment to university values have helped our institution soar.
Previous award recipient:
- FY 2024-2025
Karin Elliott Brown, Associate Vice President for Faculty Success and Dean of Graduate Studies
Award benefits:
In appreciation of their superior service, this distinction includes:
- A one-time cash award of $2,500 cash stipend.
- A commemorative plaque and official commendation from the University.
- Recognition at the University-Wide Employee Recognition Ceremony.
- Featured story in the upcoming Cal State LA magazine.
- Induction into the inaugural cohort of Golden Eagle Excellence honorees.
Eligibility and Criteria:
All active, full-time staff, confidential, and management (MPP) employees of the University, University Auxiliary Services, Inc., the University-Student Union, and Associated Students, Inc., are eligible for nomination. Temporary employees and faculty members are not eligible. Self-nominations will not be accepted. A selection committee will review all eligible nominations and submit recommendations to the President, who will make the final award recipient selection.
To uphold the high standards of this honor, nominees must have at least five years of continuous service as of FY 2025–2026 (July 2025–June 2026) and demonstrate excellence across the following pillars:
- Inspiring Excellence & Integrity: Consistently upholds the highest levels of integrity and professionalism in their daily work. They serve as grounded role model, inspiring others through their dedication to quality and ethical conduct.
- Transformative Initiative: Proactively identifies challenges and implements solutions that drive growth. They act as a catalyst for positive change, supporting the upward mobility of our students and the efficiency of our campus.
- Collaborative Engagement: Excels in teamwork and internal partnerships. They strengthen university connections through a steadfast commitment to helping colleagues and external partners succeed.
- Welcoming Community: Fosters a supportive and respectful environment that embraces a wide range of perspectives, empowering all to thrive.
Initiated in 1983, the Outstanding Staff Award recognizes members of the University community who have made significant contributions to improve the campus environment and support the success of Cal State LA's students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
Today, the award carries on this tradition by honoring staff members who demonstrate a deep commitment to their role and consistently go above and beyond their daily responsibilities. It recognizes individuals who exhibit distinguished service and drive extraordinary outcomes that fall outside their standard job description. At Cal State LA, we value the dedication and integrity that these staff members bring to our campus every day through their unwavering commitment to our mission.
Previous award recipient:
- FY 2024-2025
Jesus Cruz, Instructional Support Tech | Television, Film and Media Studies
Award benefits:
In appreciation of their superior service, this distinction includes:
- A one-time cash award of $500 cash stipend.
- A commemorative plaque and official commendation from the University.
- Recognition at the University-Wide Employee Recognition Ceremony.
- Featured story on Cal State LA’s social media.
Eligibility and Criteria
All active, full-time staff and confidential employees of the University, University Auxiliary Services, Inc., the University-Student Union, and Associated Students, Inc., are eligible for nomination. Temporary employees, management (MPP), and faculty members are not eligible. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
To be considered for this honor, nominees must have completed at least one year of continuous service at Cal State LA as of FY 2025–2026 (July 2025–June 2026), be in good standing with the University, and hold a permanent, regular appointment. Nominees are expected to demonstrate the following four standards of professional commitment:
- Values in Action: The nominee consistently demonstrates Cal State LA’s values in their daily work and interactions, acting with the highest levels of integrity and professionalism.
- Measurable Impact: The nominee has made a significant, positive impact on their team, department, or the broader campus community through the precision and quality of their work.
- Proactive Innovation: The nominee goes above and beyond their job responsibilities to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and support others without being prompted.
- Culture of Excellence: The nominee’s actions have directly contributed to a culture of excellence, inclusion, and high standards among their peers and within their department.
The Unsung Hero Award is dedicated to our behind-the-scenes staff whose essential work keeps the university running but is rarely in the spotlight. This award honors those dedicated individuals in support roles who serve as the backbone of our institution.
At Cal State LA, we recognize that excellence isn't always loud; often, it is found in the steady, reliable, and high-quality work that ensures our campus functions seamlessly. This award celebrates the individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication without seeking recognition, ensuring our daily operations are seamless and that our faculty, staff, and students are always supported.
Previous award recipient:
- FY 2024-2025
Craig Miyahira, Systems Analyst | Admissions and Recruitment
Award benefits:
In appreciation of their superior service, this distinction includes:
- A one-time cash award of $500 cash stipend.
- A commemorative plaque and official commendation from the University.
- Recognition at the University-Wide Employee Recognition Ceremony.
- Featured story on Cal State LA’s social media.
Eligibility and Criteria
All active, full-time staff and confidential employees of the University, University Auxiliary Services, Inc., the University-Student Union, and Associated Students, Inc., are eligible for nomination. Temporary employees, management (MPP), and faculty members are not eligible. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
To be considered for this honor, nominees must have completed at least one year of continuous service at Cal State LA as of FY 2025-2026 (July 2025-June 2026), be in good standing with the University, and hold a permanent, regular appointment. Each nominee must demonstrate at minimum two of the following:
- Leading with a "Yes": Approaching every request or challenge with a helpful and solution-oriented mindset. They are known as the go-to person who finds a way to get things done, regardless of the complexity.
- Proactive Problem Solving: Anticipating needs and addressing them before they become obstacles. They take the initiative to improve our campus environment and/or workplace culture.
- Operational Efficiency: Demonstrating high-quality work and a mastery of their responsibilities. They maximize their time and resources to ensure university systems and spaces function at their highest capacity.
- Positive Impact: Bringing energy to their work that uplifts their colleagues and department. Their commitment and care are evident in the precision and spirit they bring to every task.
A new award this year, the Rookie of the Year Award recognizes an individual in the first year of a new role or whose contributions have already made a meaningful and measurable impact on the Cal State LA community. This award honors emerging excellence, innovation, initiative, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the mission and values of the University.
Award benefits:
In appreciation of their superior service, this distinction includes:
- A one-time cash award of $500 cash stipend.
- A commemorative plaque and official commendation from the University.
- Recognition at the University-Wide Employee Recognition Ceremony.
- Featured story on Cal State LA’s social media.
Eligibility and Criteria
All active, full-time staff, confidential employees, and management (MPP) of the University, University Auxiliary Services, Inc., the University-Student Union, and Associated Students, Inc., are eligible for nomination. Temporary employees and faculty members are not eligible. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
To be considered for this honor, nominees must currently serve in a new role within the first 12 months of employment during the award period as of FY 2025-2026 (July 2025-June 2026), be in good standing with the University, and hold a permanent, regular appointment. Each nominee must demonstrate the following:
- Initiative and Adaptability: Demonstrates exceptional initiative and dedication within the first year of a new role, a strong commitment to learning, quickly develops proficiency, and takes initiative to contribute beyond expected responsibilities.
- Meaningful Impact: Makes significant contributions that positively impact students, colleagues, departments, or the broader campus community.
- Innovation and Improvement: Introduces innovative ideas, creative solutions, or improvements that enhance effectiveness, collaboration, or service.
- Collaboration and Engagement: Builds meaningful relationships and fosters collaboration, professionalism, and community engagement.
- Exceptional Early Performance: Consistently exceeds expectations while quickly mastering the responsibilities of the position.
- Promise for Future Leadership: Demonstrates outstanding potential for continued growth, leadership, and long-term contributions to the university.
The Rising Golden Eagle Award celebrates a student employee who consistently demonstrates commitment and care in their daily responsibilities. This award honors individuals who bring a professional heart and a dedicated spirit to their work, directly supporting the success of our faculty, staff, our students, and the daily operations of our campus.
We are looking for students who lead by example and take deep pride and spirit in their institution. These individuals represent the next generation of career-centered professionals, demonstrating that the skills and dedication they apply at Cal State LA today are the foundation for their success tomorrow.
Previous award recipients:
- FY 2024-2025
Jacqueline Fajardo, Center for Student Involvement
Daisy Marin, Financial Aid and Scholarships
Award benefits:
In appreciation of their superior service, this distinction includes:
- A one-time $500 gift card.
- A commemorative plaque and official commendation from the University.
- Recognition at the University-Wide Employee Recognition Ceremony.
- Featured story on Cal State LA’s social media.
Eligibility and Criteria:
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, be in good academic standing, and have been employed during FY 2025–2026 (July 2025–June 2026). Nominators are encouraged to highlight the specific skills and qualities the nominee brings to their role that reflect exceptional performance. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Successful nominees will demonstrate:
- Service Excellence: Providing high-quality support to students, faculty, or staff with a professional and helpful demeanor.
- Proactive Contribution: Identifying ways to improve office workflows, solving problems independently, or taking on projects that exceed the standard student assistant role.
- Reliability & Integrity: Serving as a dependable team member who upholds university values and can be trusted with significant responsibilities.
- Collaborative Spirit: Working seamlessly with professional staff and peers to foster a welcoming and efficient campus culture.
The We Are LA Community Award recognizes an individual that embodies the Cal State LA mission and vision through meaningful contributions to local communities. This distinction honors those who embody the spirit of the LA community and represent LA and Cal State LA through service that occurs outside of their official University duties.
At Cal State LA, we are an anchor institution. This award celebrates those who take that responsibility into the heart of our city, demonstrating a profound commitment to the public good and a dedication to the local Los Angeles region.
Previous award recipient:
- FY 2024-2025
Carmen Gachupin, Director, Parking and Transportation Services | Police, University
Award benefits:
In appreciation of their superior service, this distinction includes:
- A one-time cash stipend award of $500.
- A commemorative plaque and official commendation from the University.
- Recognition at the University-Wide Employee Recognition Ceremony.
- Featured story on Cal State LA’s social media.
Eligibility and Criteria:
All active staff, confidential, and management (MPP) employees of the University, University Auxiliary Services, Inc., the University-Student Union, and Associated Students, Inc., Tenured and Tenure Track Faculty, and lecturers are eligible for nomination. Temporary staff are not eligible. Self-nominations will not be accepted
Nominators should highlight how the individual has dedicated their time and talent to make impact beyond the campus community during FY 2025-2026 (July 2025 - June 2026). Successful nominees demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Representing LA and Cal State LA: Serving as a proud ambassador for both the city and the university. They reflect the resilience, diversity, and vibrant energy of Los Angeles in all their community-based efforts.
- Community-Centered Commitment: Actively engaging with local organizations, nonprofits, or community groups to address social, environmental, or economic needs through sustained effort.
- Mission-Driven Service: Carrying the Cal State LA spirit of social mobility and public service into their personal time through volunteerism and civic leadership.
- Positive and Proactive Change: Taking the initiative to support, launch, or lead projects that provide tangible benefits to Los Angeles and its residents.
The Team Achievement Award commends a group of employees whose collaborative efforts have resulted in exceptional outcomes or advancements on a specific project or initiative. This award honors the collective power of teamwork, recognizing that when we work together with a shared purpose, we can drive significant progress for Cal State LA.
At this university, we recognize that our greatest milestones are reached through the combined talents of our employees.
Previous award recipients:
- FY 2024-2025
U.S. Department of Education Blue Icon Advisors - FAFSA Simplification
Christina Martinez, Financial Aid Advisor | Financial Aid and Scholarships
Chelsean Milanez, Financial Aid Advisor | Financial Aid and Scholarships
Omar Barrera, Financial Aid Advisor | Financial Aid and Scholarships
Award Benefits
In appreciation of their superior collective service, this distinction includes:
- A one-time cash stipend award of $500 per person.
- A commemorative plaque and official commendation from the University
- Recognition at the University-Wide Employee Recognition Ceremony.
- Featured story on Cal State LA’s social media.
- Induction into the annual cohort of distinguished Cal State LA teams.
Eligibility and Criteria
All active staff, confidential, and management (MPP) employees of the University, University Auxiliary Services, Inc., the University-Student Union, and Associated Students, Inc., Tenured and Tenure Track Faculty, and lecturers are eligible for nomination. Temporary staff are not eligible. Self-nominations will not be accepted
To be considered for this honor, the nominated group must consist of 3 to 7 employees who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to working together toward a common goal during FY 2025-2026 (July 2025 - June 2026). Nominees must have demonstrated one of the following:
- Collaborative Excellence: The team demonstrated a seamless ability to coordinate efforts, leveraging the unique strengths of each member to achieve a result that exceeds what could be done individually.
- Exceptional Outcomes: The group’s work led to a measurable advancement, such as the successful launch of a new program, a significant improvement in campus efficiency, or a solution to a complex institutional challenge.
- Proactive Problem Solving: The team identified obstacles and worked collectively to implement innovative solutions, maintaining a helpful and "solution-oriented" mindset throughout the process.
- Integrity & Unity: The group fostered a supportive and professional environment, representing Cal State LA’s values through mutual respect and a shared commitment to the university’s mission.