CSUSB’s inaugural Outstanding Professional Academic Advisor Award has been awarded to two respected staff members: Arturo Gutierrez from the ASUA Academic Advising office and Paola Godinez Martinez from the Undocumented Student Success Center. This award, sponsored by the Stupski Foundation Advisor Wellness grant along with the Academic Success and Undergraduate Advising (ASUA), recognizes the exceptional work that academic advisors do daily through their guidance and mentoring of CSUSB students.

The Outstanding Professional Academic Advisor Award is presented to professional academic advisors who are non-faculty members and have demonstrated exceptional advising qualities through their dedication and commitment to CSUSB students. These qualities align with the NACADA’s Core Values of Academic Advising, which include Caring, Commitment, Empowerment, Inclusivity, Integrity, Professionalism, and Respect.

The nominees for this award are selected based on student submissions, highlighting the direct impact advisors have on their academic and personal growth at CSUSB. Both winners have shown a profound dedication to fostering an environment of support and encouragement, crucial for student success.

The awards ceremony, held on Wednesday, April 10, celebrated the significant contributions of Gutierrez and Godinez Martinez. Each recipient was honored with an individual award plaque and a $500 gift to the Coyote Bookstore. Their names will also be featured on a perpetual plaque that honors all future recipients of this award.

The selection process was rigorously coordinated by the ASUA Academic Advising Office and involved a diverse committee of university staff members, including Maria Domingo from Orientation and First Year Experience, Dany Doueiri from World Languages and Literatures, and, from the ASUA Academic Advising team, Meghan McGarry, Matt Markin, Brittany Moore, John Noreiga and Cara Peterson.

CSUSB is thrilled to recognize and honor the dedication of Gutierrez and Godinez Martinez. Their outstanding service and commitment to academic advising set a high standard for future awardees and ensure that the advising community at CSUSB continues to thrive and support our student body.