As California State University, San Bernardino celebrates 60 years of higher education excellence, it is launching its inaugural Alumni Hall of Fame Awards to recognize the professional accomplishments and community service of distinguished alumni.

Juan Carlos Luna, BA, liberal studies, ’02, MA, bilingual education,’04, MA, educational administration, ’06, will receive the Paw Prints Award, which recognizes alumni who have shown exemplary accomplishments that reflect the spirit of their academic college. He is being recognized for his leadership and service in the educational sector.

Luna was an active student during his time at Cal State San Bernardino. He served as the first ASI vice president of University Affairs and served on the CSUSB Student Union Program Board from 2001-2003. He also served on the committee for CSUSB’s new recreation center and on the Educational Opportunity Program Alumni Board.

Luna is approaching nearly 20 years as an educator and teaches 5th grade at Hughbanks Elementary in the Rialto Unified School District. Previously, he served as an elementary school teacher in the Fontana, Colton and San Bernardino City Unified School Districts and served as K-12 administrator at Academy School in San Bernardino.

Luna is an outspoken advocate for ending childhood hunger in the classroom. Nearly 85 percent of the students at Hughbanks Elementary qualify for free or reduced-priced meals and Luna has made it his mission to ensure that they take advantage of the Breakfast in the Classroom program, which guarantees the school day begins with a healthy meal.

He works closely with the nonprofit organization No Kid Hungry to raise awareness about the role good nutrition plays in learning. No Kid Hungry successfully nominated Luna to be highlighted on actress Kristen Bell’s #FeaturedTeacherFriday Instagram page.

In addition to his academic degrees, Luna also holds three teaching credentials and is working toward a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership at CSUSB. After he completes the doctoral program, Luna aspires to become a K-12 district superintendent. He has also served as a referee for high school sports including wrestling, softball, track/field and football.

The alumni awardees will be honored during a dinner and award ceremony on Feb. 16 at CSUSB’s Santos Manuel Student Union North Ballrooms. Three university-wide awards – Distinguished Alumni, Emerging Leader and Coyote Spirit – will be presented, as well as the Paw Print Awards, which honor esteemed alumni from each of the university’s five colleges.

For more information about the inaugural Hall of Fame celebration, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (909) 537-3700 or send an email to alumni@csusb.edu. The office provides opportunities for alumni to connect with each other and their alma mater and for CSUSB graduates to mentor and support current students through volunteer opportunities.