Cal State San Bernardino President Tomás D. Morales received the 2025 University at Albany (UAlbany) SUNY (State University of New York) Excellence in Education Award from the UAlbany Alumni Association on Saturday, April 26, in Albany, N.Y.

UAlbany states that for “the past 54 years, the annual Excellence Awards have given (UAlbany) the opportunity to recognize alumni and friends of the University at Albany who have brought distinction to our university through their achievements and service. These individuals personify the university's commitment to excellence and service and bring distinction to themselves and to our alma mater.”

Morales received his M.S. in 1978 and his Ph.D. in 1998 from UAlbany.

By honoring him with the Excellence in Education recognition, UAlbany said, “Leading a diverse campus and supporting historically marginalized students, including undocumented students and their families, Dr. Morales is clearly devoted to opening doors and providing access to a first-class education and resources as well as pathways to success for all students.”

In his acceptance remarks, Morales said, “When I left here, I was still figuring out where my life was going to take me. In a million years, I couldn’t have dreamed of all I have had the opportunity to see and to do.”

CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales and his spouse, Evy Morales
CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales and his wife, Evy

Morales also thanked his mentors, Faculty Emeritus Dr. Frederick Volkwein, Dr. Carlson Carr, Dr. Neil Robbins and Dr. Paul Vogt. Volkwein chaired his dissertation committee, and the others also served as members.

Morales expressed his gratitude to the university and to the state of New York for the outstanding public education they were able to provide him, from elementary school onwards. “My thanks, as always, go out to those who taught me and those who mentored me,” he said. “I tell students every day in my current role as president of Cal State San Bernardino: Education. Changes. Lives.”

Along with his leadership posts in higher education organizations, such as the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Morales has been awarded two honorary degrees: a Doctor of Humane Letters from his alma mater SUNY New Paltz and a Doctor of Humane Letters from the American College of Thessaloniki, Greece.

He has received the Ohtli Award, the highest award Mexico’s government presents to a civilian outside the country. Additionally, for his service to education and his passion for the sport, the baseball field at the College of Staten Island was named the Tomás D. Morales Baseball Field.

Visit the UAlbany’s Alumni Excellence Award webpage for more information.