SEASIDE, Ca., February 25, 2019 – The Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel (WESTOP) has honored Kyrstie Lane, Associate Director of TRiO Student Support Services at CSUMB with the Staff of the Year Award for her commitment and service to her team and students.

The Staff of the Year Award is the highest honor awarded by the Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel and recognizes individuals whose commitment, perseverance, and contributions go “above and beyond” what is expected for the success of his / her students and respective program.

"[She] supports our students in landing opportunities beyond their wildest dreams, such as graduate school application approvals, scholarship awards, internship opportunities, helping students when their college experience takes a turn, and, most importantly, serving as one of their biggest support systems in an environment that was not meant for their success.”

WESTOP is one of ten regional associations dedicated to furthering educational opportunities for low-income, first-generation and disabled students. The award was presented at the 41st Annual WESTOP Conference, “Rising to Transform: Investing in the Future of Educational Equity.”