Kevin Miller, Dr. Kathy Cruz-Uribe and Dr. Ilene Feinman were honored for their leadership and dedication to the CSU Monterey Bay Vision at the Day of Welcome gathering Aug. 17 in the World Theater.

President Dianne Harrison welcomed the campus community back for the fall semester, delivered her annual State of the University address, and then introduced the President’s Medal recipients.

Last spring, the university community was invited to make nominations, and then a committee selected finalists for Dr. Harrison’s consideration.

The nominees represented a cross-section of campus – some have a long history at the university, others joined more recently; some have direct contact with students, others have an operational focus.

Miller, web programming specialist in Information Technology, was the staff recipient of the President’s Medal. His colleagues expressed awe at his ability to solve complex problems, communicate effectively and assert a natural leadership style that is heightened by an affable personality.

In the past year, Miller was instrumental in the redesign of the university’s website, including the innovative and cost-effective use of open-source content-management software; the launch of a new mobile site; the continued evolution of the MyCSUMB interface; and online voting tools for the Associated Students election.

Dr. Cruz-Uribe, provost and vice president for academic affairs, earned the President’s Medal for administrators. Her colleagues expressed their admiration for someone who applies a rare combination of talents and abilities in dedicated pursuit of continuous improvement for the university.

Her leadership played a significant role in the university’s progress in many important areas, including the reaffirmation of the university’s accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC); general education reform, retention and graduation, strategic planning and program review.

Dr. Feinman (at right) was awarded the faculty medal. The quality described by her nominators was leadership – the ability to bring people together to solve complex problems, find consensus and make a decision. That leadership includes mentoring – to colleagues and students – and is communicated with humility and humor. As chair of the Faculty Senate, she delivered on her promise to play a hands-on role and participate across campus as the voice of the faculty.

Employee service awards were presented to 73 people who have been with the university for five years; 10-year pins were awarded to 28 people; and 37 others were acknowledged for 15 years of service.

Frances Payne Adler was awarded emeritus status, a process that involved nomination and approval by faculty members, followed by administrative approvals.

Adler, who joined the university in 1996, founded the Creative Writing and Social Action Program. She is a renowned poet.

Photo by Kevin Garcia Left to right: Kevin Miller, President Dianne Harrison, Provost Kathy Cruz-Uribe