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Upward Bound coordinator wins top regional honor

Cesar Velazquez, coordinator of Cal State Monterey Bay’s Upward Bound program, has been honored by his peers in the Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel.

The Steve Holeman Award, presented to Velazquez at the association’s annual conference in April, honors the memory of one of its founders. It recognizes a director’s dedication to educational excellence and equity, concern for developing students’ potential and professionalism in administration.

"It's a great honor to receive this award, especially because so many of my past mentors and Upward Bound staff and alums contributed to the nomination," he said. Velazquez has been coordinator of the Upward Bound program at CSUMB since its inception in 2000. The program assists low-income, first-generation students to further their education beyond high school. During the school year, the students receive tutoring, academic advising, college and career exploration and financial aid mentoring from Upward Bound staff members during school visits. During the six-week summer session, the students live in CSUMB residence halls and participate in academic, social, recreational and cultural activities. The CSUMB program serves students attending Watsonville, Soledad, Pajaro Valley and North Monterey County high schools. About 97 percent of participants go on to enroll in college. In nominating Velazquez for the award, former Upward Bound participants and colleagues emphasized his concern for students as well as his willingness to serve as a mentor and role model:

Velazquez grew up in the Salinas Valley and worked in the fields before attending Hartnell College and transferring to CSUMB. His entire professional career has been spent working in TRiO programs.

"I'm most proud of serving in the programs that guided me toward college, especially because I'm a Talent Search TRiO alum," Velazquez said.