Purpose of the Awards
For the first time in CSU history, a Board-level recognition program—the Trustee Wenda Fong and Mr. Daniel Fetterly Staff Awards—honors the excellence, dedication and innovation of CSU staff.
Celebrating equity-driven leadership and a student-centered commitment to student success, each award shines a light on staff members whose work has a profound impact on our university community, elevating their stories and highlighting the vital role they play as the heart of the CSU.
Made possible through the generosity of Trustee Wenda Fong and Mr. Daniel Fetterly, this program includes:
- Three individual awards of $25,000 each
- One team award of $25,000 shared equally among up to five members
The inaugural honorees will be celebrated at the May 2026 CSU Board of Trustees meeting, marking a milestone moment to uplift the exceptional impact of CSU staff across our campuses.
Award Categories:
- Affordability Advocate and Driver of Transformative Change
This award honors an individual whose efforts have a profound impact on making a CSU education affordable and accessible. - Fostering an Inclusive and Equitable Learning Environment
This award honors an individual that has dedicated themselves to student success while promoting equity and inclusion within the university community. - First Generation Belonging and Community
This award honors an individual who excels in fostering a sense of belonging and builds a supportive campus community for first generation students. - Trailblazing Team
This award honors a team of no more than five individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in the service of students and the mission of the CSU.
Nomination Process
Nominations are due Friday February 13 by 5:00pm PST
Nominees must:
- Be current CSU staff members in good standing
- Demonstrate achievements occurring after January 1, 2025
- Exhibit qualities aligned with the award criteria: innovation, equity-driven leadership and commitment to student success
Each campus president may nominate:
- Up to two staff members for each individual category
- Up to two teams of up to five members for the team award
Provide supporting documents that include:
- Letter from nominator, campus articles about individual, etc.
- Additional documentation - limited to five (5) single spaced pages, where nominees may display examples of their individuality and excellence.
Nominations will be reviewed and ranked by a SJSU committee representing Staff Council, Administration and Finance, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and University Personnel.
Ranked nominations will be forwarded to President Teniente-Matson for final review and submission to the Chancellor's Office.
