With the thousands of students and faculty that pass through the campus each day, almost everyone is another face in the crowd. Some Seawolves, however, are the exception.
Every year, the Faces of SSU program selects a number of students, faculty, and administrators to recognize.
According to a press release from the Faces of SSU, these candidates represented excellence, respect, and integrity, as well as the diverse accomplishments of various alumni, students, and faculty.
Candidates are nominated by staff members, students, the Alumni Association, Human Resources, and the Chair of Faculty. In order to be considered for nomination, candidates must be able to be actively involved in a department on campus or an organization.
Out of the 150 nominations the program received, only 22 were selected.
The Faces of SSU cohort for this year include: Abigail Anous, Alexandra Miller, Ariana Aparicio Aguilar, Bianca Zamora, Brenda Guzman-Hernandez, Charlie Gray, Caroline Neyman, Cheryl Santa Cruz, David Martin Jr, Elizabeth Orona, Erika Diaz Ramirez, Johann Rios, Kieleigh Calcagno, Libby Sarto, Lisa Hua, Luke Wallace, Maricela Ibara, Michelle Jones, Mike Ogg, Robbie Campos, Robert Chase, and Tia Booker.
An important trait found commonly among the nominees was their involvement with SSU Club Sports, Fraternity and Sorority life, Seawolf Scholars, and more.
One of the nominees active within the campus is Caroline Neyman, who co-chairs the Commencement Logistics Committee with the Vice President of Advancement. Neyman, along with the committee, helped oversee the operations and logistics of commencement. She is also the Senior Director of Operations for the Green Music Center.
“I started working at the Green Music Center in November of 2010. I had graduated from SSU that same year and when the opportunity arose, I took it!” Neyman said. “I started as the admin assistant and have worked my way up over the years. I’m so grateful for those that believed in me and offered me the position early on.”
Highlights of her time at the Green Center include working on multi-year projects and presenting world premiere pieces such as Liz Lerman’s Wicked Bodies (Sonoma), the annual 4th of July celebration, and presenting Andy Grammar and Diana Ross.
Other students such as Tia Booker and David Martin Jr. are both active within different programs and clubs on campus while also balancing their academic studies.
Martin Jr. said that some of the most important skills that he’s developed throughout his time on campus are the open mindedness and willingness to set aside time to be involved in the community.
“What matters to you most, prioritize those, and then be okay with not being perfect by simply attending the meetings [and] events… The more energy, clarity, and focus you have to work with; the better you can serve yourself, and more importantly others,” Martin Jr. said.
Another staff member recognized was Kieleigh Calcagno, who has been involved with the Revival Zine – an online intersectional feminist magazine, and the First and Second year Transition (FAST) program.
Calcagno says she enjoys her job because of the interaction and guidance she gets to provide First and Second-Year students through their formative years on campus.
“When working with real people, things need to be changed/altered all the time, which is why it is so important to stay on your toes; you never know what’s coming, but you have a great group of people to help you through everything,” said Calcagno.
An opening reception for the recipients took place on April 12 in the Student Center Ballrooms.
