Trustee Wenda Fong and Mr. Daniel Fetterly Staff Award
The Trustee Wenda Fong and Mr. Daniel Fetterly Staff Award is a historic milestone for the CSU: our first Board-level recognition program dedicated to honoring staff. This award celebrates those who embody creativity, equity-driven leadership, and a deep commitment to student success. Through this initiative, we recognize the individuals and teams whose work transforms lives and strengthens our university community every day.
Made possible by the generosity of Trustee Wenda Fong and Mr. Daniel Fetterly, the program includes three individual awards of $25,000 each and one team award of $25,000 shared among up to five members. The inaugural honorees will be celebrated at the May 2026 CSU Board of Trustees meeting. This is a special and unique opportunity to shine a light on the exceptional contributions of CSU staff. For more information, please contact your campus Office of Human Resources.
Nominations
- Submit questions regarding the nomination process to Award_Nominations@csustan.edu
- Deadline to submit campus nominations is: Jan. 30, 2026
- Each person may nominate no more than one individual and one team (for a total of two nominations).
Nominations are to be accompanied by:
- A nomination form;
- A narrative (not to exceed five (5) single-sided pages, where nominees may describe and display examples of their individuality and excellence. Submissions for each staff nominee should include feedback or evidence of impact.
- Any additional supporting documents (campus articles about nominees, etc.).
Eligibility Criteria
- Be current CSU staff members in good standing
- Demonstrate achievements occurring after Jan. 1, 2025
- Exhibit qualities aligned with the award criteria: innovation, equity-driven leadership and commitment to student success
Selection of Campus Nominees
The selection committee shall complete the review process and provide the President with an assessment of the nominees in each category accompanied by a brief description for each. Each campus president may nominate two staff members for each individual category and two teams of up to five members for the team award.
Award Categories
| Category | Recognition |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Expanded Criteria
This award honors an individual whose efforts have a profound impact on making a CSU education affordable and accessible.
Expanded Description
- Demonstrates significant, measurable impact on reducing financial barriers and expanding access for students, particularly those with high financial need.
- Implements creative, forward-thinking, or system-level solutions that lead to meaningful change.
- Actively advocates for affordability through leadership, partnership, or influence across departments, institutions or policy spaces.
- Efforts result in lasting practices, policies or programs with potential for long-term sustainability and replication.
This award honors an individual who is dedicated to student success while promoting equity and inclusion within the university community.
Expanded Description
- Demonstrates a sustained commitment to equity and inclusion by addressing systemic barriers and advancing inclusive practices.
- Positively influences student learning, engagement, retention or achievement, with particular attention to efforts to remove barriers for students facing systemic barriers to success.
- Creates learning or campus environments where students feel valued, respected, and supported.
- Serves as a leader or role model who influences peers, programs or policies to advance inclusive excellence across the university.
This award honors an individual who excels in fostering a sense of belonging and building a supportive campus community for first-generation students.
Expanded Description
- Demonstrates a deep understanding of first-generation student experiences and provides intentional support through advocacy, mentoring, or programming.
- Creates inclusive spaces, initiatives, or relationships that promote connection, visibility and belonging for first-generation students.
- Engages consistently and authentically with first-generation students, building trust and supportive relationships.
- Shows clear evidence of positive outcomes or broad influence on first-generation students or campus communities.
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.
Expanded Description
- Demonstrates strong collaboration, shared leadership, and effective teamwork in pursuit of student-centered goals.
- Develops and implements innovative approaches that address student needs and advance the CSU mission.
- Achieves meaningful, measurable outcomes that improve student experiences and align with CSU values.
- Creates initiatives or solutions with potential for long-term impact, expansion, or replication beyond the initial effort.
Updated: January 16, 2026