Business major Andrés Mena received a double honor as both the College of Business Dean's Medalist and recipient of the 2023 President’s Award in recognition of "Exemplary Student Achievement." Andrés graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, accounting concentration.

When Andrés was nominated for the President's Award, seven mentors from across campus submitted letters of support, including one from Shyam Kamath, founding dean emeritus of the College of Business.

An international student from Costa Rica, Andrés didn't hesitate to get involved. He served as chair of the board of directors for the Otter Student Union, a role he relished for its ability to transform the lives of other students as well as his own.

“It helped me push myself out of my comfort zone, and that opened a lot of doors for me,” said Mena, who previously served as the OSU’s board treasurer, as well as the treasurer for the Accounting Society.

Jeff Rensel, the director of the OSU, wrote in a nomination letter, “Andrés has worked to facilitate communication, relay the student voice, and help create a welcoming environment for the CSUMB community.”

Andrés accomplished all of this and more – including interning with financial advisory firms in both Monterey and Costa Rica – during the pandemic.

“As an international student, Andrés said he almost dropped out when the pandemic hit his family economically,” said President Quiñones. “But faculty, staff, and peers at CSUMB encouraged him to stay, and he thrived by receiving the International Student Fee-Waiver Award for three years, among other awards.”

President Quiñones was impressed by Mena’s ability to maintain a 4.0 GPA while serving in programs like the Mentor Collective, which supports underserved first-year students by matching them with more experienced mentors like him.

Mena’s family is similarly proud of his accomplishments.

"I am truly honored and humbled to receive this special award," said Mena. "I owe a debt of gratitude to my family, who have supported me along the way."

Andrés Mena was born and raised in Costa Rica and was the first in his family to attend college abroad. He took great pains to persevere through his educational journey at CSUMB, despite his family hitting hard financial times during the pandemic. 

He never once took his education for granted. “As someone whose life has been affected by external economic pressures, I chose financial planning as my career path to take control of this aspect of my life,” Mena said. “I became passionate about helping individuals who have had similar experiences achieve financial freedom and stability.”

He also took his education into the real world, with his two internships at financial planning offices in both Monterey and Costa Rica. His work in private wealth management outside of campus influenced retired CPA and CSUMB Distinguished Lecturer, Jeffery S. Froshman, to create another internship program with Integris Wealth Management in Monterey. 

“But it was Andres who led the way with the program,” said Froshman. “He has exhibited diligence, intellect, a willingness to work hard and care for his fellow students and the greater community.” 

Content for this article was taken from:

"2023 President’s Award recognizes students who gave back as they progressed," by Adrienn Mendonça-Jones ( May 9, 2023)

"2023 Dean’s Medalist winners include mothers, leaders and life-long learners," by By Marielle Argueza (May 9, 2023)