SEASIDE, Ca., February 25, 2019 – The Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel (WESTOP) has honored Kyrstie Lane, Associate Director of TRiO Student Support Services at CSUMB with the Staff of the Year Award for her commitment and service to her team and students.

The Staff of the Year Award is the highest honor awarded by the Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel and recognizes individuals whose commitment, perseverance, and contributions go “above and beyond” what is expected for the success of his / her students and respective program.

 

Ms. Lane cultivates a nurturing, welcoming, and goal oriented TRIO environment and team."

— Jessica Sierra, TRIO, Retention Specialist.

"[She] supports our students in landing opportunities beyond their wildest dreams, such as graduate school application approvals, scholarship awards, internship opportunities, helping students when their college experience takes a turn, and, most importantly, serving as one of their biggest support systems in an environment that was not meant for their success.”

WESTOP is one of ten regional associations dedicated to furthering educational opportunities for low-income, first-generation and disabled students. The award was presented at the 41st Annual WESTOP Conference, “Rising to Transform: Investing in the Future of Educational Equity.”

 

[Kyrstie] will do all she can to help you meet your goal and she will also take the time to constantly remind you of your successes if you doubt yourself just for one second. She truly embodies what it means to support first-generation, low-income and/or students with disabilities with empathy, understanding and kindness.”

— Kathreen Lopez, CSUMB