We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2024–2025 UC San Diego Exemplary Staff Employee of the Year Awards.
This prestigious honor recognizes professional and support staff career employees who have made outstanding contributions to our university and the broader San Diego community. Their work advances UC San Diego’s mission to be a “student-centered, research-focused, service-oriented public university.”
This year’s honorees include 15 dedicated employees whose efforts reflect the excellence, integrity, and care that define our campus culture.
Principal Exemplary Staff Employee of the Year
Cheryl Dullano
Clinical Research Coordinator
Health Sciences: School of Medicine
Exemplary Staff Employees of the Year
Pauline Airla Deguzman
Assistant Director, International Student Services
Student Affairs: Global Initiatives
Larry Angel
Senior Associate Director
Chief Financial Officer: Business and Financial Services
Heather L. Bradley
Financial Services Analyst
Chief Financial Officer: Supply Chain Services
Federica Bucca
Associate Director of Residential Life
Chief Financial Officer: HDH Undergrad Housing
Gregorio Figueroa
Program Manager – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Academic Affairs: Rady School of Management
Julia Garcia-Medina
Tutor Coordinator
Academic Affairs: Teaching and Learning Commons
Alice Grgas
Associate Director, Corporate Affiliates Program
Academic Affairs: Jacobs School of Engineering
Karina Ivanyan
Intake Advisor, International Student Services
Student Affairs: Global Initiatives
Jasmine Montilla
Compliance Specialist
Chief Financial Officer: Supply Chain Services
Andrew Moore
Staff Research Associate
Academic Affairs: School of Biological Sciences
Izzy Narvaez
Assistant Director of Education and Training
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Cross Cultural Center
Chrystal Randler
Senate Analyst
Academic Affairs: Academic Senate
Paige Steidl
Communications Project Manager
Advancement: Central Advancement
Darlene Vergara
Operational Administrator
Health Sciences: Urology
Nominations were submitted by members of the campus community and evaluated by a panel of representatives from each Vice Chancellor area, UC San Diego Health, and the Chancellor’s Office, based on the award criteria shared in a previous campus notice.
We invite the entire UC San Diego community to join us in celebrating these exceptional staff members at the virtual award ceremony on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 3 p.m. Register to attend through Zoom.
Please join us in congratulating these remarkable colleagues for their enduring contributions to UC San Diego.
