Camarillo, Calif., May 14, 2007 - California State University Channel Islands Student Government recently hosted an awards event to announce the winners of the 2007 Maximus Awards. Maximus Awards are the only student-organized and student-selected awards given each year that honor five outstanding members of the campus community.

“Maximus is an award ceremony that gives the CSUCI community the opportunity to recognize administration, faculty, staff, students and community members who make a difference on this campus,” said event organizer and student Rosali Garcia. “It recognizes individuals who put endless time and effort into making the University a better place.”

The recipients of this year's Maximus Awards included:

Outstanding Student Recipient Brian McAleney
From a field of 63 student nominees, senior psychology major Brian McAleney was chosen for the Maximus Award for being the type of leader who serves by example. He single-handedly coordinated “Clothing for a Cause,” an event that involved the campus community by soliciting donations for clothing to be given to the Mixteco population in Oxnard. Through his efforts, he collected more than 4,000 articles of clothing. He also helped coordinate the Day of Silence with the Multicultural and Women's & Gender Student Center and garnered the participation of all four University Vice Presidents and three Deans in a public luncheon in the Islands Cafe without speaking. His efforts to diversify the campus have made a great impact in educating the campus on diversity issues. 

Outstanding Administrator Recipient Edwin Lebioda
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Ed Lebioda, was chosen from a field of seven administrators for working selflessly and tirelessly to enhance the lives of students. The students recognized him for his caring commitment, and for working long and unconventional hours to insure students are given every opportunity to succeed. He also was recognized for being a driving force in helping to make the CSUCI Division of Student Affairs what it is today.

Outstanding Faculty Recipient Sean Anderson
From a field of 17 nominees, the students selected Sean Anderson, assistant professor of Environmental Science and Resource Management to receive the Maximus Award for Outstanding Faculty. Among his many qualifying contributions, students recognized him for recently teaching the New Orleans Service Learning Class. He also was commended for being committed to the construction of a green university and for being a very dedicated instructor.

Outstanding Staff Recipient Josh Wade
From a field of 18 nominees, Josh Wade was singled out to receive the Maximus award for playing an integral role in establishing many programs that were either pivotal in the expansion of the Recreation & Leisure Services Program or of great importance to the student body. By placing students at the center of the recreational experience, Wade was instrumental in creating two ground-breaking programs at CSUCI: the Waterfront Program at Channel Islands Harbor; and the first competitive sports club on campus, the CSUCI Sailing Club.

Outstanding Community Member Recipient Richard Wagner
From a field of eight nominees, Richard Wagner was chosen for the award because of his commitment to the success of this University since its opening in 2002. As a current member of the ASI Board, he works to maintain the bond between the business community of Camarillo and CSUCI through the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce. He also co-authored the “20 Year Vision for Camarillo,” which focuses on the economic strength that CSUCI will bring to this region during the next 20 years.

For more information about the Maximus Awards contact Deanne Ellison, ASI and Student Leadership and Community support assistant, or Rosali Garcia, student, 805-437-3151.

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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands
(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.

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