Fresno State proudly recognized the recipients of the 2026 Staff Recognition Awards during this year’s STAR Day celebration, honoring staff members whose dedication, innovation, compassion and service continue to strengthen the university community.

The Staff Recognition Awards celebrate employees who go above and beyond in support of students, colleagues and the broader campus mission. This year’s recipients represent a wide range of departments and contributions, but each demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to Fresno State and the people it serves.

Bulldog Spirit Award

The Bulldog Spirit Award recognizes a staff member who displays exceptional Fresno State pride and spirit.

Celeste DeMonte, Undergraduate Studies
For Celeste DeMonte, Fresno State is more than a workplace — it is a community she actively champions and celebrates every day. A proud Fresno State alumna and staff member in Undergraduate Studies, Celeste is known across campus for her deep involvement in university life and her unwavering Bulldog Pride.

Whether attending Fresno State Theatre productions, supporting Bulldog Athletics, participating in campus lectures and gallery events, volunteering at university activities, or contributing to campus committees and initiatives, Celeste consistently invests her time and energy into supporting the Fresno State community. Her involvement extends beyond attendance; she helps foster connection, engagement and a sense of belonging for others.

Colleagues noted her service on initiatives including Staff Assembly, WASC and Strategic Plan working groups, and the CAH Arts and Humanities Advisory Board. She also serves as a Fresno State Blood Drive Ambassador and participates in lifelong learning opportunities through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

“Celeste does not just work at Fresno State; she champions it,” one nominator shared.

Innovation Award

The Innovation Award recognizes a staff member who has made exceptional contributions and improvements to their department or division through creativity and innovative thinking.

John Wagenleitner, Technology Services
With more than three decades of service to Fresno State, John Wagenleitner of Technology Services has helped shape many of the systems and technologies that support the university today.

John was instrumental in establishing Fresno State’s PeopleSoft Student Information System, helping modernize and streamline essential student services including admissions, enrollment, academic records and degree progress. His work has improved reliability, efficiency and access to services for students and employees alike.

Most recently, John played a key role in cloud modernization efforts, digital credentialing initiatives and the establishment of Fresno State’s secure AI infrastructure through TEAM AI. His contributions have helped position Fresno State to responsibly explore emerging technologies while strengthening security, scalability and long-term operational effectiveness.

Beyond his technical expertise, colleagues consistently praised John for his collaborative leadership and mentorship. One colleague shared that John “didn’t just provide solutions — he helped us understand how to think through challenges ourselves.”

His ability to build knowledge and confidence in others has had a lasting impact across Technology Services and the broader campus community.

Lifelong Learner Award

The Lifelong Learner Award recognizes the staff member who attends the most professional development classes in person and online offered through the Office of Organizational Development during the academic year.

Angelica Miramontes, College of Social Sciences
Administrative analyst Angelica Miramontes demonstrated an exceptional commitment to professional growth and continuous learning throughout the academic year.

In the past academic year alone, Angelica has participated in a wide variety of professional development opportunities focused on communication, leadership, workplace effectiveness, technology, wellness and collaboration. Her trainings included topics such as assertive communication, project management, accountability, Excel skills, AI tools for productivity and creativity, intercultural creativity and managing multiple priorities.

She also dedicated significant time to wellness and resilience-centered learning opportunities, including trainings focused on emotional wellness, personal resilience, engagement and creating positive workplace relationships.

Angelica’s commitment to learning reflects both a passion for personal growth and a dedication to serving the Fresno State community with excellence in her role within the College of Social Sciences.

Principles of Community Outstanding Staff Award

The Principles of Community Outstanding Staff Award recognizes a staff member who upholds Fresno State’s Principles of Community through respect, kindness, collaboration and accountability.

Juliette Amaro, Services for Students with Disabilities
Juliette Amaro, of Services for Students with Disabilities, was recognized for consistently demonstrating compassion, professionalism and integrity in her work with students, faculty and colleagues.

Known for her calm presence and thoughtful communication, Juliette helps create an environment where students feel heard, respected and supported. Colleagues described her as someone who approaches every interaction with empathy and professionalism, even in difficult situations.

Her work supporting accommodations and testing services requires balancing student advocacy with academic integrity, and nominators praised her ability to thoughtfully collaborate with faculty while ensuring students receive equitable support.

Students and faculty alike shared appreciation for her patience and kindness. One student wrote, “I appreciate Juliette; she is very kind and helpful! I feel comfortable speaking to her when I encounter issues.”

Her collaborative spirit, accountability and commitment to supporting others have made her an essential part of the campus community.

Student Success Award

The Student Success Award recognizes a staff member who has gone above and beyond to contribute to the success of Fresno State students.

Julian Ramos, Continuing and Global Education
Julian Ramos of Continuing and Global Education was honored for his extraordinary work supporting incarcerated students through Fresno State’s Degrees of Change program.

Serving students at Central California Women’s Facility and Valley State Prison requires navigating unique barriers to higher education, and Julian has become an essential bridge between students and the university. Because incarcerated students do not have access to many traditional online campus systems, Julian helps facilitate nearly every aspect of the student experience — from admissions and registration to financial aid, accommodations and access to campus resources.

Nominators shared that “for incarcerated students, Julian is MyFresnoState.”

In addition to supporting students directly, Julian helps coordinate instructional logistics, faculty clearances, learning accommodations, library access and even graduation ceremonies held within correctional facilities. He also played an important role in helping incarcerated students navigate the FAFSA and financial aid process — often serving as the critical connection between students and campus offices.

Through his dedication and advocacy, Julian has helped expand access to higher education for students who never imagined those opportunities would be possible.

Recognizing Excellence Across Campus

In addition to this year’s recipients, Fresno State also recognizes and celebrates the many outstanding employees nominated for Staff Recognition Awards this year. These nominations reflect the tremendous impact staff members make across every division of the university through their service, leadership, innovation and support of students and colleagues.

This year’s nominees included:

• Bulldog Spirit Award: Mackenzie Burke, Celeste DeMonte and Kelly Maravilla.
• Innovation Award: Crystal Bishop, Marie Buckley, Mike Harding, Jose Torres and John Wagenleitner.
• Principles of Community Outstanding Staff Award: Juliette Amaro, Carmen Chapman, Diana Evia, Esther Gomez, Alexandria Gonzalez, Estella Gonzalez, Glen Hunt, Laura Ibarra Pimentel, Judy Lea, Debra Pichardo, Zaida Reyna, Sonia Sanchez, Marina Sanchez, Pang Thao and Nathan Zanoni.
• Student Success Award: Holly Elsbernd, Ivy Fitzpatrick, Alexis Holladay, Julian Ramos and Angelica Robles Trinh.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 Staff Recognition Award nominees and recipients for the meaningful contributions they make to Fresno State every day.

Visit the Staff Recognition Awards website for more.