The Honored Alumni awards were established in 1989 to recognize outstanding former Cuesta College students.
Each spring, we announce the recipients chosen in honor of their professional achievements and volunteer service in the community.
Nominate an Outstanding Alumnus
Do you know alumni that demonstrate exceptional professional success, community leadership, and/or commitment to service? Nominate someone now — we’re excited to celebrate graduates who exemplify the excellence of a Cuesta College education!
Nomination Deadline: Monday, January 26, 2026
For more information on the Honored Alumni awards, contact us (805) 546-3279 or alumni@cuesta.edu.
Past Recipients
We proudly recognize these distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to their professions and communities:
2025
Debbie Arnold
Matthew O’Leary
Melissa Perozzi
2024
Holly Cole
Dr. Anthony Lanfranco
Lydia Zabrycki
2023
Evan Norton
Mark Adam Watkins
Caren Ray Russom
Karl Wittstrom
2022
Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua
Robert Harris
2021
Craig Darnell
Colleen Vecchetti
Steve McGrath
2020
Jenny Mulks
Russ Levanway
Laurie Sinton
2019
Denise Dvorak
Far Shariat
Lauren Peterson
Rick Mayfield
2018
Sarah Ashley
Heidi Harmon
Tom O'Malley
2017
Ted Emrick
Jim Gregory
Frank Mecham
2016
Brandon Bond
John Alan Connerley
Leonard Grant
Dale Gomer
2015
David Judson
Rusty Kuntz
Eric Meyer
2014
Robert Holley
Inga Swearingen
Jacob Thomas-Franklin Wall
Elonye Wilkins
2013
Jason Snell
George Galvan
Abdulla Saeed Al Thani
2012
Jay Asher
Marin Pilloud
Michael Thibodeaux
Dee Torres
2011
Michael J. Aubuchon
Margaret Ikeda
Peter Kardel
Rolfe Nelson
2010
Ann Grant
Dana Marlin
Vicki Silva
William "Bill" Swanson
2009
Janet Frank
Kathryn Wetterstrand
Steven Frank
Tim Williams
2008
Elaine Cormier
Sjany de Groot
2007
Katcho Achadjian
Larry Martinez
2006
Sam Blakeslee
2005
Rodger Anderson
2004
Greig Welch
2003
Sue Torrey
2002
Freddie Ravel
2001
Michael Frommlet
2000
Fred Sweeney
1999
Jim Brabeck
1998
Dale Evers
1997
Elizabeth Cooksey
1996
Paul Salopek
1995
Glen Martin
1994
Walter Smith
1993
Louis Owens
1992
Holly Lane
1991
Grace Romero
1990
Lorenzo Dunn
1989
Morgan Burkett