'Cats Caught Being Awesome

Leanne Woods - Liberals Studies Advising

Congratulations to our June 2026 ‘Cats Caught Being Awesome winner!

Leanne was nominated by Maris Thompson, who said, "In her role as Liberal Studies Advisor, Leanne consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to excellence. Since
she joined the program in 2021, enrollment has grown from 598 to over 830 students. Leanne is instrumental in helping students finish their Liberal Studies BAs and become future teachers. She has worked to transform advising practices from being more transactional to holistic, focusing on students’ academic and personal growth. She meets students where they are and goes the extra mile to help them be successful. In addition to her full-time position as a Liberal Studies program advisor, Leanne is also an advisor for the California Teachers Association-Aspiring Educators (CTA-AE), a student leadership arm of the CTA at Chico. This leadership role has allowed her to connect with our students outside of advising and highlights her strong dedication to mentoring students. She also participates each semester in the Capstone Symposium, the culminating public event for our more than 150 graduating seniors.  Beyond her individual accomplishments, Leanne has made a significant impact on those around her. She is exceptional at working with colleagues and student employees in our office, with the many faculty who teach courses in the major, with advising offices in the college, and with the many student services offices we work with across campus. Leanne is an indispensable member of our small but mighty program.

Cindy McKay - International Education and Global Engagement

Congratulations to our May 2026 ‘Cats Caught Being Awesome winner!

Cindy was nominated by Dr. Maleta Wilson, who said, "I am nominating Cindy for her exceptional care, professionalism, and willingness to go far beyond what her role requires. During an incredibly stressful situation on campus, Cindy was thoughtful, calm, and steady in a moment when those qualities mattered most. She did not simply hand the matter off or step away when the workday ended. She stayed with me well after hours to wait for the University Police Department to arrive, ensuring I was not alone during a difficult and frightening experience.That kind of presence is not in any job description. It reflects who Cindy is as a person and as a colleague. She showed up with patience, warmth, and a genuine commitment to making sure I was supported, not just procedurally but personally. She could have simply kept walking by and out the building. Cindy exemplifies what it means to serve our campus community with heart. She is the kind of staff member who makes Chico State feel like a place where people genuinely look out for one another, and she absolutely deserves to be recognized for it."

Kevin Cross, Information Technology Support Services - April 2026

Kevin was nominated by Jessica Westbay, who said, "Kevin facilitated our IT move over a two day period - by himself - as our departments moved from Kendall Hall to the University Services Building. Over those 2 days, he set up over 20 computer set-ups -- monitors on arms, monitors not on arms, docking stations, keyboards, mice, charging stations, and cords for days! When our teams showed up for work on Tuesday we were able to connect and go.  But that didn't stop Kevin from swinging by and answering any questions the teams had and helping with last minute tweaks and changes, including moving some computer arms. We appreciate the time and effort it took as a solo installer for IT in our new work area. He should be commended for his above and beyond work plus his great attitude while doing it."

Rana Marshall, Undergraduate Education and Academic Success - March 2026

Rana was nominated by Ellie Ertle, who said, "Rana Marshall is a beloved, highly competent, caring and skilled member of the UED family. Rana goes above and beyond to support students, staff and faculty - both within Honors, Civic Engagement and UED - and across campus. As you know, she is an important part of Staff Council, can be found helping at events across campus - and is someone that everyone knows, loves and relies on. In the office, Rana is exceptional. Her incredibly capacity for learning and teaching provides mentorship to her colleagues, the students she oversees and the directors she supports. Rana goes out of her way to find and fix problems, to build community and to improve systems. Rana exemplifies the kind of work ethic, humor, care and teamwork that we should all strive for. This award is well deserved and overdue!"

Maria Moreno, Upward Bound - February 2026

Maria was nominated by Jen Ross, who said, "When my partner and I became very ill, I reached out to our neighborhood community to ask if anyone might be willing to help us with a few meals while we recovered. Maria was among the very first to respond. She arrived at our door with a beautifully prepared dinner of homemade fajitas, fragrant rice, and homemade chocolate chip cookies that instantly lifted our spirits. The portions were so generous that we were able to stretch that one meal over four days, which was an incredible relief during a difficult week. Her warmth and compassion reminded me how powerful simple acts of care can be when someone is struggling. When Maria arrived, I realized who she was and that we also worked together. What a treasure to also realize not only was she my neighbor, but also one of my colleagues on the third floor. Knowing that such a thoughtful person was part of our everyday circle made the experience even more meaningful. Having a colleague who shows that level of generosity and heart is truly, as I like to say, absolutely PAWSOME every day."

Shannon Grubert, Basic Needs Project - December 2025

Shannon was nominated by Leah Slem, who said, "I’m nominating Shannon Grubert because she is the definition of dedication and teamwork. When our pantry was short-staffed, she stepped in without hesitation, taking on management of the Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry while still overseeing a multimillion-dollar annual budget. She balanced both roles with grace, organization, and care for the students we serve. During the CalFresh benefit delay, Shannon handled an overwhelming increase in pantry orders, found creative storage solutions, and kept everything running smoothly for the 15 to 20 students and volunteers she leads. She shows up on Saturdays to make sure our monthly food distributions go off without a hitch. Shannon is known for her kindness, calm presence, and willingness to help anyone who needs it. She listens, guides, and supports our student staff like family. Thanks to her leadership, we have improved how students access services, expanded our food options, and sustained vital programs like the diaper assistance initiative. Shannon does not just do her job; she props up everyone around her. Her reliability, heart, and work ethic make her an outstanding example of what it means to be awesome.