William Sawyer William Gregory Sawyer, vice president of student affairs at California State University Channel Islands, was presented the 2008 CSU Wang Family Excellence Award by the CSU board of trustees recently.

Clara Potes-Fellow, CSU spokesperson, said Sawyer "embodies the spirit" of the Wang award and is a "strong counselor and mentor" to students on the Camarillo campus.

"He is a highly valued member of the CSUCI community and leads by example to define and support the studentcentered mission and culture of the campus," said CSUCI President Richard Rush, who nominated Sawyer for the award.

Considered a prestigious award in the 23campus CSU system, the Wang Award was established 10 years ago when thentrustee Stanley Wang provided $1 million to recognize four faculty members and an administrator for their exemplary contributions and achievements.

Sawyer said being nominated is "a reward in itself.

"There are so many good people on the campus, I think the president could have nominated anyone," he said. "I believe I'm accepting this for the entire campus, and I'm accepting it for all of student affairs."

As head of CSUCI's student affairs division, Sawyer oversees 63 employees and departments providing a broad range of services such as enrollment, financial aid, housing, health, career development, recreation and judicial matters.

Sawyer is also responsible for campus programs, social events and activities designed to turn students into responsible, involved citizens, giving them a clear understanding of what it means to be a "trustee of their community," he said.

"All the things mom taught at home, we're teaching here," Sawyer said.

Sawyer and his wife, Rita, live in Simi Valley.