California State University Northridge Athletics
Photo by: CSUN Athletics
CSUN Athletics Honors USU’s Debra Hammond as Matador Hero
2/29/2016 2:43:00 PM | General
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. --- As CSUN Athletics continues to celebrate Matador Heroes, the Matadors honored University Student Union (USU) Executive Director Debra Hammond at a recent women's basketball game. The Matador Heroes Initiative honors individuals and groups who have achieved comprehensive excellence in the greater CSUN community, and Hammond was celebrated for her hard work as a champion of CSUN students and for receiving the 2016 Outstanding Administrator Award from the California State University system.
"Being a hero is indeed an honor," said Hammond. "When your work is recognized and admired by those you serve – it is a humbling and rewarding experience."
Hammond was honored with a halftime ceremony during the women's basketball game against Cal Poly on Sat., Feb. 20.
"We're proud to celebrate Debra as part of our Matador Heroes program," said CSUN Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Brandon Martin. "She embodies exactly what a true, unsung hero represents. She works hard every single day to make CSUN student and student-athletes' lives better while at the same time going above and beyond to let our Matadors know she appreciates them."
Hammond has been the Executive Director of the USU for 22 years, and in that role she manages the strategic direction and vision for the non-profit corporation. She also supports student development by providing inclusive activities, meaningful employment opportunities, leadership experiences and innovative technologies, facilities and services. Under her leadership, the University Student Union serves more than 4,300 members daily and has opened the Student Recreation Center, the Pride Center, the Veterans Resource Center and the Oasis Wellness Center to meet the needs of important university communities.
"I think it is extremely important to be involved with athletics at CSUN – whether you go to a game, donate funds, walk around campus with athletic gear, attend a Red Rally night, Rock the Red or encourage our student-athletes – it is all important," said Hammond. "We need to constantly remind our student-athletes how proud we are of them as athletes, as representatives of CSUN, as scholars and as those who continuously strive to enhance our community and 'school spirit' at CSUN."
The Wang Family Excellence Award bestowed upon Hammond by the CSU system is its highest honor. It annually recognizes four outstanding faculty members and one outstanding staff member who, through extraordinary commitment and dedication, have distinguished themselves by exemplary contributions and achievements.
Hammond is the Matadors' third Matador Hero honoree this year. She also recently was the honored speaker at the Matador Scholar-Athlete Honor Society Breakfast.
"Being a hero is indeed an honor," said Hammond. "When your work is recognized and admired by those you serve – it is a humbling and rewarding experience."
Hammond was honored with a halftime ceremony during the women's basketball game against Cal Poly on Sat., Feb. 20.
"We're proud to celebrate Debra as part of our Matador Heroes program," said CSUN Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Brandon Martin. "She embodies exactly what a true, unsung hero represents. She works hard every single day to make CSUN student and student-athletes' lives better while at the same time going above and beyond to let our Matadors know she appreciates them."
Hammond has been the Executive Director of the USU for 22 years, and in that role she manages the strategic direction and vision for the non-profit corporation. She also supports student development by providing inclusive activities, meaningful employment opportunities, leadership experiences and innovative technologies, facilities and services. Under her leadership, the University Student Union serves more than 4,300 members daily and has opened the Student Recreation Center, the Pride Center, the Veterans Resource Center and the Oasis Wellness Center to meet the needs of important university communities.
"I think it is extremely important to be involved with athletics at CSUN – whether you go to a game, donate funds, walk around campus with athletic gear, attend a Red Rally night, Rock the Red or encourage our student-athletes – it is all important," said Hammond. "We need to constantly remind our student-athletes how proud we are of them as athletes, as representatives of CSUN, as scholars and as those who continuously strive to enhance our community and 'school spirit' at CSUN."
The Wang Family Excellence Award bestowed upon Hammond by the CSU system is its highest honor. It annually recognizes four outstanding faculty members and one outstanding staff member who, through extraordinary commitment and dedication, have distinguished themselves by exemplary contributions and achievements.
Hammond is the Matadors' third Matador Hero honoree this year. She also recently was the honored speaker at the Matador Scholar-Athlete Honor Society Breakfast.
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