Congratulations to cadet Maxima Alexandra for being selected as the 2023 California State University (CSU) Trustee Jack McGrory Scholar. The CSU has selected 23 students who have demonstrated superior academic and personal achievement to receive the 2023 CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement. These exemplary students—one from each CSU university—will be honored during a ceremony as part of the CSU Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

“The life stories of these extraordinary students who have triumphed over personal hardships to stand among the university system’s most distinguished scholars are a testament to the transformative power of public higher education,” said CSU Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester. “Through donor support, the CSU is able to provide students who have faced educational barriers the opportunity to pursue a college degree and apply their life experiences and classroom knowledge to elevate their communities and our great state.”

Alexandra is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marine transportation and a Third Mate Unlimited License with the United States Coast Guard. As a woman of color in a male-dominated industry, she has faced—and overcome—her share of isolation and inequity. Whenever she isn’t deck-handing or in class, Alexandra can be found working as a student supervisor in Cal Maritime's human resources department or helping fellow cadets by hemming their uniforms and trimming their hair.

Alexandra is looking forward to sailing with her Third Mate’s License as soon as she graduates and hopes to eventually earn an Unlimited Tonnage Captain’s License.

"I’m so incredibly grateful to have been selected for this award," said  Alexandra. "It feels great for all my hard work to be recognized, but I would never be able to get anything done without the help of my friends, family and the Cal Maritime community. What a way to kick off my senior year!"

The CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement, which is the highest student distinction within the university, grants students scholarships based on academic achievements, financial need, excellence in community service and personal hardship. Since the program’s inception in 1984, more than 440 CSU students have been honored with the Trustees' Award.

This year’s class of inspiring awardees will receive more than $180,000 in scholarships collectively, thanks to the generous contributions from past and present CSU trustees and other donors.

The CSU Board of Trustees meeting, where each awardee will be recognized during the Committee on Institutional Advancement portion on Tuesday, Sept. 12 beginning at approximately 4 p.m., will be held at the CSU Chancellor’s Office, 401 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802.

READ MORE about the awardees HERE