Academic advisor and alumna Lorena Segovia ’01, ’11, was named the winner of the coveted Cal State San Bernardino Augie Award, given to individuals who exemplify the spirit and caring of the late Augie Hartung, who served as associate director of Facilities Services from 2001-2006.

Segovia was chosen for the Augie based on nominations received and the criteria utilized for the award, said Alfredo Barcenas, chair of the CSUSB staff council and associate director, Associated Students Inc.

The winner is recognized as a member of the campus community who most closely emulates Augie’s persona, as demonstrated by the traits found in his name, A.U.G.I.E.: Affirming, Understanding Giving, Inspiring, Exceptional. Recipients are also recognized for emulating Augie's caring spirit, unquenchable enthusiasm for assisting others, and warmth in thoughtfully reaching out to friends and strangers alike, Barcenas said.

“Lorena is known for providing support in the worst and best times. She will always do her best to make colleagues feel heard. Lorena can always be counted on for the support of her fellow coworkers in personal and work-related matters. She is always willing to listen and offer support and understanding. The phrase, ‘practice what you preach,’ should be stated in any description of Lorena. Whether it’s her actions or her voice/words, Lorena inspires you to want to be proud of working at CSUSB, always keeping your morale up in good times or bad. Lorena is the chair for the staff success committee at CEGE. (She has) 25 years of service to CSUSB,”  according to the nominations Barcenas said.

Segovia works in the criminal justice program for the Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) under the College of Extended and Global Education. She helps provide learning opportunities for individuals by assisting them to achieve their educational goals through flexible schedules and financially efficient programs.

Segovia also volunteer as an area marshal with the university’s emergency evacuation team.

The Augie was first introduced in 2006 and has become among the most coveted prizes the university offers. The Augie Award, which is awarded biennially, is in the shape of a popsicle because Augie was well known for giving out free popsicles on hot summer days, just to show that he cared and to see people smile.  

Last August, the CSUSB Staff Council launched “Augie’s Pop of Kindness Day,” presented by the CSUSB Staff Council, on campus for essential workers and virtually on Zoom for those working remotely. Popsicles were handed out at five designated locations on campus for essential workers. There will also be a special edition of Staff Chat, where staff with popsicles in hand, shared the Augie's spirit.