Honored Alumni Awards 2011-2013
2013
Jason Snell
A 1992 graduate of Cuesta College, Jason Snell now works behind the scenes on movies requiring complex special effect, including "Men in Black" and "The Lone Ranger."
George Galvan
After 24 years with the U.S. Marine Corps, George Galvan enrolled at Cuesta College in 1973 and earned his associates degree. He also spent more than 15 years with the SLO County Sheriff’s Department.
Abdulla Saeed Al Thani
Abdulla Saeed Al Thani earned his associate degree in liberal arts from Cuesta College in 1980 and earned a bachelor’s in anthropology at UC San Diego. Today, he is a successful property developer in Dubai.
2012
Jay Asher
A 1996 Cuesta College graduate, is an accomplished author and guest speaker. "Thirteen Reasons Why" has been translated to 31 languages with over one million copies in print.
Marin Pilloud
Marin Pilloud graduate from Cuesta College in 1998 and went on to earn a doctorate. She is a forensic anthropologist specializing in skeletal analysis for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in Hawaii.
Michael Thibodeaux
Michael Thibodeaux earned two associate degrees from Cuesta College in 1985 for general studies and administration of justice. His career path has included education and forestry.
Dee Torres
Dee Torres attended Cuesta College from 1994 to 1995 and transferred to Cal Poly. She is the director of Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County and has worked for the organization since 1997.
2011
Michael J. Aubuchon
Michael J. Aubuchon graduated with honors from Cuesta College in 1976 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree and lifetime teaching credential. He has been an educator for more than 30 years.
Margaret Ikeda
Margaret Ikeda graduated from Cuesta College with an associates degree in 1978 and went on to study architecture at university. She is the founder and principal of Assembly, an architecture practice in Berkeley.
Peter Kardel
Peter Kardel attended Cuesta College from 1989 to 1995 and is the founder of Clever Ducks, a computer network services business in San Luis Obispo. He is passionate about his business, family and preserving the environment.
Rolfe Nelson
Rolfe Nelson graduated from Cuesta College in 1968 and served as the student body president. Nelson earned his bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from Cal Poly and went on to a 32-year career in education with the Atascadero Unified School District.